The Hidden Link: Oral Health, Systemic Disease & Senior Coverage Gaps
A conversation between Dr. Joseph Field ofPeninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry and Jarret DiToro, Founder of The Pocket Protector
As many of our patients approach retirementage, one of the biggest transitions they face is planning for Medicare. It’s anexciting milestone that brings peace of mind — but it also comes with someunexpected gaps. One of the most significant? Dental care.
At the Peninsula Center of CosmeticDentistry (PCCD), we see firsthand how oral health influences not just smiles,but total well-being. Issues like gum disease and missing teeth aren’t purelycosmetic; they can impact nutrition, confidence, and even systemic health. YetMedicare, for all its benefits, doesn’t automatically cover the kinds ofadvanced or preventive dental care that help maintain long-term health.
To better understand how patients canprepare for that reality, we spoke with Jarret DiToro, Founder of The PocketProtector, a Chicago-based Medicare advisory firm that has built the world’sfirst smart tool that can truly guide and advise you through all your Medicarechoices completely online, with no need to talk to an annoying salesperson. Wefound the Pocket Protector Tool to be hands down the best way to understand andenroll in Medicare. Together, we discussed how proactive dental planning andinformed Medicare choices can help ensure a healthier, more confident future.
Q&A with Jarret DiToro, Founder of ThePocket Protector
Q1: Jarret, many of our patients assumethat once they enroll in Medicare, their major health expenses are behind them.What’s the most common misconception you see when it comes to dental coverage?
Jarret DiToro (JD): The biggest misunderstanding is that Medicare coversroutine or major dental services — it doesn’t. Traditional Medicare Parts A andB generally exclude most dental procedures, including things like cleanings,crowns, and implants. That can come as a real shock to people who are used toemployer dental plans. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t incredibledental coverage choices available to seniors who enroll in Medicare, many ofwhich provide $1,000s of dollars in dental coverage without costing the seniorany monthly premium payments at all.
Q2: From our side, we often see patientsin their early 60s whose oral-health needs are changing — whether it’srestorative work, implants, or preventive care. From your perspective, whenshould patients start thinking about how those costs fit into their Medicareplanning?
JD: Medicare choices are so critical for those who are enrolling in Medicarefor the first time, that we would say its most important to consider yourhealth care needs more holistically, and deal with dental coverage as a part ofthat larger decision making process. We wouldn’t want someone to make acoverage decision that provided extra dental coverage at the expense of solidgeneral health coverage, especially as folks are getting on in years andmedical costs become more and more likely. So our advice is: look at yourMedicare coverage decisions holistically, and dental will certainly be a partof that 365 degree evaluation and decision process. We are very confident thatproperly advised, our clients can find exceptional coverage that also coverstheir dental needs, regardless of their financial situation or budget.
Q3: At PCCD, we talk a lot about howoral health connects to overall health — especially as we age. How do you seedental costs fitting into the broader retirement-planning conversation?
JD: For many of our clients, it’s about protecting lifestyle and longevity. Youdon’t want unexpected health-related expenses disrupting your retirementbudget. We encourage people to view dental care as part of their overall healthportfolio. Our tool walks them through, and simplifies that process just like a“turbo tax” would walk them through and simplify the complicated tax process.Similar to finding all the deductions, our tool will find you all the benefitsyou qualify for, including dental coverage.
Q4: Many of our patients are stillactive, working, and socially engaged well into their 60s and 70s. For them,maintaining their smile is as much about confidence as comfort. What advice doyou give clients who want to preserve that standard as they transition intoMedicare?
JD: Know the Medicare system, or get advice from someone who does. There isabsolutely no need to sacrifice dental coverage because you aged into Medicare.In fact, your options are likely much better and certainly much less expensive thanthey would be without Medicare.
Q5: What’s the one thing you wish everyperson turning 65 understood about Medicare and dental care?
JD: We want folks to understand that regardless of their financial situation,there is a Medicare option that will cover their dental needs throughretirement and beyond. For those who have means, there are gold standard plansthat they can mesh with their MediGap plan. For those who are on the other endof the financial spectrum, there are incredible subsidies that mesh withMedicare/Medicaid and provide dental coverage options as comprehensive as themore expensive plans out there. It’s a wonderful system if you know how tonavigate it.
Dr. Field’s Perspective
As healthcare evolves, one thing remainstrue — your mouth is a critical part of your overall health. At PeninsulaCenter of Cosmetic Dentistry, we work with many patients approaching ortransitioning into Medicare who want to maintain a healthy, confident smilewell into retirement. Our goal is to help you understand your options, protectyour investment in your oral health, and coordinate your care in a way thatsupports your long-term wellness and lifestyle.
Ready to take a proactive approach?
Schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Joseph Field at Peninsula Centerof Cosmetic Dentistry to discuss your long-term oral-health plan.
For questions about Medicare coverage or supplemental insurance options,contact Jarret DiToro and ThePocket Protector for expert, personalized guidance.
