Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Virginia and need dental care, start with Medicaid/FAMIS if you may qualify, then check free clinics, community health centers, dental school clinics, and local nonprofit dental programs. Virginia Medicaid dental coverage is called Cardinal Care Smiles. It is managed by DentaQuest and covers dental care for adults and children who qualify for Medicaid or FAMIS.
If you already have Medicaid, do not wait for a referral from your doctor. Use the DMAS adult dental page or the DentaQuest dentist search to find a dentist that takes Cardinal Care Smiles. You can also call DentaQuest at 1-888-912-3456.
If you are not on Medicaid, apply through Cover Virginia or CommonHelp. While you wait, look for sliding-fee or free dental care through the VHCF dental search, the free clinic finder, and 211 Virginia.
Urgent dental help
If you have face or neck swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, heavy bleeding, a high fever, or an injury to your jaw or face, seek urgent medical care right away. A dental infection can become serious. A dentist can treat the tooth, but an emergency room may be needed if symptoms point to a wider infection or injury.
If you have severe tooth pain but no life-threatening symptoms, call a dentist, DentaQuest, a community clinic, or a dental school clinic as early in the day as possible. In Richmond, VCU urgent care offers walk-in evaluation for new patients with acute dental pain or possible dental infection. VCU says no appointment is needed, but same-day treatment is not guaranteed and fees can apply.
Where to start
The best first step depends on your coverage and how urgent the problem is.
If you have Medicaid
Call DentaQuest at 1-888-912-3456 and ask for the closest dentist that accepts Cardinal Care Smiles. Ask if the office takes new adult patients, children, or pregnant members.
If you need Medicaid
Apply through Cover Virginia or CommonHelp. If you need help with more than health coverage, CommonHelp can also screen for SNAP and other benefits.
If you cannot wait
Call a clinic and ask for urgent dental triage, not a routine cleaning. Ask whether they can see you for pain, swelling, infection, extraction, or a broken tooth.
If rides are hard
Medicaid may cover non-emergency medical transportation when you do not have another way to get to covered care. Start with the number on your health plan card.
For broader benefit help in the state, keep the Virginia assistance guide open while you work through dental, food, health, child care, and transportation needs.
Quick help table
| Your situation | Best first step | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| You have Medicaid | Call DentaQuest or use the dentist search | Ask for a dentist taking new Cardinal Care Smiles patients | Some offices may be full, so ask for a cancellation list |
| You are uninsured | Use VHCF, free clinic, and HRSA tools | Ask for sliding-fee dental intake | Free clinics set their own rules and may have waitlists |
| Your child needs care | Check Medicaid/FAMIS and local pediatric dental clinics | Ask for a child dental home and any school dental program | Bring the child’s insurance card and school or medical forms |
| You are pregnant | Apply for pregnancy coverage or confirm current benefits | Ask which dental services are covered during pregnancy | Tell the dental office you are pregnant when you call |
| You need a ride | Use Medicaid ride contacts or call 211 | Ask for round-trip dental transportation | Rides usually must be booked ahead |
Virginia Medicaid dental coverage
Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS dental coverage is called Cardinal Care Smiles. DMAS says the program is for adults and children and is managed by DentaQuest. Covered adult services include exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum-related treatment, dentures, extractions, and other oral surgery. Covered services can change by medical need and plan rules, so always ask before treatment starts.
If you have Medicaid, bring your Medicaid card and any managed care plan card to the appointment. The Cardinal Care Smiles flyer says there are no costs or co-payments for covered dental care services in the program. Still, ask the office before the visit if the service is covered, if a prior approval is needed, and whether there is any charge for missed appointments or noncovered work.
If you are not enrolled, use Cover Virginia contact to ask about Medicaid and FAMIS. The Cover Virginia application page lists the items to gather, including full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers for people applying, immigration document numbers when needed, income details, and information about other health insurance.
Need more background before applying? The ASMOM guides on Medicaid for moms, Medicaid dental guide, and Virginia health help can help you sort out the bigger picture.
How to apply
- Apply online at Cover Virginia, CommonHelp, or the Virginia Marketplace.
- Apply by phone through Cover Virginia if online forms are hard.
- Drop off a paper application at your local Department of Social Services office.
- Send missing proof quickly if you get a letter asking for more information.
If you are asked for proof, Cover Virginia allows documents to be sent online, by email, by mail, by fax, or in person at a local social services office. Keep screenshots, fax receipts, or copies of anything you send.
If you are uninsured or Medicaid is pending
Do not wait for pain to become an emergency. If you are uninsured, ask for a sliding-fee exam or urgent dental appointment. Good starting points include the VHCF dental care search, the VAFCC clinic locator, and the federal HRSA locator. These tools can help you find clinics that serve uninsured patients, Medicaid patients, children, or adults.
