Dentists That Accept Medicaid

If you seek cost-effective dental care, this article will give you all the necessary information.

The best way to cater to your oral health is to find dentists who accept Medicaid. With the right dental care, you can avoid issues like tooth loss, bad breath, oro-dental trauma, oral cancer, cold sores, etc.

Bad breath can usually result in cavities and gum disease. Lack of oral hygiene can cause a lack of confidence and low self-esteem. This is because people turn their heads the other way when you talk.

However, regular visits to the dentist will tackle these problems before they become complicated.

 

 

Finding Dentists That Accept Medicaid

State Medicaid website

A good place to find dentists that accept Medicaid is your state’s Medicaid. They usually have a list of approved dental service providers so you can easily register for these services. Check out the links below:

 

Contact your local Medicaid office

You can get in touch with your state Medicaid agency to see if you can apply for Medicaid. You can also find a Medicaid dental provider and get a Medicaid or CHIP replacement card. They can also provide other services like:

• Confirm Medicaid or CHIP claims.
• Get a Medicaid or CHIP replacement card.
• Find out your eligibility for Medicaid.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist

Inquire from your family doctor or your local pharmacist. It’s a good idea because members of the medical community are familiar with one another. Doctors and pharmacists are usually familiar with dentists in their local area, so a lot of times, you’ll get dentists who accept Medicaid through this strategy.

Search the Database for Your Chosen Dental Society

You can explore dentists that accept Medicaid through different associations like the AADSM, ADA, AGD, etc. Below are ways to find links to dentist searches at different associations:

• Find an AADSM Dentist
• Find an AGD Dentist
• Find an AAOSH Health Professional
• Find an IAOMT Dentist
• American Dental Association: Find a Dentist
• British Dental Association: Find a Member Practice
• Canadian Dental Association: Contact Your Provincial Dental Association
• Australian Dental Association Find a Dentist

Google It (Or Use a Dental Provider Review Site)

This may be overly simplistic, but checking out patient reviews will help you find a dental Medicaid service provider. Just begin by typing in “Dentists that accept Medicaid near me” and look through the top-rated reviews.

You can explore databases like ZocDoc, which prioritize patient reviews and also details about services provided by dentists. This way, you can see reviews (and basic details) more than what a simple Google search may offer.

Other methods include:

• Community Health Centers – Get in touch with your local health centers, as they usually have a list of cost-effective dentists who accept Medicaid.
• Consult Social Services – Local social service agencies can help provide details on dentists who accept Medicaid.
• Contact Customer Service: Talk to your Medicaid customer service representative for assistance in getting to a dentist.

 

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a program authorized by the federal and state governments. It caters to medical expenses with inadequate resources and income. Medicaid covers the cost of health care for families and individuals who do not receive enough income.

 

Does Medicaid cover dental care for adults?

Medicaid dental coverage for adults is not mandatory and differs on a state-by-state basis. There is no minimum cost for dental benefits for adults who use Medicare. However, 49 states and Washington, D.C. currently offer some level of dental coverage for adult recipients.

Note that Medicaid will not cater for your expenses if your dental procedure is seen as cosmetic or experimental. For dental care coverage, it has to be preventive or considered important for oral health. It’s crucial to check with your state Medicaid office to find out if the services are covered and if there are restrictions you need to be sure of.

 

Extensive coverage

Over 25 states, including Washington, D.C., provide a wide range of adult dental care. A report by the American Dental Association shows that comprehensive care covers more than 100 preventive and diagnostic processes. This comprises minor and major services with expenses of $1,000 for each person. The following states provide comprehensive adult dental coverage through Medicaid:

• Alaska

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Hawaii

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Iowa

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Montana

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York

• North Carolina

• North Dakota

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

• Oregon

• Rhode Island

• South Dakota

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington, D.C.

• Washington state

• West Virginia

• Wisconsin

Limited coverage

There are over 10 states that provide limited adult dental coverage. This implies that Medicaid caters to at least a hundred services. This includes regular check-ups, polishing, bonding and other simple dental procedures. The benefit is worth up to $1,000 each year. States with limited coverage include:

• Arkansas

• Delaware

• Florida

• Indiana

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Minnesota

• Mississippi

• Missouri

• Nebraska

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• Wyoming

Emergency coverage

Some states provide emergency-only oral health care for adults on Medicaid. This implies they cater only to urgent dental situations, like disease management or treatment of serious tooth pain. These states comprise of:

• Arizona

• Georgia

• Nevada (prior authorization may be required)

• Texas

• Utah

Usually, people over 21 are eligible for emergency dental services in a lot of states. Currently, states like Texas and Utah offer dental services for adults when pregnant. As of 2024, Alabama offers dental coverage to Medicaid recipients who are above the age of 21 while pregnant or in postpartum. They just have to ensure that the services are offered by dentists that accept Medicaid.

We recommend that you review the program in your state to find out which adult dental services Medicaid caters to.

 

Does Medicaid cover dental care for children?

Yes, it is federal law. All states are mandated to offer dental services to kids and young adults below the age of 21. This comprises individuals who are registered in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This dental benefit is an aspect of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) policy. The mission of this policy is to diagnose issues early and ensure timely treatment. All states must add EPSDT to their Medicaid program.

This means that all dental coverage for children needs to add treatments that revolve around:

• Maintaining dental health

• Relieving pain and infections

• Restoring teeth

• Treating emergency conditions

Furthermore, Medicaid dental benefits for children can cater to preventative services such as:

• Checkups

• Cleanings

• Flouride treatments

• Sealants

•  X-rays

Other Medicaid benefits for children can comprise restorative services such as:

• Crowns
• Emergency procedures
• Fillings
• Oral surgery
• Root canals

When an issue is diagnosed in the process of dental screening, states have to offer appropriate treatment for it. Medicaid also mandates regular visits to the dentist.

Do all states provide dental coverage?

Yes. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., offer some level of dental services via Medicaid. Usually, individuals below the age of 21 will enjoy comprehensive dental benefits in every state. However, individual states will choose the level of dental care, if any, they will provide to adults enrolled in Medicaid.

How to use Medicaid for dental care

Here are the steps to access dental care through Medicaid:

• Review your state’s Medicaid website to find out about coverage for dental services.

• Look for a dentist that accepts Medicaid. The next step is to refer to your Medicaid plan or access the Medicaid website.

• Book an appointment with a dental service provider.

• Bring along your Medicaid ID card and any other necessary paperwork helpful for your appointment.

• Your dentist will offer services, and Medicaid will offer coverage for your dental expenses.