Free Dental for Seniors on Medicare
Original Medicare has limited dental coverage. This means that many seniors need extra help paying for routine dental care and more extensive procedures like restorative dental work.
Regular dental care is important for your overall health. It can help you manage chronic conditions, enjoy your favorite foods, and make it easier to talk with loved ones. In this article, we’ll go over free dental for seniors on Medicare and discuss how to overcome the limitations of Medicare’s dental coverage.
Key takeaways
Original Medicare only covers hospital-related and medically necessary dental procedures. It doesn’t cover routine or preventive dental care.
Federally qualified health centers, state and local dental programs, and some non-profits offer free or low-cost dental care for seniors.
Medicare Advantage plans can provide enhanced dental coverage for seniors.
What dental care does Medicare cover?
Original Medicare dental coverage is limited, but Medicare Advantage may offer enhanced dental coverage.
Original Medicare dental coverage
Original Medicare (Part A and B) has very limited dental care coverage. Coverage includes hospital-related dental procedures and emergency care. For example, the medical care of a jaw injury. It also covers medically necessary dental procedures, meaning exams or treatments that are required before another medical procedure. For example, an oral examination before heart surgery.
Medicare Advantage dental benefits
Medicare Advantage plans often offer enhanced dental coverage beyond Original Medicare. This might include routine cleanings, exams, and preventive care. However, Medicare Advantage dental benefits differ by plan, so it’s important to check coverage networks and limit restrictions.
What Medicare doesn’t cover
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental cleanings and checkups. It also doesn’t cover restorative dental work, such as fillings, crowns, and dentures, or oral surgery procedures.
Free dental programs for people with Medicare
Although Original Medicare’s coverage for dental care is limited, the good news is that there are many options for free or low-cost dental services programs for seniors.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Federally Qualified Health Centers are local healthcare providers that work to make healthcare easy to access and affordable. Three-quarters of these health centers offer comprehensive dental care. You can use the Find a Health Center tool to locate a health center near you.
FQHCs usually work on a sliding scale fee based on income. This is usually based on the federal poverty level, but it can vary between health centers. To get care, individuals must live within the health center's service area. There are no income, insurance, or immigration requirements.
State and local dental assistance programs
Some states and counties provide dental voucher programs for seniors. They may also have senior dental assistance programs.
For example, Colorado has a Dental Health Program for Low-Income Seniors. This program helps those who don’t qualify for Medicaid or the Old Age Pension Health and Medical Program and lack insurance. The program covers dental exams and procedures, such as X-rays, fillings, and both partial and full dentures. You can often find these elderly dental care programs through your state’s oral health or dental health branches. County or city public health departments may also offer free or low-cost dental clinics.
For seniors who are dual eligible, Medicaid may provide coverage for dental care. Medicaid coverage varies by state. But it usually includes emergency procedures and may cover basic services like restorations and cleanings.
Non-profit and charity dental programs
Volunteer programs, faith-based dental missions, and senior-specific dental charity organizations all offer help with dental care. Some options include:
Dental Lifeline Network, a volunteer program that offers dental care to seniors who are 65 years of age or older, individuals who are permanently disabled, or individuals who need medically necessary dental care and have no other means to receive dental care.
United Way, a charitable organization that may offer mobile dental clinics or referrals to dental care for individuals with low income.
Dentistry from the Heart, a non-profit organization that provides free dental care to people with limited incomes.
Catholic Charities, a faith-based organization that often offers dental clinics providing preventative, diagnostic, emergency, and restorative dental care to uninsured individuals.
America’s Dentists Care Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports free dental health clinics across the United States.
Authority Dental, an organization that compiles information about affordable dentists.
Dental school clinics and training programs
Dental schools and training programs often have their own clinics. These clinics provide reduced-cost care from dental students who are supervised by licensed dental professionals. For a full list of dental schools, visit the American Student Dental Association website. For a full list of dental hygiene schools, visit the American Dental Hygienists’ Association website.
How to access free or low-cost dental care
In this section, we’ll guide you through how to access free dental care for seniors.
Local dental assistance programs
You can use the 211 helpline to find local resources. Your local Area Agency on Aging and state insurance department can also help you find dental program information. Other options for finding local senior dental assistance programs include:
Eldercare Locator, which connects individuals with services for older adults in their area.
Veterans Association Dentistry, which connects veterans with dental health care services.
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, which provides a database of free and charitable clinics and pharmacies, including those that offer dental care.
Income-based dental programs
Eligibility for income-based dental programs is often based on the federal poverty level. Typically, individuals who are below the federal poverty level qualify for free or very low-cost services.
People with incomes above the federal poverty level might qualify for some discounts. This depends on how much their income exceeds that level. For 2025 incomes, the federal poverty level for individuals is $15,650 and $21,150 for a family of two.
To qualify for income-based dental programs, you’ll usually need to provide proof of income, household size, and residency. Proof of income might include pay stubs, tax returns, or benefits statements.
Some people might qualify for dual eligibility. This means they receive both Medicare and Medicaid. Individuals qualify for Medicare when they are 65 years of age or have a qualifying disability. Medicaid is income-based. These income requirements vary by state, although they are usually based on the federal poverty level.
Emergency dental care options for seniors
In an emergency, the hospital emergency room or an urgent care center can provide care. In some states, Medicaid may cover these services. However, hospitals don’t provide full dental care. Usually, they’ll provide pain management and antibiotics as needed.
Bottom line
Good preventative care and early intervention can stop dental issues from worsening and becoming more costly. There are many free and low-cost dental care programs available to seniors on Medicare, including FQHCs, state and local dental assistance programs, non-profit and charity dental programs, and dental school clinics. Call 211 to learn more about these programs and consider researching Medicare Advantage plans, which can provide enhanced coverage for dental care.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for dental cleanings and check-ups?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care, including dental cleanings and checkups. However, Medicare Advantage plans may cover dental cleanings and checkups.
How can seniors get free dental care with Medicare?
Seniors can get free dental care with Medicare by taking advantage of state and local programs and non-profit organizations. Federally qualified health centers and dental school clinics may also provide dental care at reduced rates.
What dental services are covered by Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans usually cover routine dental care. This includes exams, cleanings, and X-rays. They often cover basic services like fillings and extractions. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover major dental care. This includes crowns, bridges, root canals, implants, and dentures.
Are there free dental clinics for Medicare recipients?
There are no Medicare-funded free dental clinics. But some state programs and nonprofit groups offer free dental care for Medicare recipients.
Sources
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Dental care. Medicaid.gov. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/dental-care
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Dental services. Medicare.gov. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services
National Council on Aging. (2025, May 16). Medicare and dental coverage. https://www.ncoa.org/article/medicare-and-dental-coverage/
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2018, August). Finding low-cost dental care: Information for caregivers (NIH Publication No. 18-6493). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/FindingLowCostDentalCare-508.pdf
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Federal poverty level (FPL). Healthcare.gov. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, May 5). Where can I find low-cost dental care? HHS.gov. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/where-can-i-find-low-cost-dental-care/index.html