Which Medicare Advantage Plans Have the Best Dental Coverage?

Medicare Advantage plans have become the primary way many Medicare beneficiaries access dental coverage. With approximately 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 offering some form of dental benefit, according to CMS data, the real question is not whether you can find a plan with dental coverage, but how to find one with the dental coverage that best fits your needs.

This guide walks you through how dental benefits work in Medicare Advantage plans, what to look for when comparing plans, and how to switch to a plan that better meets your dental needs. If you are still learning about the basics of Medicare and dental coverage, start there first. Plans and coverage vary by location.

How Dental Benefits Work in Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything that Original Medicare covers. Dental, vision, and hearing benefits are supplemental, meaning the plan offers them on top of the required Medicare benefits. Because these are extra benefits, the details can vary significantly from one plan to another.

Dental coverage in Medicare Advantage plans is typically structured in one of the following ways:

• Preventive-only coverage: The plan covers basic preventive dental services like cleanings, oral exams, and X-rays. It does not cover fillings, crowns, extractions, or other restorative or major services.
• Preventive plus comprehensive coverage: The plan covers preventive services plus a range of restorative and major dental services. These are sometimes called "extensive" or "comprehensive" dental benefits and typically have an annual maximum benefit cap.

The dental coverage may be provided directly through the Medicare Advantage plan's network or through a separate dental insurer that partners with the plan. In either case, the dental benefits are part of your Medicare Advantage plan and are included in your plan premium.

Preventive Dental Benefits: What to Expect

Preventive dental benefits in Medicare Advantage plans are designed to help you maintain good oral health through regular checkups and cleanings. These services are typically covered at little or no cost to you beyond the plan premium.

Common preventive dental services covered by Medicare Advantage plans include:

• Oral exams: Usually two per year, often with a $0 copay
• Cleanings (prophylaxis): Usually two per year, often with a $0 copay
• Dental X-rays: Bitewing X-rays are usually covered once per year, full-mouth X-rays less frequently
• Fluoride treatments: Some plans cover fluoride treatments as a preventive service

In many plans, preventive dental services do not count toward the annual benefit maximum. This means you can get your cleanings and exams without reducing the amount available for other dental work.

Comprehensive Dental Benefits: What Is Typically Covered

Comprehensive dental benefits cover a wider range of services beyond preventive care. These services address dental problems that require repair, restoration, or replacement. Coverage levels and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, but here is a general overview of what you may find.

• Basic restorative services: Fillings, simple extractions, and periodontal treatments. Plans typically cover these at 50% to 80% after your plan's dental deductible (if applicable).
• Major restorative services: Crowns, bridges, root canals, and oral surgery. Plans often cover these at 50% coinsurance, meaning you pay half the cost. Some plans use flat copays instead.
• Dentures: Full and partial dentures may be covered, typically at 50% coinsurance. Some plans limit dentures to once every 5 to 10 years.
• Implants: A growing number of Medicare Advantage plans now cover dental implants, though this is still less common than coverage for other major services. When covered, implants are typically subject to higher coinsurance and may have separate benefit limits.

Comprehensive dental benefits in Medicare Advantage plans generally have an annual maximum benefit. This is the most the plan will pay toward your dental care in a calendar year. Typical annual maximums range from $1,000 to $3,000. Once you reach the maximum, you are responsible for 100% of additional dental costs for the rest of the year.

Key Factors to Compare When Choosing a Plan

When comparing Medicare Advantage plans for their dental benefits, look beyond the headline and examine these specific factors:

1. Annual maximum benefit: Higher maximums mean more coverage. If you anticipate needing major dental work, a plan with a $2,000 to $3,000 maximum will serve you better than one with a $1,000 maximum.
2. Services covered: Some plans only cover preventive services. Others cover a full range of comprehensive services. Make sure the plan covers the specific services you are likely to need.
3. Copays and coinsurance: Compare the cost-sharing for specific services. For example, one plan might charge a $150 copay for a crown while another charges 50% coinsurance. Depending on the cost of the service, one structure may save you more than the other.
4. Provider network: Check whether your current dentist is in the plan's dental network. If keeping your dentist is important to you, this could be a deciding factor. PPO-style plans generally offer more flexibility than HMO-style plans.
5. Waiting periods: Unlike standalone dental plans, most Medicare Advantage plans do not have waiting periods for dental services. This means you can typically access both preventive and comprehensive services as soon as your coverage starts.
6. Overall plan quality: Dental benefits are just one part of a Medicare Advantage plan. Also consider the plan's medical coverage, prescription drug coverage, premium, star rating, and out-of-pocket maximum when making your decision.

How to Compare Plans Using Medicare Plan Finder

The Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov is the best free tool for comparing Medicare Advantage plans in your area, including their dental benefits. Here is how to use it effectively:

1. Go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your ZIP code.
2. Filter for Medicare Advantage plans and review the list of available plans.
3. Click on individual plans to view their benefits details, including dental coverage. Look for the "Dental" section under the plan's benefits summary.
4. Compare up to three plans side by side to see how their dental benefits stack up against each other.
5. Check the plan's provider directory to make sure your preferred dentist is in network.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help comparing plans, or work with a licensed insurance agent who can help you evaluate your options at no cost to you.

When and How to Switch Plans for Better Dental Coverage

If your current Medicare Advantage plan does not provide adequate dental coverage, you can switch to a different plan during specific enrollment periods:

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 through December 7 each year. This is the main enrollment period when you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 through March 31 each year. During this period, if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. You can only make one change during this period.
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have certain life changes, such as moving to a new area, losing other health coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid. SEPs allow you to switch plans outside of the regular enrollment periods.

When switching plans, keep in mind that your new dental benefits start on the first day your new plan takes effect. There are generally no waiting periods for dental services in Medicare Advantage plans, which is an advantage over many standalone dental plans.

Medicare Advantage Dental vs. Standalone Dental Plans

One important decision is whether to get your dental coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or through a standalone plan. Each approach has advantages and trade-offs. For a full comparison, see our article on Medicare Advantage vs. standalone dental insurance.

Here is a quick comparison:

• Medicare Advantage dental: Bundled with your medical coverage, often no extra premium, no waiting periods, but may have lower annual maximums and network restrictions. Best for people who are already choosing MA for their medical coverage.
• Standalone dental: Separate from your Medicare coverage, requires an additional monthly premium ($20 to $60), may have waiting periods for major services, but can offer higher annual maximums and more plan choices. Best for people who prefer Original Medicare with Medigap or who need more extensive dental coverage.

The right choice depends on your overall Medicare strategy, your dental health needs, and your budget. Consider reading our overview of Medicare Advantage pros and cons to understand the broader implications of choosing an MA plan.

The Bottom Line

Most Medicare Advantage plans offer dental coverage, but the quality and depth of that coverage varies widely. The key to finding the best plan for your dental needs is to look closely at what services are covered, the annual benefit maximum, copays and coinsurance amounts, and the provider network.

If you mainly need preventive care, many plans offer solid coverage at no extra cost. If you anticipate needing major dental work, focus on plans with comprehensive coverage and higher annual maximums. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov to compare plans in your area, and do not forget to consider the plan's overall quality, not just its dental benefits.

Plans and coverage vary by location. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent or visit Medicare.gov to explore the specific plans available to you.