Does Medicare Cover Dental Services?

Key Takeaways

Original Medicare covers dental services only when tied to covered medical procedures like organ transplants or cancer treatment.

Medicare doesn't cover routine dental services like cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, implants or cosmetic dentistry.

Standalone dental insurance and federally qualified health centers provide affordable alternatives when Medicare doesn't cover routine dental care.

Which Parts of Medicare Cover Any Dental Services

Medicare offers limited dental coverage and skips routine dental care. Original Medicare provides financial protection only for dental services directly tied to covered medical procedures. Parts A and B cover dental exams before heart valve replacement, treatments for infections before chemotherapy and procedures linked to cancer treatment or organ transplants.

In 2025, Medicare coverage expanded to include dental and oral exams for dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease. Beneficiaries pay the full cost for cleanings, fillings and dentures without supplemental coverage.


Part A	Hospital stays when dental procedures require admission due to medical condition or procedure severity	$1,736 deductible, then $0 for days 1–60; $434 daily for days 61–90; $868 daily for lifetime reserve days
Part B	Dental exams and treatment before organ transplants, cardiac valve procedures or cancer treatment; jaw surgery; dental complications from head and neck cancer treatment	20% of Medicare-approved amount after $283 deductible
Part C (Medicare Advantage)	Most Medicare Advantage plans include preventive and comprehensive dental benefits CMS capped at $1,000 to $3,000 annually	Copays vary by plan and service
Medigap	Medigap plans don't cover dental; they help only with cost-sharing for services Original Medicare covers	No dental benefits included

Does Medicare Advantage Cover Dental

Finding out Original Medicare skips dental coverage leads many people to Medicare Advantage. Most Medicare Advantage plans include dental coverage as a supplemental benefit in 2026. These private plans combine Parts A and B while adding benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover.

Your dental coverage typically includes:

Preventive care: cleanings, X-rays and routine exams
Basic procedures: fillings and extractions
Comprehensive plans: crowns, dentures and major work

Medicare Advantage plans cap benefits at $1,000 to $3,000 annually and limit how many services you get per year. Staying in-network saves you money as out-of-network dentists mean higher copays or no coverage at all. During open enrollment, compare what each plan covers and how much the plan will pay toward your care, especially if you need major work like crowns or dentures.

What Dental Services Does Medicare Cover

Medicare's dental coverage is very limited. Original Medicare covers dental services only when dental work is directly tied to other covered medical procedures. Beneficiaries pay 100% out of pocket for routine dental services like cleanings, fillings, extractions and dentures. Medicare provides financial protection for dental work tied to serious medical treatments, not everyday oral care.

Medicare covers dental services for:


Organ transplants (including bone marrow and stem cell)	Oral exams and treatment beforehand
Heart valve replacement or valvuloplasty	Dental work before procedure
Cancer treatment (chemotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy, bone-modifying agents)	Treating mouth infections beforehand
Head and neck cancer treatment	Managing dental complications during radiation, chemotherapy or surgery
Dialysis for end-stage renal disease	Dental exams and infection treatment before and during treatment
Tumor removal surgery	Jaw reconstruction during procedure
Jaw fractures or dislocated jaw joints	Stabilizing teeth; dental splints

What Is Not Covered by Medicare Under Dental Services

Most dental care falls outside Original Medicare's coverage. Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental services like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions or items like dentures and implants. Medicare excludes services for the care, treatment, filling, removal or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting the teeth. Beneficiaries pay 100% out of pocket for everyday dental care unless they add supplemental coverage through Medicare Advantage or standalone dental insurance.

Medicare doesn't cover these dental services:

Routine cleanings and exams
Fillings
Tooth extractions (unless medically necessary before covered procedures)
Dentures and partial dentures
Dental implants
Crowns and bridges
Root canals
Teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry
Orthodontics and braces
Periodontal treatment for gum disease

WHAT DOES MEDICARE USUALLY COVER AND NOT COVER?

Understanding Medicare's coverage helps you avoid surprise costs. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and some home health care. Your Part B benefits include physician services, outpatient hospital services, durable medical equipment and preventive services. Routine dental care, vision services, hearing aids and long-term care aren't covered under Original Medicare.

Most beneficiaries add supplemental coverage through Medicare Advantage plans or Medigap policies to fill the dental, vision and hearing coverage gaps.

How Can You Get Dental Coverage if Medicare Doesn't Cover It?

Finding out Original Medicare skips dental coverage leads many people to Medicare Advantage plans or standalone dental insurance. Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits in most cases, with preventive care like cleanings and X-rays typically covered. Standalone dental insurance works independently from Medicare and covers routine care Original Medicare excludes. You can also join a dental discount plan, which reduces costs at participating dentists but isn't insurance. Your coverage options include:

Medicare Advantage plans

According to CMS, most 2026 Medicare Advantage plans include dental as a supplemental benefit. Your Medicare Advantage coverage includes preventive care like cleanings, exams and X-rays. Basic procedures such as fillings and simple extractions are covered by many Medicare Advantage plans, while some extend to comprehensive services like crowns, dentures and root canals. Sticking with in-network dentists is required, and copays vary depending on your plan and which services you need.

