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Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Montana

Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Montana

Last updated: September 2025

If you are a mom trying to solve a dental problem today, this guide gives you clear next steps, phone numbers, and real Montana contacts you can use right now. You will find emergency options, low-cost clinics, Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids coverage details, and practical backup plans for when things don’t go smoothly. For official rules and current openings, always confirm with the agency or clinic before you go.


If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How to Get Emergency Dental Care in Montana Today

When you’re in pain, the fastest route is a walk‑in or same‑day clinic. Many Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Montana reserve early morning slots for urgent dental issues like swelling, infection, or a broken tooth. Check walk‑in hours, arrive before doors open, bring a photo ID and any insurance card, and plan to wait. Start with Partnership Health Center Dental in Missoula for posted urgent sign‑up times, RiverStone Health Dental in Billings for walk‑ins, and PureView Health Center Dental in Helena for walk‑in windows. (partnershiphealthcenter.org)

Billings moms can use RiverStone Health Dental’s first‑come, first‑served emergency walk‑in clinic most Monday, Thursday, and Friday mornings; Missoula moms can line up for same‑day urgent care sign‑ups at the PHC Dental main clinic; Helena moms can use PureView Downtown walk‑in dental hours on weekday mornings. Confirm the day’s schedule before you go, then call the dental line at your site. Use RiverStone urgent & same‑day care page, PHC Dental urgent care instructions, and PureView walk‑in info. (riverstonehealth.org)

Great Falls moms can go to Alluvion Health Dental; walk‑in dental care is typically available Monday–Friday in the early morning. Kalispell moms can call Greater Valley Health Center for dental openings in Kalispell and Hungry Horse, and Butte or Dillon moms can call Southwest Montana Community Health Center Dental for urgent slots. See Alluvion Dental, Greater Valley Health Center – Locations & Hours, and Southwest MT Community Health Center Dental. (alluvionhealth.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use Montana 2‑1‑1 to find a free or faith‑based dental night near you, try Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic in Whitefish for limited free urgent dental, and call the DPHHS Member Help Line if you need help updating Medicaid/HMK coverage or finding an enrolled dentist. (montana211.org)

Does Montana Medicaid Cover Adult Dental Work in 2025?

Montana Medicaid covers medically necessary dental care, with an annual adult treatment cap of 1,125formostadultsage21+,whilepreventive,diagnostic,dentures,andanesthesiadonotcountagainstthecap.Childrentoage20andadultseligibleasAged/Blind/Disabledarenotsubjecttothis1,125 for most adults age 21+, while preventive, diagnostic, dentures, and anesthesia do not count against the cap. Children to age 20 and adults eligible as Aged/Blind/Disabled are not subject to this 1,125 limit, and routine cleanings are allowed twice yearly for adults. See the state’s official dental benefits page for coverage and non‑covered items, including rules for dentures and limits on crowns and bridges, and always verify prior authorization needs with your dentist. Start with DPHHS Dental Benefits, check DPHHS Member Guide for details, and call the Dental Program at 1-406-444-3182 if you have a policy question listed under DPHHS HRD Contact – Dental Program. (dphhs.mt.gov)

If you’re pregnant or postpartum, Montana provides 12 months of continuous coverage when enrolled in Medicaid or HMK, which helps you keep dental access during and after pregnancy; you must notify the Office of Public Assistance of pregnancy or postpartum changes to get the extension. Apply or report changes at apply.mt.gov, call the Public Assistance Help Line, and verify Passport referral rules before specialty visits. See DPHHS Member Services announcement, contact the Public Assistance Help Line at 1-888-706-1535, and review Passport to Health information. (dphhs.mt.gov)

How to apply: You can apply online, by phone, or in person, and typical processing is about 15 business days after Marketplace forwarding in normal times, but it can legally take up to 45 days and may be longer during high volumes. Create an account to track status, respond quickly to verification letters, and call if you hit six weeks without a notice. Use apply.mt.gov, call the Public Assistance Help Line, and see DPHHS’s Health Coverage FAQ for timelines. (dphhs.mt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a navigator at Cover Montana for free enrollment help, call the DPHHS Member Help Line to check your case, and use the Office of Public Assistance list to visit your local office if mail was returned or your case needs documents. (covermt.org)

How Much Dental Care Does Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Cover This Year?

