Seniors & families · 2026
Does Medicare cover dental care?
Usually not. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care — checkups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures or implants. Medigap supplement plans don't add dental either. For people on Medicare, dental coverage usually comes from a Medicare Advantage plan, Medi-Cal Dental, or a separate dental plan — or care is paid directly.
Coverage at a glance
| Coverage | Routine dental care? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Part A & B) | Generally no. Narrow exceptions exist when dental care is directly tied to certain covered medical treatment. | Plan for another source of dental coverage, or self-pay. |
| Medigap (supplement) | No. | Medigap does not change dental coverage. |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Sometimes. Many plans include dental benefits; services, networks and yearly limits vary. | Call us with the plan name and member ID — we'll tell you whether we can bill it. |
| Medi-Cal (including people with both Medicare and Medi-Cal) | For adults with full-scope coverage: exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, full and partial dentures may be covered. Since July 1, 2026, some adults have emergency-only dental coverage. | We accept Medi-Cal Dental for eligible patients. Bring your BIC card and any letter you received. |
| PPO dental insurance | Yes, according to the plan. | We work with many PPO plans and verify benefits before your visit — see insurance. |
| No coverage | — | Written estimate first; the Premier Club ($32/month per person) covers two cleanings, two exams, necessary X-rays and 20% off fillings. |
Questions to ask your Medicare Advantage plan
- Is there a yearly maximum for dental care?
- Which dentists are in network — and can I see a dentist outside it?
- Are dentures covered, and how often can they be replaced?
- Are there waiting periods, copays or limits on cleanings?
- Do I need a referral or prior approval for bigger treatment?
Talk it through in your language
Coverage questions are easier in your own language. Our office speaks ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, हिन्दी, اردو, Haryanvi and Español.
(559) 271-8400Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pmRules change and every plan is different; confirm with your plan. Sources: Medicare.gov — Dental services; California DHCS — Medi-Cal Dental benefit changes.
Common questions
Does Original Medicare cover dental care?
Generally no. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental care such as checkups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures or implants. It may cover certain dental services in narrow situations where the dental care is directly tied to specific covered medical treatment.
Does a Medigap supplement plan add dental coverage?
No. Medigap supplement plans help with costs of services Original Medicare covers; they generally do not add dental benefits.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental?
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include some dental benefits, but what is covered — and which dentists can be used — varies widely by plan. Call us with the plan name and member ID and we will tell you whether we can bill it.
I have both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Is dental covered?
Adults with full-scope Medi-Cal may have dental coverage through Medi-Cal Dental, including exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns and dentures. Since July 1, 2026, some adult members have emergency-only dental coverage. Call us and we'll help check.
What if I have no dental coverage?
Ask for a written estimate before treatment. Our Premier Club membership is $32 per month per person and includes two cleanings, two exams, necessary X-rays and 20% off fillings. It is a membership plan, not insurance.
Request an appointment
Takes about a minute. We call back to confirm a real time — usually the same business day.