Does Medicaid Cover My Child’s Dentist?

Medicaid typically covers most dental care for children – but finding a dentist who accepts Medicaid can pose a challenge.

Planning ahead is generally a good policy when it comes to healthcare, and oral healthcare is no exception. Prepare for upcoming routine care and unexpected dental emergencies by finding out what services are covered and which nearby dentists accept Medicaid before your child needs to see a dentist.

Are Your Children Covered by Medicaid?

If you’re not enrolled in Medicaid, but you think you might be eligible, visit the Healthcare.gov website and avail of their Medicaid and CHIP screening tool. You’ll answer a few short questions, and the screener tool will let you know if you may qualify. Note that the screening tool is not an application service, and the only way to confirm eligibility is to submit an official application.

Medicaid Dental Coverage

If your family has Medicaid, it’s essential you know which services are covered before you take your child to see a dentist. Medicaid covers a range of dental care services for children under 21, including:

• Screening: The dentist will need to assess your child’s oral health before recommending any sort of treatment.
• General care: Most types of care that are performed to stop pain caused by infection or restore damaged teeth are considered general care.
• Preventative care: Treatments like cleanings and fluoride treatments that prevent oral health issues are typically classified as preventative care.
• Emergency services: Urgent situations like bleeding, toothaches, or getting a tooth knocked out are covered by Medicaid. In the event of a true medical emergency, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.

How to Find a Dental Office That Accepts Your Medicaid Coverage

Kool Smiles Kids Club has partner dentists across the country who are committed to providing top-quality, affordable care for children. Kool Smiles’ partner dentists accept Medicaid, and they don’t limit the number of Medicaid patients they’ll see per day.

Our partners also welcome patients with TRICARE, CHIP (formerly SCHIP), and other major insurance plans. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, Kool Smiles’ partners accept cash, credit, debit, and CareCredit.