For older adults, finding the right dental plan is essential
Dental care become more important with age—and often more expensive.
As we get older, it's not unusual to face new oral health challenges: gums can recede, enamel wears down and procedures like crowns, dentures or even implants become more common.
That's where a senior dental insurance plan can make all the difference.
At Spirit Dental, we design coverage with older adults in mind: from no waiting periods on major services to lifetime deductibles you only pay once. The goal? To help you protect your smile, your health and your budget, so you can enjoy retirement without dental worries weighing you down.
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.
Comprehensive dental insurance for seniors
At Spirit Dental, we offer a range of affordable dental insurance plans specifically crafted for seniors. Our dental coverage options go beyond basic benefits to include features that are particularly valuable to older individuals. These plans often include enhanced benefits for services such as dentures, crowns and oral surgeries, which are more common among seniors. By tailoring our plans to seniors' needs, we aim to ensure that you receive the dental care you require without financial strain.
Affordable senior dental coverage
We understand that affordability is a top concern for many seniors—our low-cost, high-value coverage options include no waiting periods for all services, lifetime deductibles and high annual max benefits. Our goal is to make quality dental care accessible and affordable for seniors, allowing you to maintain optimal oral health and well-being during your retirement years.
Discover the value of senior dental coverage
Taking care of your smile in retirement isn't just about appearance—it's about protecting your overall health and financial peace of mind. The right dental insurance can help you avoid large out-of-polcket costs, stay on top of preventive care and get the treatment you need without delay.
At Spirit Dental, our plans are built with retirees in mind, offering coverage for everything from cleanings and crowns to dentures and implants.
What the short video below to see how Spirit Dental makes it simple—and affordable—to keep your smile healthy for years to come. 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 are designed to fit your unique needs and budget.
Here's how Spirit Dental helps seniors save and smile with confidence:
We also offer no waiting period dental insurance, so you can access major dental work treatments immediately.
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.
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's new in Spirit Dental plans for 2025?
Updated August, 2025, we introduced higher annual maximums for select plans, updated plan names and the same no wait benefits our members rely on. Check out our 2025 update for new Spirit Dental plans.
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, 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.
What about dental insurance for seniors on Medicare?
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.
What types of senior dental plans are worth considering?
Here’s a basic breakdown of some of the senior dental insurance plans options that are available:
PPO plan
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).
HMO plan
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.
Reimbursement or fee-for-service plan
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.
What should you look for in dental plans for seniors?
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.
Annual and lifetime maximums
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.
Coverage for each category of care
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.
What is the best dental insurance for seniors?
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.