HMK (Montana’s CHIP/children’s Medicaid) includes a statewide Dental Plan that provides up to 1,900perchildperbenefityear(July1–June30),withnocopaysuntilyouhitthecap;dentalimplantshaveaseparate1,900 per child per benefit year (July 1–June 30), with no copays until you hit the cap; dental implants have a separate 1,500 lifetime limit but count toward the $1,900. Orthodontics is not covered except for craniofacial or cleft conditions handled under medical with prior approval. Verify costs before treatment and track the year-to-date total at each visit. Read HMK Dental Plan, see policy details in the HMK/CHIP Dental Manual, and call 1-800-362-8312 with benefit questions. (dphhs.mt.gov)

To find a dentist for HMK kids, start with the state provider directory and the InsureKidsNow dentist locator, and ask your FQHC about openings for children. If you cannot find local availability, ask for help from your child’s pediatric clinic or school‑based sealant programs to get on waitlists. Use HMK Dental provider search, the InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator, and DPHHS Oral Health – Community Dental Services. (insurekidsnow.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the HMK hotline at 1-877-543-7669 to ask for help finding a dentist accepting new HMK patients, check your nearest FQHC’s dental clinic, and ask your school nurse about local Sealants for Smiles visits that can help with prevention and referrals. See DPHHS Hotlines – HMK, Montana Primary Care Association – Health Centers, and Sealants for Smiles overview. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Quick Program Snapshot (Coverage, Limits, How to Apply)

Program Who it’s for Dental benefits and limits How to apply Key contacts
Montana Medicaid – Adults Low‑income adults; pregnancy/postpartum; other groups Most necessary care; $1,125 adult annual treatment cap; preventive/diagnostic/dentures/anesthesia not counted; limits apply Apply at apply.mt.gov or at your OPA office Member Help Line 1-800-362-8312; Transportation 1-800-292-7114 (dphhs.mt.gov)
HMK Dental Plan Children up to 19 (Medicaid/CHIP) Up to 1,900/year;nocopaysuntillimit;1,900/year; no copays until limit; 1,500 lifetime implant cap; no routine braces Apply at apply.mt.gov; call 1-877-KIDS‑NOW Member Help Line 1-800-362-8312; BCBSMT medical 1-855-258-3489 (dphhs.mt.gov)
FQHC Dental Clinics All income levels; sliding fees for uninsured Exams, x‑rays, fillings, extractions; urgent walk‑ins in many sites Call clinic; bring proof of income for discounts See clinics below; use HRSA Find a Health Center (mtpca.org)
Medicaid Transportation Medicaid/HMK Plus members Mileage, meals, lodging with prior approval Request PA before travel 1-800-292-7114; Mountain‑Pacific portal (dphhs.mt.gov)
Donated Dental Services (DDS) Adults with disabilities, age 65+, or medically fragile Free comprehensive care by volunteers; not for emergencies Apply and join waitlist DDS Montana 1-406-449-9670; MDA DDS info (dentallifeline.org)

Where Can I Get Affordable Dental Care Near Me in Montana?

FQHC dental clinics provide care regardless of insurance status and offer sliding‑fee discounts based on household income. These clinics accept Medicaid and HMK, and many set aside daily walk‑in slots for urgent care; always call ahead to confirm hours. Use Montana Primary Care Association’s directory, HRSA’s Find a Health Center, and your local OPA’s contact page to coordinate coverage and transportation. (mtpca.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Montana 2‑1‑1 to find free dental nights or church‑based help, check the Montana Dental Association low‑income clinic list, and ask your child’s school about Sealants for Smiles events. (montanadental.org)

Expected Costs at Sliding‑Fee Clinics (Estimates)

Service Typical sliding‑fee range Notes and where to confirm
Exam + X‑rays 0–0–60 Ask your FQHC’s sliding scale policy; see MTPCA clinic directory and specific clinic pages. (mtpca.org)
Simple extraction 40–40–150 Medicaid/HMK generally covered if medically necessary; check DPHHS Dental benefits. (dphhs.mt.gov)
Filling (one surface) 40–40–120 Price varies by material/tooth; confirm before care at your clinic’s site (PHC, RiverStone, etc.). See PHC Dental and RiverStone Dental. (partnershiphealthcenter.org)
Prophylaxis cleaning (adult) 35–35–60 Consider student clinic rates below; see Great Falls College Dental Clinic. (gfcmsu.edu)
Denture (per arch) Call Medicaid dentures excluded from the $1,125 cap but have replacement rules; check DPHHS Dental page. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Prices vary by clinic, materials, and income level; always request a treatment plan in writing before procedures.

