Dental Coverage
Dental Coverage for Central Oregon Residents
Learn about standalone dental plans to protect your oral health and offset the cost of routine and major care.
A common misconception when transitioning to Medicare is that dental care is included. In reality, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover routine dental care, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or dentures.
To maintain oral health and avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses for dental procedures, many individuals choose to purchase a standalone dental insurance policy.
What Dental Plans Typically Cover
Preventive Care
Routine services meant to maintain oral health and prevent issues. This usually includes oral exams, routine cleanings, and basic x-rays.
Basic Procedures
Treatments for common dental issues. These typically include basic fillings, simple tooth extractions, and sometimes periodontal maintenance.
Major Services
More complex and expensive procedures. Coverage often helps offset the cost of crowns, bridges, dentures, and oral surgery.
What to Consider When Choosing a Plan
- Provider NetworksIs your current dentist in the plan's network? While some plans allow you to see any licensed dentist, staying in-network usually provides the best value.
- Annual MaximumsMost dental plans have an annual maximum—the highest amount the plan will pay for your dental care within a plan year. Understanding this limit is crucial for planning major dental work.
- Waiting PeriodsSome policies impose waiting periods for basic or major services, meaning you must be enrolled for a certain number of months before the plan will cover those procedures.