All Smiles: A Quick Guide to Dental Benefits

What's included automatically and when supplemental coverage matters

Dental benefits didn't always come standard in MA plans. But consumer demand has changed that. In 2020, about 75% of plans offered preventive dental and 50% offered comprehensive dental. Today, those numbers have jumped to around 90% and 85%, respectively. And, according to the National Association of Dental Plans, dental coverage is the top supplemental benefit influencing whether someone stays with a plan or switches to a new one.*

In our MA plans, preventive and comprehensive dental coverage is already built in — and we also offer supplemental options for even more coverage.** Here's a quick benefit breakdown to help you answer client questions.

What's included with our health plans?

Every plan includes coverage for preventive and diagnostic services — these are the routine services you're familiar with getting, like oral exams, X-rays, cleanings — at no extra cost. Basic comprehensive dental coverage for restorative services (think fillings) and extractions is also included at 50% coinsurance. 

Select plans also offer coverage for additional comprehensive services, like endodontics and periodontics, at 70% coinsurance. 

Members must receive dental care from a Dental Benefit Providers, Inc. network provider for dental services to be covered. 

What about supplemental dental options?

For members who want extra protection for more extensive dental work, we offer two optional supplemental dental plans** — Dental Silver and Dental Gold. The benefits of enrolling in a supplemental dental plan include: 

Dental Silver

• Increases the member's maximum annual spend to $1,500
• Improves coverage for restorative services to 0%-50% coinsurance
• Improves coverage for endodontic, periodontic, and oral surgery services to 50% coinsurance

Dental Gold

• Includes everything in Dental Silver
• Adds coverage for crowns, bridges and dentures at 50% coinsurance
• Increases the member's maximum annual spend to $2,000

When can members enroll in a supplemental dental plan?

Members can enroll in Dental Silver or Dental Gold when they first join Trinity Health Plan New York or during the Annual Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. 

What does this mean for my clients?

If your clients just need the basic preventive and comprehensive services, their MA plan already has them covered. For those who anticipate major dental work, such as crowns or dentures, a supplemental plan can help lower their out-of-pocket costs.

If you have questions about dental benefits, we're here to help. Contact your local BAE:

Gino LoGiudice
518-495-3007
gino.logiudice@trinity-health.org

* National Association of Dental Plans: Dental Benefits in Medicare Advantage: Making a Good Story Great (accessed July 2025): nadp.org  

** The Optional Supplemental Dental Benefit is not available on the Trinity Health Plan New York Cash Back (HMO) plan.