Quick answer: In Texas, children’s Medicaid and CHIP dental benefits run through a dental plan, either DentaQuest or MCNA Dental. Look up your plan on your member ID card, then use that plan’s “find a dentist” tool or call member services for a dentist near you. Texas Medicaid’s regular dental benefit is for people age 20 and younger, so most adults need other options, such as community health centers or dental school clinics.
Finding a dentist who takes Medicaid can feel like a phone marathon. Many offices don’t take it, and some that do are not booking new patients. This guide covers where to look first, who is covered, options for adults, and what to ask so you avoid a surprise bill.
In this guide
How to find a Medicaid dentist, step by step
Step 1: Find your dental plan name
Look at your child’s dental ID card. It will say DentaQuest or MCNA Dental. The card also lists the main dentist and member services number. If you are not sure which plan you have, call the Medicaid and CHIP enrollment line at 800-964-2777 or log in at YourTexasBenefits.com.
Step 2: Search your plan’s dentist directory
Use the directory for your plan only. DentaQuest members can use the DentaQuest Find a Dentist tool. MCNA members can use the MCNA provider locator or the MCNA Texas member site. Search by ZIP code and write down a few offices.
Step 3: Call member services if the list doesn’t work
Directories can be out of date. If offices say they are full, call your plan. DentaQuest Medicaid member services is 800-516-0165 and DentaQuest CHIP is 800-508-6775 (TTY 7-1-1). MCNA’s member number is on the back of the ID card. Ask them to find an office near you that is taking new patients. You can also call Texas Health Steps at 877-847-8377 for help finding a dentist for anyone age 20 or younger.
Step 4: Call the office and confirm before you book
Ask the office, in plain words, “Do you accept DentaQuest (or MCNA) Medicaid for this patient, and are you taking new patients?” Have the member ID ready. A directory listing is not a yes.
Step 5: Set up a ride if you need one
Medicaid members in health plans such as STAR, STAR Kids and STAR+PLUS can get help with rides to covered health care visits. Call your medical plan’s member services number and ask to schedule a ride to the dental visit. Book early. Plans set their own notice rules, and some ask for at least two business days.
Who is covered and what
| Program | Who it’s for | Dental coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s Medicaid (Texas Health Steps) | Medicaid members from birth through age 20 | Free dental checkups starting at 6 months. Exams, cleanings, fluoride and X-rays every six months. Fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions and other medically necessary care. No cosmetic care. |
| CHIP | Children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance | Exams, cleanings, fluoride, X-rays, fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions. Yearly dollar limit. Copays may apply for non-preventive visits. No braces through the dental plan. |
| Adults on Medicaid (age 21 and older) | Adult Medicaid members | No regular dental benefit. Limited exceptions for some STAR+PLUS waiver members and nursing facility residents. Some plans offer extra dental services. |
Children: Texas Health Steps and dental plans
Texas Health Steps is the name for checkups and care for Medicaid members from birth through age 20. Dental checkups are free and start at 6 months of age. Your child’s dental plan covers exams, cleanings and fluoride every six months, plus X-rays and treatment that is medically necessary.
First Dental Home for babies and toddlers
First Dental Home is a set of dental services for children ages 6 to 35 months. A visit includes a cavity risk check, a cleaning, fluoride varnish and tips for the parent. The dentist sets a recall schedule based on your child’s risk. Not every dentist is certified for it, so ask when you call.
Your child’s main dentist
Each child in a dental plan has a main dentist. If you did not choose one, the plan assigned one near your home. With DentaQuest, you can change the main dentist at any time through the secure member website. With either plan, you can call the number on your card to ask about changing.
CHIP dental
CHIP dental covers checkups, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions. Sedation and general anesthesia are handled by the medical plan, not the dental plan. Braces are not a CHIP dental benefit.
CHIP dental has a yearly benefit limit, so ask your plan how much coverage you have left before major work. Exams, X-rays, cleanings and sealants have no copay. Other visits may have a copay based on family income. Check your member handbook or call member services for your current limit and copay before major work.
