Can You Use Your HSA for Dental Work?
Published on 3/21/2025
If you have a dental procedure coming up, you likely want to find the way to make it as affordable as possible. Thankfully, a health savings account (HSA) is a great way of lowering your out-of-pocket expenses when your health is concerned.
In this article, we’ll explain the topic of HSAs and go over what’s covered (and what isn’t). By article’s end, you’ll know whether you can use your HSA for dental work you may have on the horizon.
What is an HSA?
Think of your HSA like a health-related savings account. Money is taken out of your paycheck tax-free and placed in an account you can draw from when needed. And it can be used for various medical and dental procedures.
You can pay for dental care from your HSA using the provided debit card. You can also opt to pay out-of-pocket and then be reimbursed later.
Can HSA Be Used for Dental Work?
The IRS is pretty straightforward with what is and isn’t covered, where HSAs are concerned. So if you’re wondering “can I use an HSA for dental,” you’ll find a pretty clear answer in the IRS’ documentation.
Essentially, health-related and necessary procedures are covered by an HSA. This includes things like:
- Regular cleanings,
- X-rays,
- Fillings and extractions,
- Braces,
- And more.
There are countless other procedures that are noted on the IRS’ guidelines page. This includes root canals, emergency procedures, and more. Of course, for the most up-to-date listing of coverages, we recommend going to the source, as it’s liable to change.
But essentially yes. The short answer is that your HSA can indeed be used for dental work… as long as you are paying for an eligible expense…
What Isn’t Covered?
The truth is, not every dental procedure will be covered by your HSA. Dental procedures, products, and other items that are typically not covered include:
- Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers, etc.,
- Toothpaste, mouthwash, tooth brushes, etc.
- Denture adhesives,
- Oral care supplements,
- Dental insurance premiums,
- Etc.
If you happen to make an HSA purchase on a non-qualifying item or procedure, there may be tax implications. For taxpayers who are under 65 years of age, there is a 20% penalty, per IRS guidelines.
When in doubt, read over the IRS’ latest guidelines for qualified purchases. You can also speak with your friendly dental staff to learn their recommendations for ways to save on your dental bill.
Book Your HSA-Friendly Appointment with Dentologie
So, can you use your HSA for dental work? As we’ve learned, many common dental procedures are indeed HSA-eligible! And at Dentologie, we ensure each of our patients receive care that is both thorough and affordable.
If you are in need of dental intervention, a cleaning, or anything in between, we are here to deliver best-in-class service. Our practice is professional, friendly, and accepts many commonly-held HSA cards.