Medicare Coverage of Dental Care

What It Is

Dental care performed by a dentist or oral surgeon

What's Covered

Medicare Parts A, B, and C don’t cover doesn't cover dental care.

Note: Under limited circumstances, Medicare Part B or a Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plan covers oral surgery that involves a problem with jaw or mouth bones or tissue. Medicare Part B or a Medicare Part C plan might cover this type of care even if the surgery is performed by a nonphysician oral surgeon, as long as it's the kind of treatment that physicians also perform.

What Medicare Pays

Medicare pays nothing for dental care.

Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for covered oral surgery.

If you have a Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plan: Sometimes a Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plan charges different co-payments than Medicare Part B does. To find out whether your plan requires different co-payments for covered oral surgery, contact the plan directly.

Important: Regardless of the rules regarding any particular type of care, in order for Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, or a Medicare Part C plan to provide coverage, the care must meet two basic requirements:

• The care must be "medically necessary." This means that it must be ordered or prescribed by a licensed physician or other authorized medical provider, and that Medicare (or a Medicare Part C plan) agrees that the care is necessary and proper. For help getting your care covered, see FAQ: How Can I Increase the Odds That Medicare Will Cover My Medical Service?

• The care must be performed or delivered by a healthcare provider who participates in Medicare.