By Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD  
The Toothboss, www.toothboss.com

Traditional Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental services, but there are affordable dental care options available to seniors.
A pound of prevention…
Beats an ounce of the cure. It may be a cliché, but it can hold true with dental care in your later years.
The best way to keep dental costs low is through regular preventive care. That starts with the following self-care:

  • Flossing at least once a day; some seniors do it after every meal.
  • Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time; after every meal works, too.
  • Fluoride rinses are also a great idea for preventing issues.
  • Minimize or eliminate your sugar intake. If you do eat something sugary, brush afterward or, at the very least, rinse your mouth out with water.
    These efforts are in no way a substitute for routine cleanings and exams by your dentist. Those should continue twice a year at minimum, as early detection of dental issues can prevent more expensive treatments down the road.
    Dental discount plans
    Many dental practices offer affordable cleaning and exam packages for seniors, making it easier to stay on top of oral health. At my practice, we offer The Toothboss Discount plan, which includes two cleanings per year, X-rays, and other routine services for a nominal fee (there’s also a periodontal plan). Dental work beyond the scope of the discount plan – e.g., fillings, crowns, dentures or more –are offered at a reduced rate.
    MassHealth and other public assistance programs
    If you qualify, MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) provides coverage for a variety of dental services, including exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures. The Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation also offers financial assistance and resources to help seniors receive the care they need.
    Senior-focused dental insurance plans
    Many private insurance companies offer supplemental dental plans tailored to seniors. The primary benefit to these plans is that in addition to 100% coverage on preventive services, they provide partial coverage for more extensive treatments like crowns and dentures. Be thorough when choosing this kind of plan and review carefully the coverage details, provider networks, and annual maximums.
    Community health centers and dental schools
    Some local community health centers provide dental services on a sliding fee scale based on income. This can be an option for seniors on a fixed budget. Some dental schools in the area, Boston University or Tufts University come to mind, offer high-quality care at reduced costs. Dental students are supervised by faculty members while providing treatment, ensuring patients receive professional and thorough care.
    Financing and payment plans
    If you need dental work that will necessitate out-of-pocket costs, some dental practices offer flexible financing options and payment plans. Some practices accept credit cards like CareCredit, which offer zero-interest payments for a certain period of time (typically six months).
    No care is not an option
    Please do not make the mistake of staying away from the dentist to avoid a potentially large bill. The impact your oral health has on your overall health is documented fact. If you have an issue that needs dental work, delaying can (and most likely) create additional issues. Or worse.
    At the very least, if you know you need dental work and are concerned about making the payment, have a conversation with your dentist. Most will listen and, in some cases, can come up with a payment option that can work for your budget and your care.
    Looking for a new dentist? Give us a call at 781-335-0604.
    About the Author: Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD is the owner of The Toothboss, 1121 Main St., South Weymouth. For more information, call 781-335-0604 or visit www.toothboss.com.