Most dentists do not accept Medicare, but some do — and the ones who do are usually in specific settings

Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover routine dental care, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. That is the starting point. However, Medicare will pay for dental work that is medically necessary — meaning it treats a medical condition, not just a dental one. A few dentists do accept Medicare for these covered services, but they are not common, and finding one requires knowing where to look.

The dentists most likely to accept Medicare are those who work in federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs), community health centers, hospital dental clinics, or dental schools. Some private-practice dentists also accept Medicare, but you have to call and ask directly — there is no central list. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) sometimes include dental coverage, which changes the picture entirely, but that depends on your specific plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare does not cover routine dental work, but it does cover dental treatment for medical conditions like jaw fractures or infections that affect your overall health.
  • Dentists in federally may have access to health centers, community health centers, and hospital dental clinics are more likely to accept Medicare than private practices.
  • You can search for Medicare-accepting dentists through the HRSA Find a Health Center tool or by calling your local health department.
  • Medicare Advantage plans often include dental coverage, so check your plan documents to see what your plan covers before you search for a dentist.
  • Even when Medicare covers a service, you may still owe a copay or coinsurance, and the dentist must accept assignment for you to pay only that amount.

What Medicare actually covers in dental care

Original Medicare covers dental work only when it is part of treatment for a medical condition. The most common examples are extractions needed before radiation or chemotherapy for cancer, treatment of jaw fractures, or antibiotics and drainage for a serious dental infection that affects your overall health. Routine cleanings, X-rays for cavity detection, fillings, root canals, crowns, and dentures are not covered.

The key word is medically necessary. Your dentist has to document that the work treats a medical problem, not just a dental one. Even then, Medicare will only pay if the dentist is enrolled as a Medicare provider and accepts assignment — meaning they agree to accept Medicare's payment as payment in full (minus your copay or coinsurance).

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), dental coverage varies by plan. Some plans include a dental benefit with a yearly maximum (often $500 to $1,500), while others include nothing. You need to check your plan documents or call the plan directly to know what you are covered for.

Where to find dentists who accept Medicare

Start by searching the HRSA Find a Health Center tool at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. This database lists all federally may have access to health centers and community health centers in your area. Most of these centers have dental clinics or dental partnerships, and they all accept Medicare. You can search by zip code and filter for dental services.

Call your local health department and ask if they maintain a list of Medicare-accepting dentists in your area. Many do, and staff can tell you which practices have openings. You can also contact your state dental board — they sometimes keep referral lists, though not all do.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage, call the plan's customer service number on the back of your card. They will give you a list of in-network dentists. Using an in-network dentist means you pay less out of pocket.

For Original Medicare, you can call your local Medicare office (find the number at 1-800-MEDICARE) and ask if they have a list of enrolled dentists in your area. Some offices maintain informal lists. You can also search the Medicare provider directory at cms.gov, though it is not always complete for dental providers.

What you pay when a dentist accepts Medicare

If a dentist accepts Medicare assignment, you pay your normal Original Medicare cost-sharing: 20% of the approved amount after you meet your deductible. There is no separate dental deductible — it comes out of your Part B deductible ($240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly).

If the dentist does not accept assignment, they can charge you more than Medicare allows. You would pay the full bill upfront and then file a claim yourself to Medicare for reimbursement. This is why it matters to confirm that the dentist accepts assignment before your appointment.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan. Some plans cover preventive care (cleanings, exams) at no cost and charge a copay for other services. Others have a yearly deductible. Check your plan documents or call the plan before your first visit.

Hospital dental clinics and dental schools

Hospital dental clinics often accept Medicare for medically necessary dental work. If you are being treated at a hospital for a medical condition that requires dental care (such as before surgery or cancer treatment), ask the hospital's social worker or patient advocate whether the hospital has a dental clinic and whether it accepts Medicare.

Dental schools also accept Medicare for services performed by dental students under faculty supervision. The work is slower than a private practice — appointments take longer — but the cost is lower, and the school's clinic is set up to handle Medicare billing. Search for dental schools in your state through the American Dental Association website or by calling your state dental board.

What to do if you cannot find a Medicare-accepting dentist

If no dentist in your area accepts Medicare, you have a few options. You can pay out of pocket and then submit a claim to Medicare yourself if the work is medically necessary. Keep all receipts and documentation from your dentist about why the work was medically necessary.

You can also look into dental discount plans, which are not insurance but membership programs that give you a percentage discount at participating dentists. These are separate from Medicare and cost $80 to $200 per year. They do not cover everything, but they can reduce the cost of routine care.

If you have limited income, ask your dentist about sliding-scale fees or payment plans. Many community health centers and dental schools offer these. You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging — they sometimes know of low-cost dental programs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover dental cleanings?

No. Original Medicare does not cover routine cleanings, exams, or X-rays for cavity detection. Medicare Advantage plans sometimes do, so check your plan documents. If you need a cleaning before a medical procedure, ask your doctor whether it is medically necessary — if so, Medicare may cover it.

Can I use my Medicare to get dentures?

No. Dentures, partial dentures, and adjustments to dentures are not covered by Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for dentures, but this is rare and usually limited to one set per year. Check your plan documents.

What if my dentist says the work is medically necessary but Medicare denies it?

You can file an appeal. Ask your dentist to send you a copy of the documentation they submitted to Medicare. You have 120 days from the denial letter to file an appeal. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for help with the appeal process.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a dentist who accepts Medicare?

Not usually. You can contact a Medicare-accepting dentist directly and make an appointment. However, if the work is for a medical condition (like a jaw fracture), your doctor's documentation helps the dentist prove to Medicare that the work is medically necessary.

Will a dentist who accepts Medicare also accept my Medicare Advantage plan?

Not necessarily. A dentist who accepts Original Medicare may not be in your Medicare Advantage plan's network. Always call the dentist and confirm they accept your specific plan before scheduling. If they are out of network, you will pay more.