Student Dental Hygiene Clinics — Lowest‑Cost Cleanings

If you only need exams, cleanings, x‑rays, sealants, or fluoride, the student clinic at Great Falls College MSU offers very low prices to the public. Plan for longer appointment times because students work under faculty supervision, but you’ll save. Call the clinic at 1-406-268-3726, see the current fee sheet, and ask about availability when semesters are in session. Use Great Falls College Dental Clinic, read clinic overview, and check local news updates like KRTV coverage for seasonal openings. (gfcmsu.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your nearest FQHC about “prophy‑only” openings, call Montana 2‑1‑1, or check the Montana Dental Association community clinics list for volunteer hygiene days. (montana211.org)

Transportation, Mileage, Meals, and Lodging for Dental Appointments

If travel costs keep you from care, Medicaid and HMK Plus members may get reimbursement for rides you drive yourself, public transport, or specialized non‑emergency transport—plus meals and lodging when an overnight stay is required. You must get prior authorization from the Medicaid Transportation Center before you travel, and you need to keep receipts and appointment proof. Read the rules on DPHHS Transportation, contact Mountain‑Pacific Transportation Management, and keep the hotline 1-800-292-7114 handy. (dphhs.mt.gov)

If your clinic is far, ask the scheduler to fax or upload your appointment verification to Mountain‑Pacific, and submit your request in the portal if you’re driving. If you miss prior authorization, Medicaid will not pay later, so call before you go. Use DPHHS Utilization Review contacts, confirm trip types that qualify, and ask your clinic’s social worker for help. (medicaidprovider.mt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your FQHC about donated gas cards from local charity partners, dial Montana 2‑1‑1 for faith‑based help, and see DPHHS Hotlines for back‑up contacts if prior authorization is denied. (montana211.org)

How to Find a Dentist Who Takes Medicaid or HMK

Your fastest tools are the state’s Optum provider search and the national InsureKidsNow locator for kids’ dentists. Call the office to confirm they still accept new Medicaid or HMK patients and ask for the next open new‑patient slot. Use the Optum provider portal, InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator, and ask DPHHS Member Services for help if you hit closed panels. (dphhs.mt.gov)

If you live rural or on the Hi‑Line, be open to traveling to an FQHC with walk‑ins and use transportation assistance to offset costs. Try Alluvion Dental in Great Falls, PHC Dental in Missoula, and RiverStone Dental in Billings when local private offices are full. (alluvionhealth.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact Cover Montana for navigator help, ask your local OPA office to confirm your eligibility is active, and try Montana 2‑1‑1 for a list of safety‑net clinics in your county. (covermt.org)

Application Steps (Montana Medicaid and HMK)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your application is past 45 days without a decision, request a fair hearing, and keep using urgent‑care clinics for emergencies in the meantime. Read Montana OAH fair hearing info, see MontanaLawHelp Fair Hearings FAQ, and contact Montana Legal Services Association at 1-800-666-6899 if you need legal help. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Required Documents (Bring Copies)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask OPA for a same‑day document scan and a receipt, upload missing items via apply.mt.gov, and call DPHHS Member Services to confirm items posted to your case. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Typical Wait Times (Reality Check)

Step What to expect Notes and references
Application received in MT system About 15 business days from Marketplace forwarding Can be faster or slower; see DPHHS FAQ. (dphhs.mt.gov)
Eligibility decision Up to 45 days by federal rule Some months take longer; follow up at 6 weeks; see DPHHS FAQ and reporting by MTPR. (dphhs.mt.gov)
HMK dental availability Varies by town Plan for waitlists and use urgent walk‑in clinics; see HMK Dental and PHC/RiverStone walk‑ins. (dphhs.mt.gov)
Transportation authorization Before every trip Call 1-800-292-7114; read DPHHS Transportation. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Tribal and Indian Health Service (IHS) Dental Options

If you are American Indian or Alaska Native, you may use IHS or tribal dental clinics, and PRC (Purchased/Referred Care) may help with specialty care when approved. Contact your local service unit to learn eligibility and referral steps, and bring your tribal ID and address updates. Start with IHS Billings Area – Northern Cheyenne Service Unit, IHS Billings Area – Fort Peck Service Unit, and IHS Billings Area – Fort Belknap Service Unit. (ihs.gov)

On the Flathead Reservation, contact CSKT Tribal Health for dental services and eligibility; on Blackfeet lands, check Blackfeet Service Unit and Blackfeet Tribal Health for clinic access and referrals. Always ask how Medicaid/HMK coordinates with tribal care and PRC rules. (cskthealth.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Montana 2‑1‑1 for nearby FQHC dental clinics, use DPHHS Transportation for travel help, and ask at your tribal clinic about regional dental events or mobile clinics. (montana211.org)