Free and charitable clinics are not all the same. The VAFCC finder says clinics set their own eligibility rules and should be contacted directly. Some clinics focus on adults without insurance. Some serve only certain counties. Some have dental care on-site, while others refer you to a partner dentist.
If you lost health insurance or do not qualify for Medicaid, check Virginia Marketplace. The Marketplace may offer financial savings for health plans and can connect you with free enrollment help. Dental coverage through private plans can have waiting periods, yearly limits, networks, and separate costs, so compare carefully.
For a broader list of dental options and payment paths, see ASMOM’s dental help guide. If dental pain is happening along with rent, food, utility, or safety problems, also check emergency help in Virginia.
Dental care for children and pregnant mothers
Children may qualify for Medicaid or FAMIS even when a parent does not. Pregnant people may also have different coverage paths. Cover Virginia has information on coverage for children, pregnant people, adults, and some noncitizens. If you are unsure, apply or ask Cover Virginia rather than guessing.
The VDH oral health program focuses on prevention, education, dental sealants, fluoride varnish, and access to care. VDH also offers a VDH dental directory for young children, people with disabilities, and people with chronic conditions. This can be useful if a child is under 3 or someone in the household has special health care needs.
Ask your child’s school, Head Start program, pediatrician, WIC office, or local health center whether there are school dental screenings, fluoride varnish, sealants, or mobile dental visits. For nutrition support that may connect you with health referrals, use Virginia WIC and Virginia SNAP resources.
If you recently had a baby or are still in postpartum care, also review postpartum support. Dental pain after pregnancy can still affect work, sleep, eating, and child care routines.
Local dental options in Virginia
Virginia is a large state, and dental access can look very different in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Southwest Virginia, and the Eastern Shore. Use statewide finders first, then call local clinics directly.
| Area | Places to check | Ask this |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia | Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, community health centers, county referrals | Ask if you need a referral, proof of income, or county residency |
| Richmond/Central Virginia | VCU Dental Care, Daily Planet Dental, local health centers | Ask whether the visit is urgent care, sliding-fee care, or student clinic care |
| Hampton Roads | Community clinics, free clinics, dental school referral options, 211 | Ask who is accepting new uninsured adults this month |
| Southwest Virginia | Health centers, mobile clinics, and MOM clinics | Ask about event dates, arrival rules, and whether dentures are offered |
| Eastern Shore | Eastern Shore locations and school dental sites | Ask which sites offer dental care and which serve children |
Missions of Mercy clinics and similar events can help many people, but they are not a full replacement for a regular dentist. Dates, locations, and services can change. Call or check the official event page before you drive.
The Virginia Dental Association Foundation also has a Donated Dental Services program. Its DDS application page says waiting lists are closed in many areas, with some applications accepted in select areas or for certain exceptional medical conditions. Treat this as a possible backup, not a fast fix.
What to bring or keep ready
A little paperwork can save you a second trip. Put photos of documents on your phone and keep paper copies if you can.
| Item | Why it helps | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Confirms who is being seen | Ask the clinic what it accepts if your ID is expired |
| Proof of address | Some clinics serve certain cities or counties | Use a lease, utility bill, school letter, or benefits letter if accepted |
| Income proof | Used for Medicaid and sliding fees | Bring pay stubs, benefit letters, or a work statement |
| Insurance cards | Shows Medicaid, FAMIS, or private coverage | Bring both Medicaid and managed care cards if you have them |
| Medicine list | Helps the dentist plan safe care | Include allergies and pregnancy status if relevant |
| Dental records | May avoid repeat X-rays | Ask your last dentist to send records before the visit |
Rides, child care, and time off
Dental care often falls apart because of transportation, child care, or work schedules. If you have Medicaid, DMAS says transportation is covered when you have no other way to get to a Medicaid service. The Medicaid rides page says managed care members should use their plan, while fee-for-service transportation is handled by ModivCare.
If you are uninsured, ask the clinic, 211, a church pantry, or a community action agency about bus passes, gas cards, or volunteer rides. If you need care for your child while you go to an appointment, start with child care help. For broader local support, check community support.
When you book, ask whether the clinic has early morning, evening, school-break, or same-day cancellation slots. If you work hourly, ask for the shortest appointment window and a note for your employer.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calling only one dentist. Call several offices and ask DentaQuest for help if the first list is not working.
- Asking for a cleaning when you need urgent care. Say clearly if you have pain, swelling, infection signs, a broken tooth, or cannot eat.
- Assuming a clinic is free. Ask about sliding fees, payment plans, Medicaid billing, and what is due at the visit.
