Do Medicare Advantage Plans Include Dental Coverage and What Exactly Do They Cover?

Overview

If you are on Original Medicare and you’ve ever been surprised by the cost of a dental bill, you’re not alone. Most routine dental services—for example, cleanings and/or simple dental procedures—are not covered by Original Medicare. Fortunately, some Medicare Advantage Plans may fill that gap with routine benefits that extend beyond what Original Medicare offers.

If you’re new to Medicare or preparing for an upcoming enrollment period, our 2026 Guide to Medicare Plans provides an overview of what’s changing next year, including plan options, enrollment timelines, and benefit updates.

With a Medicare Advantage Plan with routine dental services, you may have coverage for things Original Medicare doesn’t cover, as noted in the Medicare.gov “Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans” official booklet.

This article explains what Original Medicare includes, what a Medicare Advantage plan with routine dental services may add, and how to find the right dental coverage for your needs.

Dental Coverage Under Original Medicare

What Does Original Medicare Not Cover?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover most dental care. Beneficiaries are typically responsible for 100% of the cost of:

• Routine dental exams and cleanings
• Fillings and extractions
• Crowns, bridges, and dentures
• Dental implants and prosthetics

Even when oral health problems affect overall wellness, these services are generally excluded.

When Original Medicare May Cover Dental Care

Part A: Hospital-Related Dental Care

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) may cover certain dental services if they occur during a covered hospital stay, such as:

• Treatment for a fractured jaw after an accident
• Tooth extractions prior to radiation therapy for oral cancer
• Inpatient care for emergency or complex dental surgery

In these cases, Medicare covers hospitalization costs (room, board, and X-rays), but not the actual dental procedure.

Part A and B: Pre-Surgical Exams

Medicare may cover oral or dental exams required before major surgeries such as a heart valve replacement or kidney transplant:

• Part A covers exams by hospital dentists.
• Part B covers exams by physicians.

Original Medicare Does Not Cover These Dental Services

Looking for Medicare Plans With Additional Benefits?

If you want access to routine dental care, explore Medicare Advantage Plans, which may include these benefits. To get a sense of which carriers may offer options for dental and other benefits, review the best Medicare Advantage companies for 2026 and compare their plan features, service ratings, and coverage extras.

Medicare Advantage Dental Coverage

Does Medicare Advantage Cover Dental?

Yes. According to the American Dental Association, Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage for things Original Medicare doesn’t—such as routine vision, hearing, and/or dental services. 

These plans may extend beyond dental and may also provide vision and/or hearing coverage to support overall wellness.

Comparison: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Dental Coverage

Other Dental Coverage Options

1. Stand-Alone Dental Insurance Plans

You can buy a separate private dental policy that covers preventive services like cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Some plans also offer partial coverage for major treatments such as root canals or dentures.

2. Dental Discount Plans

A dental discount plan is not insurance but offers reduced rates at participating providers. Members pay an annual fee and receive discounts on cleanings, fillings, and other procedures.

How to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan With Routine Dental Coverage

1. Review Covered Services – Make sure the plan includes routine dental, as well as other preventive care.
2. Check the Provider Network – Confirm that your preferred dentist participates in the plan’s network.
3. Look for Additional Benefits – Some Medicare Advantage plans with routine dental coverage may also include vision and/or hearing benefits.
4. Discover Plans in Your Area – Use Healthcare.com to explore options and speak with a licensed Medicare agent.
   

5. Remember, plan options and coverage vary by location – it’s worth checking Medicare plans available in your state to see which carriers offer dental and preventive benefits where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Original Medicare cover dental care?

No. Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental services. It only pays for limited dental care tied to hospital or surgical procedures.

What dental services are covered by Medicare Advantage plans?

Depending on the Medicare Advantage Plan you enroll in, some may have coverage for things Original Medicare doesn’t, including routine dental services.

Can I add dental coverage later?

It depends. You can enroll in or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with routine dental benefits during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) each year. If you later decide that a Medicare Advantage plan isn’t right for you, here’s what to know about switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare—including when you can make the change and how it affects your coverage.

Bottom line

While Original Medicare offers limited or no dental coverage, select Medicare Advantage Plans may include routine dental services—and may also include added benefits like vision and/or hearing coverage.