Standalone dental insurance

Private dental insurance operates separately from Medicare and gives you another path to routine dental care. You buy standalone dental plans directly from insurance companies, with coverage levels and costs varying by insurer. Waiting periods before major services become available are typical for standalone dental insurance, and annual benefits get capped at a set maximum.

Dental discount plans

Dental discount programs work differently than insurance. Members pay an annual fee upfront and receive percentage discounts on dental services at participating providers. Dental discount plans have no waiting periods to use benefits, no deductibles to meet and no annual maximums to worry about. Members pay discounted rates directly to dentists at each visit.

Dental savings accounts

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) let you set aside pre-tax dollars for dental care if you qualify. HSAs pair with high-deductible health plans, while FSAs come through your employer. Contributing money throughout the year means you can tap your account whenever dental expenses Medicare doesn't cover come up.

Alternative Affordable Options to Get Dental Coverage

Looking beyond traditional Medicare coverage options, federally qualified health centers and dental schools provide affordable dental care based on your income. These community-based centers offer sliding fee scales for those without insurance or with limited ability to pay. State assistance programs can also help you find affordable dental coverage in your area.

Federally qualified health centers

Nearly 1,400 federally qualified health centers operate at over 16,200 sites nationwide according to HRSA. Your local center provides dental services including preventive exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions. FQHCs base fees on your income and family size through sliding fee scales, and you won't be turned away for inability to pay. These centers accept Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Find a health center near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Dental school clinics

Students at dental schools gain hands-on experience while providing care at reduced costs through dental school teaching clinics. Experienced, licensed dentists supervise all student work closely, so you get quality care at lower prices. Dental hygiene programs also offer supervised, low-cost services as students complete dental hygiene training. Contact dental schools in your area to learn about patient care services and costs.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs

Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free personalized health insurance counseling. SHIPs aren't connected to any insurance company or health plan, so you get unbiased guidance. Contact your SHIP to learn about dental coverage options available in your state and get help comparing plans during Medicare Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7.

Bottom Line

Medicare's dental coverage has major limitations. Original Medicare pays only for dental work tied to procedures like organ transplants or cancer treatment. You'll pay out of pocket for cleanings, fillings and dentures. Medicare Advantage plans and standalone dental insurance fill these gaps.

Does Medicare Cover Any Dental Services: FAQ

We've answered frequently asked questions about Medicare dental coverage to help you understand your options:

Does Medicare cover emergency dental services?

Original Medicare covers emergency dental services only if you need hospital admission due to the severity of your dental condition. Part A pays for the hospital stay after you meet the $1,736 deductible. The actual dental treatment isn't covered unless tied to another covered medical procedure.

What happens if my dental work costs more than my Medicare Advantage plan's annual limit?

You'll pay 100% out of pocket once you reach your Medicare Advantage plan's annual dental maximum, typically between $1,000 and $3,000. Consider standalone dental insurance, dental discount plans or federally qualified health centers for additional work. Plan major procedures across calendar years when possible to maximize benefits.

Can I switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage just to get dental coverage?

You can switch to Medicare Advantage during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, with coverage starting January 1. You can also enroll during Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period or Special Enrollment Periods. Compare dental benefits across plans carefully since coverage and costs vary significantly between insurers.

Will Medicare Advantage dental plans cover dental work I already started?

Medicare Advantage plans typically don't cover dental procedures started before your enrollment date. Complete ongoing treatment before switching or wait until your effective coverage date to begin new procedures. Some plans impose waiting periods for major services like crowns and dentures, so review plan details carefully.

Does Medicare cover dental implants for any reason?

Original Medicare doesn't cover dental implants for tooth replacement. Medicare covers jaw reconstruction with implants only during tumor removal surgery under Part A. Medicare Advantage plans rarely cover implants, and when offered, annual benefit caps of $1,000 to $3,000 cover only a fraction of implant costs.

Does Medicare cover mobile dental services?

Medicare doesn't cover mobile dental services for routine care. If you're homebound and need dental care, consider mobile dental providers who visit your home. You'll pay out of pocket unless you have Medicare Advantage dental coverage. Some federally qualified health centers offer mobile dental programs with income-based sliding fees.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

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sources

Medicare.gov. "Dental services." Accessed December 2, 2025.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Medicare Dental Coverage." Accessed December 2, 2025.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles." Accessed December 2, 2025.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs Expected to Remain Stable in 2026." Accessed December 2, 2025.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "Medicare Dental Coverage." Accessed December 2, 2025.