Veterans’ Dental Options

Some veterans qualify for free VA dental care based on benefit class; others can buy reduced‑cost dental insurance through VADIP. If you think you may qualify—such as Class I (service‑connected dental condition), Class IV (100% service‑connected), or within 180 days of discharge (Class II)—check your class and contact your nearest VA site. See VA Dental Care Overview, VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), and VA Montana Health Care Locations. (va.gov)

If you do not qualify for VA dental, use FQHC dental clinics with sliding fees and ask about payment plans for crowns or dentures; you can still use VA for medical and mental health care. Try PHC Dental, RiverStone Dental, and Alluvion Dental to compare wait times. (partnershiphealthcenter.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask VA social work for dental referrals, check Montana 2‑1‑1 for local programs, and look at Dental Lifeline Network’s DDS if you meet disability or medical hardship criteria. (montana211.org)

Donated and Free Dental Care (When Money Is Zero)

If you cannot afford care and have a permanent disability, are medically fragile, or are age 65+, apply for the Donated Dental Services program (DDS). DDS arranges free, comprehensive treatment with volunteer dentists; it is not an emergency program, and wait times can be long. Apply via Dental Lifeline Network – Montana DDS, review qualification details at the Montana Dental Association, and call the Montana DDS coordinator at 1-406-449-9670 to check county status. (dentallifeline.org)

Some communities host free or faith‑based dental nights or mobile events. In the Flathead, Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic offers limited dental for low‑income residents on set evenings; in Billings, St. Vincent de Paul may have emergency support referrals; use Montana 2‑1‑1 to find local options. Always arrive early and bring ID. (shepherdshand.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your FQHC about hardship vouchers, talk to school nurses about Sealants for Smiles prevention events, and re‑check Montana 2‑1‑1 for pop‑up clinics. (healthinfo.montana.edu)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality Check

Funding, staffing, and local provider capacity can cause slower approvals and longer waitlists, especially in rural counties. Recent reporting shows Montana sometimes falls behind the federal 45‑day standard, so build in extra time and follow up at the six‑week mark. Track your case online, and use walk‑in clinics for urgent needs while you wait. See DPHHS Health Coverage FAQ for timelines, monitor Member Services updates, and note coverage delay data discussed by MTPR. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need Who to call Links
Eligibility, case changes 1-888-706-1535 (Public Assistance Help Line) Offices of Public Assistance, apply.mt.gov, Member Services (dphhs.mt.gov)
Benefits and providers 1-800-362-8312 (Member Help Line) Dental benefits overview, Optum provider search, InsureKidsNow dentist locator (dphhs.mt.gov)
Rides and reimbursements 1-800-292-7114 (Transportation Center) DPHHS Transportation, Mountain‑Pacific, DPHHS hotlines (dphhs.mt.gov)
Urgent walk‑ins (examples) PHC Dental 1-406-258-4185; RiverStone Dental 1-406-247-3333 PHC Dental, RiverStone Dental, PureView Dental (partnershiphealthcenter.org)
Free/Donated care DDS 1-406-449-9670 Dental Lifeline Network – Montana, MDA DDS info, Montana 2‑1‑1 (dentallifeline.org)

Application Checklist (Printable)

Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

Diverse Communities and Inclusive Access

Resources by Region (Examples and Contacts)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school counselor or Head Start about local dental partnerships, re‑check the MDA community dental clinic list, and call DPHHS Oral Health Program for statewide resources. (montanadental.org)

County‑Specific Variations You Should Expect

  • Clinic capacity differs: Some counties have multiple FQHCs and urgent walk‑ins; others rely on regional travel. Use MTPCA’s map, ask about sliding fees at your nearest site, and get travel pre‑approval through DPHHS Transportation. (mtpca.org)
  • OPA processing speed varies: During peak times, applications can exceed 45 days; follow up at six weeks and consider a fair hearing if deadlines pass. Review DPHHS Health Coverage FAQ, keep Member Services handy, and seek legal guidance via MLSA if needed. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  • Tribal PRC rules differ: PRC approval processes vary by service unit; confirm how referrals work where you live. Start with your specific IHS service unit like Northern Cheyenne or Fort Peck and ask how Medicaid/HMK coordinates with PRC. (ihs.gov)

How to Stop a Dental Bill From Going to Collections in Montana

Call the clinic billing office right away and ask for an income‑based payment plan or a financial hardship review, especially at FQHCs. Keep records of every call, request itemized bills, and ask about charity care or discounts if your income changed. Use PHC Dental billing contacts, RiverStone Health – for patients, and your clinic’s sliding‑fee info via MTPCA. (partnershiphealthcenter.org)

