Retirement brings freedom, but it can also bring changes to your benefits.
For retired public educators, one surprise is discovering that the dental insurance they relied on during their working years ends when their employment does. Even with Medicare, there is a gap because Medicare typically does not cover most routine dental care, from cleanings to crowns.
If you are wondering whether you can purchase dental insurance without health insurance, the answer is simple: Yes, you can. And for many retirees, that is exactly the step that helps them maintain both their oral health and peace of mind.
Understanding the Difference Between Health and Dental Insurance
It is easy to assume dental coverage is tied to medical insurance, but these are actually two separate products.
- Health insurance covers medical needs such as doctor visits, hospital care, and surgeries.
- Dental insurance helps manage the cost of dental services such as preventive checkups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, dentures, and more.
Because they operate independently, you do not need to carry a health plan to purchase a dental plan. This is why many retirees, especially those on Medicare, choose standalone dental coverage to help with out-of-pocket dental expenses.
Why Standalone Dental Insurance Exists
When public educators retire, they often lose access to the group dental plan they had through their school district.
A group dental plan is coverage offered to a group, such as school district employees, at a reduced rate. Because the cost is shared across many people, premiums are often lower and benefits may be more comprehensive than individual plans.
When you leave employment, you typically leave that group and lose those benefits. Retiree-focused dental plans, often offered through professional associations, are designed to give you similar advantages, including competitive premiums and a range of covered services, without requiring an active health insurance policy. You can explore available options by calling 1-844-385-4359 or visiting our dental page for more information!.
How Standalone Dental Insurance Works
With standalone dental insurance, you pay a monthly premium and gain access to covered dental services:
- Preventive care – Cleanings, exams, and X-rays (often fully covered).
- Basic services – Fillings, extractions, and repairs.
- Major services – Crowns, bridges, dentures, and sometimes implants.
Plans may include an annual maximum (the most the plan will pay each year) and waiting periods for certain services. Our association-offered plans are structured with retirees in mind, sometimes reducing or waiving waiting periods for preventive care.
Benefits of Standalone Dental Coverage for Retirees
- Helps make preventive care accessible – Regular checkups can catch problems early.
- May support overall health – Research has linked good oral health to better management of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Provides predictable costs – A set monthly premium helps avoid large, unexpected dental bills.
- Supports your quality of life – Healthy teeth and gums help you enjoy meals, speak clearly, and smile with confidence.
The Bottom Line
You do not need health insurance to get dental insurance. For retired educators, a standalone dental plan can be an important piece of your retirement benefits, especially when offered through a trusted association that understands your needs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Explore dental plans designed with retirees in mind. Call us at 1-844-385-4359 or visit our dental page to learn more.