A Complete Guide to Finding Dentists That Accept Medicaid and Medicare

Understanding Your Dental Coverage
Before you search, you need to know what your insurance actually pays for. Medicare and Medicaid approach dental care very differently, and coverage depends heavily on where you live and which plan you have.
How Medicare Dental Coverage Works
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) generally does NOT cover routine dental care — no cleanings, fillings, extractions, or dentures. The only exception is when a dental procedure is medically necessary as part of a covered hospital stay, such as jaw reconstruction after an accident.
For routine dental coverage, you have two main options:
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) — Private insurers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer plans with built-in dental benefits. Coverage varies: some plans only cover preventive cleanings and exams, while others include fillings, extractions, and dentures.
Standalone Dental Insurance — If you stay on Original Medicare, you can buy a separate dental plan. Companies like Delta Dental, Spirit Dental, and Cigna offer individual policies specifically designed for seniors.
How Medicaid Dental Coverage Works
Medicaid dental coverage for adults is completely state-dependent. Here is how it differs across the country:
States with comprehensive adult dental Medicaid coverage (2026): New York, California, New Jersey, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and more. These states cover preventive, restorative, and major services like dentures and root canals.
States with limited adult coverage: Texas (emergency-only for most adults, though pregnant women get expanded benefits), Florida (limited to extractions and emergency services for most adults), Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and several others restrict adult dental to emergency or limited restorative care.
States with emergency-only coverage: A handful of states only cover tooth extractions when medically necessary for pain relief — no preventive care, no fillings, no dentures.
Important: ALL states must provide comprehensive dental benefits for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, regardless of adult coverage limits.
How to Find a Dentist That Accepts Medicaid Near You
Your approach must match your state, your plan administrator, and your specific dental needs. Below are the most effective methods, broken down by your situation.
If You Have a Managed Care Plan (most common)
Check the back of your insurance card for the member services phone number and website. Major Medicaid managed care organizations include Centene, Molina Healthcare, Anthem, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.
Log into your member portal and use the “Find a Dentist” or “Find a Provider” tool. Filter by “Dentist,” “General Dentistry,” or “Oral Surgery” and your zip code.
If your state uses a dental benefits administrator — such as DentaQuest (used in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and 30+ states) or Liberty Dental Plan (used in California, New York, and others) — visit their website directly and use their provider search.
Call the member services number and ask a representative to email you a list of dentists accepting new Medicaid patients within 10 miles of your address.
If You Have Fee-for-Service Medicaid
Visit your state’s official Medicaid website. For example: Texas (YourTexasBenefits.com), Florida (MyFLFamilies.com/Medicaid), California (dhcs.ca.gov), New York (health.ny.gov/medicaid).
Look for the “Find a Provider” or “Provider Directory” tool. Enter your county or city, select “Dentist” as the provider type, and review the list.
Call 2-1-1 — this free community referral hotline operates in all 50 states and can connect you with Medicaid dental clinics in your area.
For Children: Use InsureKidsNow.gov
The federal government maintains a centralized dentist locator at InsureKidsNow.gov. Enter your zip code to find pediatric dental providers accepting Medicaid and CHIP within your area. This tool is free and updated regularly.
How to Find a Medicare Dentist
If You Have a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
Go to your plan’s website (e.g., Humana.com, AetnaMedicare.com, UHCMedicare.com, Anthem.com) and log into your member portal.
Navigate to “Find a Dentist” or “Dental Provider Directory.” Enter your zip code and the procedure you need (cleaning, filling, dentures).
Check if your plan is an HMO or PPO: HMO plans require in-network dentists and often need a referral. PPO plans allow out-of-network dentists but at higher out-of-pocket costs.
Call the dentist’s office before booking to VERIFY they accept your specific plan — not just “Medicare” in general. Provider directories can be out of date.
If You Have Original Medicare (Part A + B only)
For medically necessary oral surgery covered by Original Medicare, use the provider search tool at Medicare.gov. Enter your location and search for “Oral Surgeon” or “Maxillofacial Surgeon” enrolled in Medicare. For routine dental care, Original Medicare does not cover it — you will need a standalone dental plan or to pay out of pocket.
