Most dentists do not accept Medicare, and Medicare itself covers almost no routine dental care

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay for cleanings, fillings, crowns, or dentures. The only dental services Medicare covers are tooth extractions and other oral surgery when they are medically necessary — meaning a dentist must document that the procedure treats a medical condition, not just a dental problem. Even then, you will need a referral from your doctor, and the oral surgeon must be enrolled in Medicare.

Because Medicare covers so little, most dentists do not bother to enroll as Medicare providers. When you call a dental office, they will usually tell you they do not take Medicare at all. This is different from other medical specialties, where many providers accept Medicare as a standard part of their practice.

If you need dental work beyond extraction or oral surgery, your options are a dental discount plan, a standalone dental insurance policy, Medicaid (if you may have access to), or paying out of pocket. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do include dental benefits, but coverage is limited and varies widely by plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, or dentures, so most dentists do not accept Medicare.
  • Medicare covers tooth extraction and oral surgery only when medically necessary and referred by your doctor, and the provider must be a Medicare-enrolled oral surgeon.
  • Medicare Advantage plans sometimes include dental benefits, but coverage caps and waiting periods vary by plan and region.
  • If you need routine dental care, you can look for dentists who offer cash discounts, join a dental discount plan, or purchase standalone dental insurance.
  • Medicaid covers more dental services than Medicare, but may be able to access and coverage depend on your state and income.

How to find an oral surgeon who accepts Medicare for medically necessary extractions

If your doctor refers you for a tooth extraction or oral surgery for a medical reason — such as removing teeth before radiation therapy, extracting an infected tooth that is causing sepsis, or removing impacted teeth causing bone damage — you need an oral surgeon enrolled in Medicare.

Use the Medicare Provider Search tool at Medicare.gov. Go to the "Care Providers" section, select "Dentists," and search by your zip code. The results will show dentists and oral surgeons who are enrolled in Medicare. Call ahead to confirm they accept Medicare assignment (meaning they accept Medicare's payment as full payment and do not bill you extra) and that they can see you for your specific procedure.

Your doctor's office can also provide referrals to oral surgeons in your area who accept Medicare. Ask them to include the medical reason for the referral in writing, because the oral surgeon will need this documentation to bill Medicare correctly.

Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage

Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include dental benefits as an add-on. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and cover everything Original Medicare covers, plus additional services. Dental coverage under Medicare Advantage typically includes preventive care like cleanings and X-rays, and sometimes basic care like fillings.

Coverage limits are strict. Most plans cap annual dental benefits at $500 to $1,500, and many have waiting periods of 6 to 12 months before they pay for major work like crowns or root canals. You will also pay a monthly premium for the plan itself, plus copays for each dental visit.

To find Medicare Advantage plans with dental in your area, use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov during Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7 each year). Filter by "Dental" under "Additional Benefits" to see which plans offer coverage. Compare the monthly premium, the annual cap, waiting periods, and which dentists are in the plan's network before you enroll.

Dental discount plans as an alternative to insurance

A dental discount plan is not insurance — it is a membership that gives you discounts at participating dentists, usually 10 to 60 percent off the regular price. Plans cost $80 to $200 per year and have no waiting periods, no annual caps, and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Discount plans work best if you need routine care or a single large procedure. If you need a crown, a discount plan might reduce the cost from $1,200 to $600 or $700. If you need multiple procedures over the year, the savings add up. However, if you need only a cleaning or two, the membership fee may not be worth it.

Search for discount plans at DentalPlans.com or GumTree.com. Enter your zip code and the type of care you need, and the site will show you plans available in your area and which dentists participate. Call the dentist first to confirm they are still in the plan and what your out-of-pocket cost will be.

Standalone dental insurance policies

You can buy a dental insurance policy separate from Medicare. These policies are sold by private insurers and typically cost $15 to $50 per month. They usually cover preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) at 100 percent, basic care (fillings, extractions) at 70 to 80 percent, and major care (crowns, root canals, bridges) at 50 percent.

