Can You Use an FSA or HSA for Dental?
Dental work including cleanings, fillings, extractions and braces is reimbursable under FSA, HSA and HRA rules. Cosmetic work like teeth whitening is not. Get details on what's covered and how.
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Short answer
Yes. You can use your FSA, HSA or HRA to pay for dental work. The amounts you pay for the prevention and alleviation of dental disease are qualified medical expenses under IRS Publication 502, which covers cleanings, fillings, braces, extractions and dentures. Cosmetic dental work like teeth whitening is not reimbursable.
Dental treatment is reimbursable outright with no letter needed. You can use any card to pay your dentist, and the reimbursement happens after.
The answer: dental work is reimbursable
The amounts you pay for the prevention and alleviation of dental disease are qualified medical expenses under FSA, HSA and HRA rules. This covers both preventive work, like cleanings and sealants, and treatment for dental problems.
What's reimbursable, what's not
Most dental work is reimbursable outright from your FSA, HSA or HRA. Cosmetic work and personal care items are not.
Dental expense | Reimbursable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Cleanings, x-rays, sealants, fluoride treatments | Reimbursable outright | |
Fillings, braces, extractions, dentures | Reimbursable outright | |
Teeth whitening | Not reimbursable | Teeth whitening is cosmetic and excluded. You can't include in medical expenses amounts paid to whiten teeth. |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Not reimbursable | The cost of a toothbrush and toothpaste is a nondeductible personal expense. |
Electric toothbrush (e.g. Sonicare) | With a letter | With a letter from a clinician who names a diagnosed gum condition. |
When you need a letter
Most dental work needs no letter. Cleanings, fillings, extractions, braces and dentures are reimbursable outright because they treat a diagnosed dental condition. Teeth whitening is never reimbursable, letter or not. Root canals, dental implants and periodontal surgery are all reimbursable without a letter.
The one exception: an electric toothbrush like a Sonicare can be reimbursable with a letter. A clinician writes that you have a diagnosed gum condition. Gingivitis or periodontitis are examples. The letter explains how the toothbrush treats it. A manual toothbrush and regular toothpaste are always personal expenses.
Dental crowns, caps and bridges are reimbursable outright when they're placed to fix a tooth problem such as decay, damage or tooth loss. They're medical treatment, not cosmetic enhancement. The same applies to orthodontic treatment: braces and aligners are reimbursable without a letter.
How to buy dental work
Pay your dentist with any card. FSA and HSA cards, credit cards, debit cards and cash all work. Your administrator reimburses you from your account by check or deposit after.
If you're buying an electric toothbrush with a letter, request the letter before you buy. The letter has to be dated on or before the purchase it covers.
Related items you can also use your account for
Your FSA, HSA or HRA covers much more than dental work. Prescription glasses and contact lenses are reimbursable outright. Eye exams, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries are all qualified expenses. Many medical devices and services fall under the same IRS rules that cover dental work.
Floss, mouthwash and toothpaste are personal items and not reimbursable. Similarly, cosmetic work like teeth bleaching falls outside qualified expenses. The distinction is always the same. Work or products that treat a diagnosed condition are covered. General hygiene and appearance are not.
Getting dental work reimbursed with Burst
When the answer is 'with a letter', this is the letter. Request it from Burst in about two minutes, a licensed clinician reviews it, and it's typically in your inbox within 24 hours. $35 once. Burst then files the reimbursement claim with your FSA, HSA or HRA administrator, and the administrator pays you out of your account by deposit or check. If no letter is issued you pay nothing, and if the claim is denied you get the $35 back. One timing rule: the letter has to be dated on or before the purchase it covers, so request it first.
Get reimbursed for my dental work
Frequently asked questions
Is a dental cleaning reimbursable?
Yes. Dental cleanings, both preventive and as part of treatment, are reimbursable outright from your FSA, HSA or HRA.
What about braces?
Yes. Braces for straightening teeth or correcting bite problems are reimbursable outright. They treat a dental condition.
Can I use my HSA for dental implants?
Yes. Dental implants are reimbursable outright from an HSA, FSA or HRA because they treat a dental condition.
Is teeth whitening reimbursable?
No. Teeth whitening is cosmetic and not reimbursable.
Can I use my account to buy a toothbrush?
A regular toothbrush and toothpaste are personal expenses and not reimbursable. An electric toothbrush can be reimbursable with a letter if a clinician names a diagnosed gum condition.
Do I need to request a letter for a filling or extraction?
No. Fillings, extractions and other dental treatment are reimbursable outright. You need a letter only for an electric toothbrush tied to a diagnosed gum condition.
What about root canals?
Root canal treatment is reimbursable outright. It treats a dental problem and falls under the "alleviation of dental disease" rule.
Are crowns and dental bridges reimbursable?
Yes. Crowns, caps and bridges placed to fix tooth decay, damage or loss are reimbursable outright from your FSA, HSA or HRA.
What about orthodontic treatment like aligners?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment including braces, aligners and other appliances used to correct bite or alignment problems is reimbursable outright.
Can I use my HSA for periodontal surgery or gum disease treatment?
Yes. Periodontal surgery and gum disease treatment are reimbursable outright because they treat a dental condition. No letter is needed.
Keep reading: Toothbrush and electric toothbrush eligibility, Complete list of IRS-qualified expenses, and all guides on this topic.
Sources
IRS Publication 502 - Medical and Dental Expenses (dental treatment, preventive dental care, teeth cleaning, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, teeth whitening, toothbrush and toothpaste)
IRS Publication 969 - Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans (HSA contribution limits, eligibility rules, account types FSA HSA HRA)
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