If insurance denies a claim, appeal in writing and ask your dentist to resubmit with correct codes; for Medicaid/HMK disputes, request a fair hearing before your deadline. Read DPHHS OAH procedures, use MontanaLawHelp fair hearing FAQ, and contact MLSA if you need representation. (dphhs.mt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Montana 2‑1‑1 for budgeting classes or debt counseling referrals, ask your clinic social worker about DPHHS Transportation help for future visits, and use Cover Montana to ensure you have the best coverage in place going forward. (montana211.org)

FAQs

  1. How fast can I be seen for a dental emergency in Missoula or Billings: Most FQHC dental clinics open sign‑ups early in the morning for urgent slots; arrive before doors open and bring ID. Check PHC Dental urgent instructions, confirm RiverStone Dental walk‑ins, and use HRSA Find a Health Center for backups. (partnershiphealthcenter.org)
  2. Does adult Medicaid cover crowns or bridges: Many crowns/bridges are not covered for adults 21+, and adult treatment services have a $1,125 yearly cap; preventive and dentures do not count toward that cap. Read DPHHS Dental benefits, and ask your dentist to check codes before work starts. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  3. How much dental does HMK cover for my child in 2025: HMK’s Dental Plan covers up to 1,900perbenefityear(July1–June30),withnocopaysuntilyouhitthecap;dentalimplantshavea1,900 per benefit year (July 1–June 30), with no copays until you hit the cap; dental implants have a 1,500 lifetime limit inside that cap. See HMK Dental Plan and the HMK/CHIP Dental Manual. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  4. I can’t find a dentist who takes HMK—what now: Use the InsureKidsNow locator and the state’s Optum provider search, then call nearby FQHC dental clinics for openings. Try InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator, the Optum provider search, and MTPCA’s clinic map. (insurekidsnow.gov)
  5. Can Medicaid pay for gas and a hotel if I drive three hours: Yes—if you get prior authorization. Call 1-800-292-7114 before you go to request mileage, meals, and lodging as needed. See DPHHS Transportation and Mountain‑Pacific’s portal. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  6. What if my Medicaid or HMK case is delayed beyond 45 days: Follow up at six weeks and consider requesting a fair hearing if it’s past the deadline. See DPHHS Health Coverage FAQ and OAH hearing info, and get legal help at MLSA if needed. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  7. Are there free dental clinics in Montana: Yes, but availability is limited and often targeted to specific groups or events. Try Dental Lifeline Network – DDS, Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic, and Montana 2‑1‑1 for local events. (dentallifeline.org)
  8. Does Medicaid cover dental during pregnancy: Standard Medicaid covers dental when medically necessary; Montana also provides 12 months of continuous postpartum coverage for women enrolled in Medicaid/HMK. See DPHHS Member Services announcement and DPHHS Dental page. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  9. Where can MSU or Gallatin College student moms get low‑cost cleanings: Ask your student health services for options and consider the Great Falls College Dental Hygiene clinic for low‑cost cleanings and x‑rays. See Great Falls College Dental Clinic, and note MSU Student Health’s dental services apply to enrolled students only. MSU Student Health – cost info. (gfcmsu.edu)
  10. Who can help me fill out forms if English is not my first language or I need large print: Request free language assistance or alternative formats from DPHHS, and use Montana Relay by dialing 711 for TTY/Captioned calls. See DPHHS Language Assistance, Montana Relay, and FCC TRS overview. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Spanish Summary | Resumen en Español

Esta guía ofrece opciones de atención dental de bajo costo y de emergencia en Montana, incluyendo clínicas con cupos sin cita, cobertura de Medicaid y Healthy Montana Kids (HMK), y ayuda para transporte. Para emergencias dentales, intente con horarios sin cita en Partnership Health Center – Dental en Missoula, RiverStone Health – Dental en Billings, PureView Health Center – información de contacto en Helena, y Alluvion Health – Dental en Great Falls. Para cobertura y beneficios, consulte DPHHS Member Services, el programa dental de HMK, y el buscador de dentistas que aceptan Medicaid/CHIP. Para ayuda de transporte, llame al 1-800-292-7114 y vea Transporte de Medicaid DPHHS. Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA; verifique siempre con las fuentes oficiales.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review January 2026.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is general information, not legal, medical, or benefits advice. Program rules, clinic hours, and funding change. Always confirm current availability, benefit limits, and referral rules directly with the program or clinic. For emergencies, call 9‑1‑1.

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