Most standalone dental policies have a waiting period of 6 to 12 months before they pay for basic or major work, though preventive care is usually covered right away. They also have an annual maximum benefit, often $1,000 to $1,500 per year, which means the insurance will not pay beyond that amount in a calendar year.

You can buy a standalone policy year-round through private insurers. Compare plans at eHealthInsurance.com or directly from insurers like Aetna, Cigna, or Delta Dental. Read the waiting period, annual maximum, and coverage percentages carefully, because these vary widely and affect what you will actually pay.

Medicaid dental coverage if you may have access to

Medicaid covers more dental services than Medicare, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and sometimes dentures and root canals. However, Medicaid is a state program, and coverage varies. Some states cover extensive dental care; others cover only emergency extractions.

To may have access to for Medicaid, your income and assets must be below your state's limit. Income limits vary by state and family size. If you are already on Medicare, you may also may have access to for Medicaid if your income is low enough — this is called "dual may be able to access" status.

Contact your state Medicaid office or call 211 to learn whether you may have access to and what dental services your state covers. You can also explore through your state's Medicaid website. If you are approved, Medicaid will provide a list of dentists who accept Medicaid in your area.

Dentists who offer cash discounts or payment plans

Many dentists offer discounts to patients who pay in cash at the time of service, typically 10 to 20 percent off. Some also offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months with little or no interest.

Call dental offices in your area and ask whether they offer cash discounts or in-house payment plans. Be specific about the procedure you need — a dentist may offer a discount on a filling but not on a crown. Ask what the discounted price will be before you schedule, so you can compare costs across offices.

Payment plans through the dentist's office are usually interest-free if you pay within 6 to 12 months. Some offices also partner with third-party financing companies like CareCredit, which offers 0 percent interest if you pay off the balance within a promotional period (usually 6 to 24 months).

Questions to ask before you schedule a dental appointment

Before you book an appointment, call the dental office and ask these questions:

  • Do you accept Medicare? (Most will say no. If they say yes, ask whether they accept assignment.)
  • Are you in my Medicare Advantage plan's network? (If you have a Part C plan with dental.)
  • Do you accept [the discount plan or insurance you are considering]?
  • What is the cost of [your specific procedure] with a cash discount or payment plan?
  • Do you offer in-house payment plans, and what are the terms?
  • How long is the wait for an appointment?

Write down the answers so you can compare costs across offices. The cheapest option is not always the best — consider the dentist's experience, whether they are accepting new patients, and how soon you can be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover dental implants?

No. Medicare does not cover implants, even if they are medically necessary. Implants are considered a cosmetic or elective procedure. If you need implants, you will pay out of pocket, use a dental discount plan, or purchase standalone dental insurance.

Will Medicare pay for a tooth extraction if my dentist says it is medically necessary?

Only if your doctor refers you to a Medicare-enrolled oral surgeon and documents the medical reason in writing. The extraction must treat a medical condition, not just a dental problem. Call the oral surgeon's office to confirm they accept Medicare assignment before your appointment.

Can I use my Medicare Advantage dental benefit at any dentist?

No. Medicare Advantage plans have a network of dentists, and you usually pay more if you see a dentist outside the network. Check the plan's provider directory before you enroll to make sure your preferred dentist is included.

What is the difference between a dental discount plan and dental insurance?

A discount plan is a membership that gives you a percentage off at participating dentists — there are no waiting periods or annual caps. Insurance requires you to pay a monthly premium and has waiting periods, annual maximums, and coverage limits. Discount plans are better for one-time procedures; insurance is better if you need ongoing care.

If I am on both Medicare and Medicaid, which one pays for dental?

Medicaid pays first if you are dual may be able to access, because Medicaid covers more dental services than Medicare. Medicaid will cover what it covers, and Medicare covers what Medicaid does not. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what dental services are covered in your state.