Adults on Texas Medicaid
Texas HHS states that Medicaid dental services are only available to children, teens and young adults age 20 or younger. Most adults on Medicaid do not have a regular dental benefit. There are a few exceptions:
- STAR+PLUS waiver (HCBS) members. The STAR+PLUS handbook allows dental services such as emergency care, preventive care, injury treatment and dentures, when no other source of payment is available. The waiver sets a yearly dollar cap; ask your service coordinator for the current amount.
- Nursing facility residents. Medicaid nursing facility residents age 21 and older can get emergency dental services when the attending physician orders a dental consultation. Ask the facility staff.
- Extra (value-added) services. Some Medicaid health plans offer extra benefits, and these can include limited dental care for adults. They vary by plan and service area. Call your medical plan and ask what it offers this year.
If none of these apply, use the low-cost options below.
Low-cost options if you don’t qualify
Community health centers
Federally funded health centers provide medical and dental care to people of all ages, with or without insurance. Fees are on a sliding scale based on your ability to pay. Search the HRSA Find a Health Center tool by address, then call to confirm the location has a dental clinic.
Dental school clinics
Dental students treat patients under faculty supervision. Visits take longer, and fees are often lower. Texas options include the UT Health San Antonio student clinics, the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and the Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas. They are a long drive from West Texas, so call first about wait times.
2-1-1 Texas
Dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, or visit 211Texas.org. Ask for low-cost dental programs in your county.
For a sense of what visits cost when you pay yourself, see our guide to dentist visit costs in Texas without insurance.
Need a dentist in West Texas? Send a free request and we pass it to a participating local dentist. Ask whether they accept your plan.
What to ask when you call
- Do you accept my plan (DentaQuest or MCNA, Medicaid or CHIP) for this patient?
- Are you taking new patients with this plan? How soon is the first opening?
- Do you see children my child’s age? Do you offer First Dental Home visits?
- If my child needs sedation, do you handle it, or do you refer out?
- Will you tell me before doing anything my plan does not cover?
- For CHIP: will you tell me if a visit has a copay, or if we are close to the yearly limit?
Choosing an office for the long run? Our guide on how to choose a family dentist in Texas has more questions to ask.
Red flags, including surprise billing
- An office asks you to pay up front for a service your plan covers.
- Staff push cosmetic work you did not ask for.
- You are asked to sign a payment form without being told the cost or why it isn’t covered.
- Someone calls offering “free” dental work in exchange for your Medicaid ID number.
If you get a bill you think is wrong, call your dental plan’s member services before you pay it. Ask them to check the claim. You can also confirm a dentist’s license with our guide on how to check a dentist’s license in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas Medicaid cover dental for adults?
Not as a regular benefit. Texas HHS says Medicaid dental services are for people age 20 or younger. There are limited exceptions for some STAR+PLUS waiver members and nursing facility residents.
What dental plans handle Texas Medicaid and CHIP for kids?
DentaQuest and MCNA Dental. Your child’s ID card shows which one you have. You can ask about choosing or changing plans by calling 800-964-2777.
How often can my child see the dentist on Medicaid?
Exams, cleanings, fluoride and X-rays are covered every six months. Dental checkups start at 6 months of age.
Is there a yearly limit on CHIP dental?
Yes. CHIP dental has a yearly benefit limit. Confirm your current limit and copays with your plan before major treatment.
What if no dentist near me takes Medicaid?
Call your dental plan’s member services and ask them to find an office taking new patients. Texas Health Steps (877-847-8377) can also help.
Can Medicaid give us a ride to the dentist?
Medicaid members in health plans like STAR, STAR Kids and STAR+PLUS can get help with rides to covered health care visits. Call your medical plan’s member services well before the appointment to schedule.
Where can I get low-cost dental care if I don’t qualify?
Try a community health center with a dental clinic, which charges on a sliding scale based on ability to pay.
Looking for a dentist in your city?
We have local pages for Abilene, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Lubbock, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Waco and Tyler. Always ask the office whether it accepts your plan.
Benefits, limits, phone numbers and plan rules can change. Confirm current details with Texas HHS, your dental plan or your medical plan before your visit.