Tax Deductions for Dental Work

By Jill Feilmeier on April 9, 2015 in Clinic and Provider Tips

Flowers are blooming and so are your tax papers. As you rush to submit your taxes, slow down to ensure you get all of your entitled deductions.

 If you're itemizing your deductions, remember that dental expenses are treated like medical expenses. You can itemize medical and dental costs if they exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income (for most people). So, if you're itemizing a large hospital bill, include your root canals and crowns too.

According to the IRS, “prevention and alleviation of dental disease,” is included in medical deductions. 

What do you get to deduct?

• Preventive treatment: Standard dental procedures, like teeth cleanings, sealants, and fluoride.
• Treatment to alleviate dental disease: X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, crowns and root canals.
• Mileage to your dentist for you and/or your dependents

What can't you deduct?

• Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, cannot be deducted.

Check your medical/dental expense percentage before you deduct them. They must be 10% or greater for 2014 expenses. And remember – you can't double dip. If you used a Flex spending account, you can't claim that on your taxes.

While you may have deductions surrounding your dental costs, this article is not specific to your personal financial situation. Please seek professional advice based on your particular circumstance.