Dental Blog

Explore Our Commitment to Dental Advocacy Excellence

Our blog is designed to be a trusted resource for seniors, caregivers, and senior living communities. We focus on providing clear, practical education about oral health challenges, treatment options, and the dental system as it affects older adults. Every post is written with advocacy in mind — helping readers feel informed, empowered, and equipped to make confident decisions about dental care.

New Post Each Week!

10/5/2025 – “Why You Can’t Find a ‘Mobile Dentist for Senior Living Facility Near Me’ — and What to Do Instead”
Why mobile dental care is rare in senior living — and how advocacy is changing the landscape

If you’ve ever typed “mobile dentist for senior living facility near me” into Google, you’ve probably felt the same frustration as many families and facility directors — nothing reliable seems to show up.

You might find a few dental offices that say they offer home visits, or programs that don’t travel to facilities, or listings that look promising but lead nowhere.
So why is it so hard to find consistent, trustworthy dental care for seniors who can’t travel?

The Real Problem: It’s Not About Demand — It’s About the System

The need for dental care in senior living is enormous. The problem isn’t a lack of patients — it’s how dental care is structured and reimbursed.

Mobile dentists face the same overhead costs as traditional offices: equipment, sterilization, staffing, transportation, and scheduling. But most depend on low insurance reimbursements (Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or managed care contracts). Those rates haven’t kept pace with the cost of delivering care ethically and sustainably.

That’s why many mobile programs shut down, reduce coverage areas, or limit visits only to higher-paying facilities. It’s not neglect — it’s math.

The result is a system where the residents who need care the most often have the fewest options.

Senior Living Staff See the Effects Every Day
  • A resident stops eating because their dentures hurt.
  • Caregivers assume it’s depression or memory decline — but it’s oral pain.
  • Families notice weight loss, speech changes, or irritability without realizing the cause is dental.

Without a dentist available on-site, small oral problems go unnoticed until they become medical issues.
And because dental care isn’t regulated or funded the same way as medical care, these residents fall into a gap no one officially “owns.”

The Missing Link: Advocacy

This is where independent dental advocacy comes in.

Advocates don’t replace the dentist — they make sure oral health isn’t forgotten in the larger picture of care.

At Dental Advocacy Support Services, we:

  • Identify oral health risks related to medications and chronic conditions.
  • Help facilities and families understand available care options.
  • Connect residents with qualified dental providers when possible.
  • Provide education for caregivers and staff to catch early oral changes.

Our goal is simple: to make sure the mouth has a voice in every health conversation.

What to Do Instead

If your search for a “mobile dentist near me” keeps coming up empty, start with advocacy instead of frustration.

Explore Advocacy Access Membership: Designed to make preventive oral health support and communication easier for every facility.

Request an Oral Health Review: We help assess current oral health challenges and options for your residents or loved ones.

Host a Free Presentation: Our educational sessions for staff, caregivers, or senior communities teach early recognition and prevention.

When oral health gets a voice, seniors regain more than just comfort – they regain confidence, nutrition, and dignity.

9/25/2025 Does Medicare Advantage Cover Dental? Why Coverage Differs by State and Plan
DOES MEDICARE ADVANTAGE COVER DENTAL?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental services. That means cleanings, fillings, dentures, implants, and most other dental procedures are not included. Seniors are often surprised by the out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) works differently. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and many of them include dental benefits. However, dental coverage under Medicare Advantage is not standardized and varies by plan and by location.

WHY DOES MY FRIEND HAVE DIFFERENT DENTAL COVERAGE THAN I DO?

It’s common for two people in different states—or even two people in the same state but different counties—to have very different Medicare Advantage dental benefits.

Here’s why:

  • Privately administered: Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurers. Each company chooses the dental benefits they include.
  • Regional provider networks: Plans are built around local dental networks. An insurer may offer dentures and implants in Florida but only preventive cleanings in New Hampshire.
  • Funding allocations: Medicare pays insurers a set amount per enrollee, and insurers decide how to distribute those funds. Some allocate more toward dental, while others emphasize vision, hearing, transportation, or wellness perks.

This explains why one person may have $3,000 in dental coverage while another only sees $1,000.

HOW TO KNOW WHAT MEDICARE DENTAL COVERAGE EXISTS IN YOUR AREA
  • Coverage is location-specific: The Medicare Advantage plans available to you are based on your county and sometimes your zip code.
  • Use the Medicare Plan Finder: Medicare.gov has a search tool where you can enter your zip code and compare Medicare Advantage plans side by side.
  • Check the details carefully: Some plans cover only preventive dental (cleanings, exams, x-rays), while others include major services like crowns, dentures, or implants.
ARE THERE MULTIPLE PLAN OPTIONS OR JUST ONE?
  • In larger metro areas: Seniors may have 15–20 Medicare Advantage plan options, each with different levels of dental coverage.
  • In rural areas: There may be only one or two plans available, limiting choices.

Even if you and your neighbor have the same insurance company, the dental benefits may not be the same.

