Finding Affordable Dental Care for Seniors

Seniors often have little to no dental insurance coverage, despite the potential health risks associated with poor dental health. When an older person has no dental insurance, there is an increased risk of not getting regular checkups and the risk of suffering from poor oral health, which can lead to heart problems and other increased risk to overall health. Finding affordable dental care for seniors is not always an easy undertaking, however, especially considering many seniors are on a fixed income. There are options for seniors looking for quality dental care at affordable prices, however. When looking into affordable dental care for seniors, consider the most frequently asked questions below, so you can find the dental care that works best for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions ( 8 )   Add a Question

  1. What about using supplemental or Medicare Advantage Plans to pay for dental care?
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    Like original Medicare, supplemental Medicare, or MediGap, does not always pay for dental care for seniors. A few Medicare Advantage plans do provide some dental care coverage. However, Tooth Wisdom, a service for Older Americans provided by Oral Health America warns seniors to read Medicare Dental Advantage Plans carefully before signing up. Tooth Wisdom explains, “They often do not pay out enough in treatment each year to cover what you pay in premiums.”

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  2. Are there affordable dental care options for seniors who are veterans?
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    The VA does have a dental care program that veterans can buy into at a reduced cost. Additionally, the VA provides free dental coverage to veterans of the U.S. Military who suffer dental health issues as a result of their service.

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  3. Does Medicaid cover dental care for seniors?
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    Medicaid provides dental coverage in some states and to individuals eligible for specific coverage that includes dental care. A senior considering Medicaid as a source for dental coverage should check with their state or county Medicaid office to learn whether Medicaid provides dental care coverage in that area and whether or not they qualify for Medicaid coverage. 

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  4. Do dental schools provide affordable dental care for seniors?
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    Many dental schools provide dental services such as cleanings and x-rays at reduced rates. Check with the specific dental school to learn about the full extent of services provided.

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  5. Are there other options for seniors who need affordable dental care?
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    Many states have programs that provide affordable dental care for seniors. Tooth Wisdom also suggests checking with community health departments, who often provide dental care at a reduced price. County health departments usually provide services that do include fillings or extractions. Seniors residing in a nursing home or assisted living facility usually have access to affordable dental care, as wel. The senior or a family member should check with the particular facility to learn about affordable dental care options.

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  6. Why is dental care so important for older adults?
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    Oral health becomes a significant issue as people age, with increased risk of complications when an individual does not have proper dental care. For example, Senior Living points out that poor oral health potentially leads to life threatening diseases, more than 30 percent of seniors have untreated cavities and that nearly 25 percent of seniors suffer from periodontal disease.

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  7. Why do seniors who have Medicare not see a dentist for dental care?
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    Original Medicare does not pay for dental care. A person with Medicare can only obtain coverage for dental care when it is combined with health care for certain incidents. For example, if a person sustains injuries in an automobile accident and requires reconstruction of the jaw, the professionals performing the dental care aspects of that reconstruction could submit a claim to Medicare. Medicare does not cover dental checkups, care or dental appliances such as dentures.

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  8. What is Dentistry from the Heart?
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    Dentistry from the Heart provides free dental care throughout the year at different locations. Visit the site, click on “Events” to find dates and locations when dentists donate their time to provide free dental care. There is no signup, no appointment necessary. After completing a brief form, seniors, like other patients attending the event, receive one free dental service. Services include the option to receive a free cleaning, one filling or one free extraction. Some areas have several Dentistry from the Heart events, offering additional opportunities to receive free dental care.

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