Dental Insurance Guide for Seniors

Dental insurance becomes especially valuable later in life. As we age, dental procedures like crowns, dentures, implants and root canals become more common—and more costly without coverage.

With senior dental insurance, you can:

• Access trusted providers without hassle
• Reduce out-of-pocket costs for dental expenses
• Protect your overall health and wellbeing with preventive care

Maintaining good oral health supports heart health, digestion and even cognitive wellness. That's why having dependable dental coverage can make a lasting difference.

Senior dental insurance that works for you

At Spirit Dental, we understand that affordability is a top concern for many seniors. That's why our low-cost, high-value dental plans include:

• No waiting periods for preventive, basic and major care
• PPO in-network savings of 25-50%
• A lifetime deductible you only pay once
• High annual maximums up to $5,000 in year three

Our goal is simple: to make quality dental care accessible and affordable, helping you maintain your oral health and overall wellbeing for years to come.

Is senior dental insurance worth it? Absolutely! As you'll see below, dental coverage for seniors can be extremely helpful when it comes to accessing trusted providers without hassle and reducing out-of-pocket costs. 

For a deeper dive, check out our Better Oral Health Guide for practical tips on keeping your teeth and gums strong at every age. 

Dental insurance during Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2025-26

If you're approaching Medicare's annual open enrollment period, now is the perfect time to review your dental options. While medical coverage often gets most of the attention during open enrollment, dental insurance is just as important for maintaining overall health and protecting your budget.

At Spirit Dental, we've created a dedicated Medicare open enrollment resource hub for dental coverage with tips, answers to common questions and our Dental Insurance Open Enrollment Guide—a step-by-step resource to help you understand how dental coverage fits into your retirement planning. Is Medicare Advantage your best option for dental insurance? Find out why having a standalone plan with Medicare that Spirit dental plans offer might be your best bet.

Find the best dental insurance plans for retirees with Spirit Dental

We understand how difficult it can be to find high-quality, affordable dental insurance. That’s why our dental plans go beyond the basics to fit your unique needs and budget. Whether it's accessing major dental work treatments immediately or boosting your oral health with three preventive cleanings covered 100% yearly, we have a plan seniors can count on. 

Bonus: With a Spirit Dental Preferred PPO Plan, you get the added benefit of hearing coverage for exams and hearing aids. Plus, when you enroll in a dental plan, you can bundle vision insurance for as little as $7 per month. 

Ready to compare plans? Get your free quote for dental insurance with no waiting period today.

What's new in Spirit Dental plans for 2025? Higher annual maximums for select plans, updated plan names and the same no wait benefits our members rely on.

Frequently asked questions about senior dental insurance

We know you probably have questions about finding the best senior dental plan for your needs. Take a look at the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below, or contact us to speak with a representative!

What does dental insurance for seniors typically cover?

The best dental insurance plans for seniors provide a range of benefits that help reduce the amount of money you need to spend whenever you see the dentist. Senior dental plans vary, but here’s an idea of what's possible:

• Preventive care, such as exams, cleanings and X-rays, covered at 100%
• Basic services, such as fillings and extractions, are covered at up to 80%
• Major services, such as bridges, dental implants and dentures, are covered at up to 50%

The right dental insurance for seniors can help you pay for senior dental care, including routine care, restorative procedures, and emergency care. Knowing that you have this support can make a huge difference because you won't need to worry about affordability.

If you're on Medicare, you might think that you don't need a separate dental plan, but the reality is that Medicare Part A and Part B don't cover routine dental care. This means that everything from checkups and cleanings to fillings and other procedures won't be covered, so you’d need to pay for them out of pocket.

The exception might be if you need oral care because of a medical condition. In that case, Medicare might help cover some of the cost. Also, if you sign up for Medicare Advantage (Part C), you might be able to get help with dental care expenses.

On the other hand, if you have Medicaid, you might receive some dental benefits, but this depends on the state you live in. If you find that it doesn't cover enough, it is wise to enroll in stand-alone dental coverage for seniors.  

Here’s a basic breakdown of some of the senior dental insurance plans options that are available:

This can be a great choice if you want to receive some level of benefits whether you see an in-network dentist or an out-of-network dentist (you’ll save the most money by choosing providers who are in-network).

This type of plan might be more affordable, but it may come with the restriction that you can only receive benefits if you see an in-network dentist.  

With this type of plan, you’ll need to pay the dentist first and then wait for the insurer to reimburse you for the portion that’s covered. One of the main perks is you can usually choose any dentist. 

Carefully reading each policy's details will shed light on what level of coverage you can expect, as some dental insurance plans for seniors are more comprehensive than others. Also, consider the following:

Out-of-pocket costs

Plans vary from one insurer to the next, and where you’re located can have an impact on how much a plan will cost. In addition to the monthly premium, look into other out-of-pocket fees that you’d be responsible for, such as a deductible, coinsurance and copay. 

Dental plans may have limits, such as an annual maximum and lifetime maximum. These will tell you how much a plan is willing to pay for dental care before you're responsible for the rest.  

There are multiple categories of care, so be aware of the support provided for each. Also, confirm if emergency care, implants, cosmetic treatments and other major services are covered. 

There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether a dental insurance plan is good for seniors. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Comprehensive coverage: Seniors may require more extensive dental care due to age-related factors, such as gum disease, tooth loss, or dental implants. A good dental insurance plan for seniors should provide comprehensive coverage that includes preventative care, basic services like fillings and extractions, and major services like root canals and dentures.
• Affordable premiums: Seniors are often living on a fixed income, so it's important to find a dental insurance plan with affordable premiums that fit within their budget. Additionally, some plans may have high deductibles or copays, which can make dental care less accessible for seniors on a tight budget.
• Access to a broad network of dentists: A good dental insurance plan for seniors should have a large network of dentists that they can choose from. This is especially important for seniors who may have mobility issues or live in rural areas where dental care may be more limited.
• No waiting periods: Some dental insurance plans have waiting periods before coverage kicks in for certain services. For seniors who require immediate dental care, this can be a significant barrier to accessing the treatment they need. A good dental insurance plan for seniors should have minimal or no waiting periods.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Seniors may have pre-existing dental conditions that require ongoing treatment. A good dental insurance plan should provide coverage for pre-existing conditions to ensure that seniors can access the care they need.