- Missing proof requests. If Cover Virginia or DSS asks for documents, send them by the deadline and keep proof.
- Driving to an event without checking. Free dental events can fill early or change services.
- Skipping ride planning. Medicaid rides and volunteer rides usually need advance notice.
If you are denied, delayed, ignored, or billed
If your Medicaid application is delayed, call Cover Virginia or your local Department of Social Services and ask what proof is missing. If you get a denial notice, read the appeal instructions and deadlines on the notice. If you need help understanding a denial, contact legal aid or use ASMOM’s Virginia legal help guide.
If a dental office says it takes Medicaid but will not schedule you, ask if it is accepting new Cardinal Care Smiles patients. If not, ask DentaQuest for another provider and ask to speak with member services if the list is outdated.
If you think a bill is wrong, ask the office for an itemized bill and the insurance claim details. Do not ignore it. Ask whether the service was covered, denied, or never billed. If the issue involves a licensed dental professional and cannot be solved with the office, the DHP complaint form handles complaints about Virginia health care practitioners. The Virginia Dental Association also offers VDA mediation for some disputes involving VDA member dentists.
Backup options if you still cannot get care
- Ask DentaQuest for three dentists within a wider mile range and ask which offices recently accepted new patients.
- Call 211 and say, “I need low-cost dental care for tooth pain. I can travel within my county or nearby counties.”
- Ask a free clinic if it has a dental referral partner even if it does not have a dentist on-site.
- Ask a community health center about sliding-fee medical intake if dental appointments are full.
- Ask VCU Dental Care or another clinic if a student clinic, resident clinic, or urgent care pathway fits your need.
- If utilities, food, or rent are blocking care, use utility help and other local aid so dental care is not the only crisis on your plate.
Phone scripts
Calling DentaQuest
“Hi, I have Virginia Medicaid/Cardinal Care Smiles. I need a dentist who is taking new patients near [ZIP code]. I have [pain/swelling/broken tooth/routine care need]. Can you give me offices to call, and can you help me if the list is outdated?”
Calling a free or sliding-fee clinic
“Hi, I am a single parent and I need dental care. I am [uninsured/waiting for Medicaid/on Medicaid]. Do you offer dental appointments, emergency dental visits, extractions, fillings, or referrals? What proof should I bring for sliding fees?”
Calling Cover Virginia
“Hi, I need to apply for Medicaid or check my case. I also need dental care. Can you tell me what proof is missing, how to send it, and whether my children or pregnancy coverage may qualify?”
Calling about a ride
“Hi, I have a dental appointment on [date] at [clinic]. I do not have a ride. I need round-trip transportation and I may have my child with me. What do you need from me to set this up?”
Resumen en espanol
Si necesita cuidado dental en Virginia, empiece con Medicaid/FAMIS si puede calificar. El programa dental se llama Cardinal Care Smiles y lo maneja DentaQuest. Puede llamar al 1-888-912-3456 para buscar un dentista que acepte Medicaid.
Si no tiene seguro, busque clinicas gratuitas, centros de salud comunitarios y clinicas con tarifa segun sus ingresos. Llame antes de ir y pregunte que documentos necesita llevar. Si tiene hinchazon, fiebre, dificultad para respirar o tragar, busque ayuda medica urgente.
FAQ
Does Virginia Medicaid cover dental care for adults?
Yes. Virginia Medicaid adult dental coverage is through Cardinal Care Smiles, managed by DentaQuest. Covered adult services include exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum treatment, dentures, extractions, and some oral surgery. Ask DentaQuest or the dentist before treatment because coverage rules can vary by service and medical need.
How do I find a dentist that takes Virginia Medicaid?
Use the DentaQuest Virginia Medicaid dental search or call DentaQuest at 1-888-912-3456. Ask for offices that are accepting new Cardinal Care Smiles patients near your ZIP code.
Can I get free dental care if I do not have Medicaid?
Maybe. Free clinics, charitable clinics, community health centers, dental events, and dental school clinics may help, but each one sets its own rules. Call first and ask about income limits, county rules, fees, and waitlists.
Can Medicaid help me get a ride to the dentist?
Yes, if you are a Medicaid member and have no other way to reach a covered service. Use the transportation number on your health plan card or follow the DMAS transportation instructions.
What should I do if my tooth hurts right now?
Call a dentist or clinic and say you need urgent dental care for pain. If you have face or neck swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, heavy bleeding, fever, or a serious injury, seek urgent medical care right away.
Can my child get dental care through FAMIS or Medicaid?
Children who qualify for Medicaid or FAMIS can receive dental care through Cardinal Care Smiles. If you are not sure whether your child qualifies, apply through Cover Virginia or CommonHelp.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.