HOW TO CHOOSE A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN WITH DENTAL BENEFITS

If you have multiple plan options, here are key points to compare:

  1. What is covered?
    • Preventive services only (exams, cleanings, x-rays)?
    • Or major restorative care (crowns, dentures, implants)?
  2. What is the annual maximum?
    • Some plans cap benefits at $500–$1,000.
    • Others go higher, such as $2,000–$3,000 per year.
  3. Which dentists are in the network?
    • Check if your current dentist participates, or whether you’d need to switch.
  4. Premiums and out-of-pocket costs
    • Plans with more generous dental benefits may charge higher premiums or co-pays.
HOW AN ADVOCATE CAN HELP

Choosing a plan is only the first step. The next challenge is finding a dentist who not only accepts your Medicare Advantage plan but also aligns with your personal needs and values.

An advocate can:

  • Review your Medicare Advantage dental coverage with you so you understand exactly what is included.
  • Identify in-network dentists who specialize in working with seniors, whether that means experience with dentures, implants, or providing extra time and clear explanations.
  • Help you avoid unnecessary treatment by making sure you have the right information and questions to ask before committing to care.
KEY TAKEAWAY

Medicare Advantage plans can include dental coverage, but the details vary widely by state, county, and insurer. The only way to know your exact options is to review the plans available in your area and compare them carefully. Working with an advocate can make the process easier, ensuring you not only choose the right plan but also find a dentist who respects your priorities and helps you maintain both your smile and your overall health.

***While we are licensed insurance producer agents, we are not AHIP certified and strongly recommend speaking with your Medicare agent before pulling the trigger on choosing your plan. If you need help finding a Medicare agent, please reach out.

9/18/2025 – When Dentures Break: What to Do, When They Can Be Saved, and What Comes Next

Dentures are a lifeline for many older adults, restoring both function and confidence. But they aren’t indestructible. Over time, wear and tear can lead to cracks, loose fits, or even breaks. When this happens, it’s natural to feel frustrated or worried — especially if it impacts eating or speaking comfortably.

Why Dentures Break
  • Wear over time: Acrylic and other denture materials weaken with daily use.
  • Accidents: Dropping dentures in the sink or onto hard surfaces.
  • Fit changes: Natural bone and gum changes can cause dentures to loosen and place uneven stress on the appliance.
First Steps if Dentures Break
  • Don’t use over-the-counter glues: Household adhesives can be harmful if ingested and may damage the denture further.
  • Call a dentist right away: A dental professional can determine if the denture can be repaired or if replacement is needed.
  • Consider a backup plan: Some people keep an older denture as a temporary solution if the current one breaks.
When Dentures Can Be Saved

Not every break means starting from scratch. In many cases, dentures can be repaired and continue to be used safely:

  • Small Cracks or Chips: These can often be smoothed and reinforced by a dentist.
  • Tooth Replacement: If just one tooth pops out, it can usually be reset into the denture base.
  • Clean Breaks in the Base: A dentist or dental lab may be able to bond the pieces back together and restore the fit.
  • Relining or Rebasing: If the denture still fits poorly even after repairs, the base can sometimes be relined or rebuilt without making an entirely new denture.
When Dentures Can’t Be Fixed

Sometimes, damage is too severe or placed in a location that repairs just won’t hold up. Here are some of the key reasons why a denture might be beyond repair:

  • Breaks in the framework or major base: If the denture splits cleanly in half through the base — especially across the palate of an upper denture or another high-stress area — repairs often won’t last.
  • Cracks in high-stress locations: Damage along connector bars in partial dentures or stress-bearing areas of full dentures is often unrepairable.
  • Multiple Breaks or Fractures: Too many cracks weaken the structure and make it unsafe to wear.
  • Severe Warping or Wear: When dentures lose their shape, bite, or stability, repairs won’t restore proper function.
  • Worn-Down Teeth: If the artificial teeth are flattened or broken down, the entire denture may need replacement.
  • Old Age of the Denture: Most dentures last 5–10 years; after that, the material itself is often too fragile to fix.
Should the Office That Made Them Replace Them Free of Charge?

Sometimes people wonder if a broken denture should be remade by the original office at no cost. The answer depends on the situation:

  • If the denture was defective from the start and broke under normal use shortly after delivery, the office may be responsible for repairing or remaking it at no charge.
  • Many dental practices offer limited warranties or guarantees, so it’s worth asking what coverage applies.
  • If the denture is older, has had normal wear, or was damaged by accident, that usually does not qualify for free replacement.
  • If you believe the denture was poorly made or not properly disclosed in terms of limitations, you may have leverage to request a partial or full remake at reduced cost.

Always ask the office directly what their policy is, and review any paperwork you signed when the dentures were made.

Where to Go From There

If your denture can’t be fixed, you still have options — and it’s important to understand them before making a decision:

  • New Dentures: A fresh set can restore comfort and appearance, often with improved fit and materials.
  • Implant-Supported Dentures: Anchored to dental implants for more stability and less risk of breakage.
  • Partial Dentures: If only some teeth are missing, partial dentures may be a better option.
  • Temporary Solutions: Ask about immediate dentures or short-term appliances that can help while waiting for a permanent replacement.
Advocacy Tip

Always ask: “What are all the repair options and what will they cost compared to replacement?”

Before agreeing to replace a denture, seniors and caregivers deserve to know:

  • Whether the break can be safely repaired.
  • If there is a warranty or guarantee.
  • What insurance or state programs may help with costs.
  • What temporary or alternative solutions exist (could it have success with repair if referred out to a prosthodontist etc.).

Older adults deserve clear, honest answers about their dental choices. No one should feel rushed into a full replacement without exploring every option first.