Affordable Alternatives: Low-Cost Dental Care Options
If you cannot find a private dentist accepting your coverage, these alternatives provide quality care at significantly reduced costs. Many are available in major cities and rural areas across the United States.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
FQHCs are community-based clinics funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). They serve all patients regardless of insurance status and offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
Most FQHCs with dental services accept Medicaid and many offer reduced rates for Medicare patients. Examples include: Sun River Health (New York), Valley Community Healthcare (Los Angeles), CommUnityCare (Austin, TX), Jessie Trice Community Health (Miami, FL).
Find an FQHC near you: visit FindAHealthCenter.hrsa.gov and search by city, state, or zip code. Filter by “Dental Services” to see only clinics with dentists on-site.
Dental Schools — High-Quality Care at a Fraction of the Cost
NYU College of Dentistry (New York City) — one of the largest dental clinics in the US, accepts Medicaid and offers sliding-scale fees.
UCLA School of Dentistry (Los Angeles) — comprehensive care including dentures, implants, and specialty services at reduced rates.
University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Ann Arbor) — accepts Medicaid and offers evening clinics for working patients.
Texas A&M College of Dentistry (Dallas) — full range of affordable services, accepts most Medicaid managed care plans.
University of Florida College of Dentistry (Gainesville & Hialeah) — multiple locations, accepts Medicaid and offers payment plans.
Free and Low-Cost Dental Events
Mission of Mercy (MOM) — free two-day dental clinics held in multiple states each year, providing cleanings, fillings, and extractions at no cost.
Dentistry From The Heart — volunteer dentists provide free care at events nationwide; check their website for upcoming dates in your area.
Local health department dental clinics — many county health departments operate low-cost dental clinics for residents. Call your county health department directly.
Tips for Denture Seekers: Finding Dentists That Do Dentures with Medicaid
Dentures are among the most requested — and most confusing — Medicaid dental services. Here is what to know if you are specifically looking for dentists that make dentures and accept Medicaid:
Medicaid denture coverage is state-dependent. States like New York, California, Washington, and Illinois cover full or partial dentures for adults. States like Texas and Florida typically do not unless through a specific waiver program.
Ask the dental office specifically about their denture process: How many visits? How long between impressions and final fitting? Are adjustments included?
If your state Medicaid does not cover dentures, check: Does your Medicare Advantage plan include denture benefits? Some plans, like certain Humana and Aetna Medicare Advantage plans, offer up to $1,000-$1,500 annual dental allowances that include dentures.
FQHCs and dental schools (listed above) are excellent low-cost alternatives for dentures. Wait times may be longer, but costs are typically 50-70% lower than private practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist refuse to accept Medicaid or Medicare?
Yes. Dentists are private practice owners and can choose whether to participate in government insurance networks. This is why calling ahead to verify is essential.
Does Medicare cover dentures?
Original Medicare does not. Many Medicare Advantage plans do — check your plan’s Summary of Benefits for “prosthodontics” or “dentures” coverage limits. Standalone dental insurance from companies like Delta Dental also covers dentures, usually after a 6-12 month waiting period.
How do I find a dentist for a disabled adult on Medicaid?
Look for dental clinics that specialize in special-needs dentistry. Many FQHCs, dental schools, and hospital-based dental clinics are equipped to treat patients with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities. Ask your Medicaid plan’s care coordinator to refer you to a participating special-needs dentist in your network.
Start Your Search Today
Finding a dentist that accepts Medicaid and Medicare does not have to be a months-long ordeal. The key is using the right search tools — starting with your plan’s provider directory, then state resources, and finally community options if needed.
➤ Visit your insurance plan’s website right now and log into the member portal to search for dentists in your zip code.
➤ Call 2-1-1 or visit FindAHealthCenter.hrsa.gov to locate a nearby FQHC dental clinic — many offer same-week appointments for new patients.
➤ Download our free checklist: “5 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Medicaid/Medicare Dentist Appointment” to make sure you are fully covered before you sit in the chair.