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Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, no-fluff guide built for single moms in North Dakota who need low-cost or free dental care. You’ll find fast steps, direct contacts, real timelines, and plan B options in every section. Links go straight to official and trusted resources.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Key Contacts and Links to Keep Handy

What Dental Coverage Looks Like in North Dakota Right Now

Your fastest path to affordable dental care is coverage. North Dakota Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and tribal or VA benefits can open doors at clinics that otherwise might be out of reach. Start applications online at Apply for Help, learn group specifics on Medicaid Eligibility, and use InsureKidsNow Dentist Finder to book for kids. (hhs.nd.gov)

North Dakota’s member handbook confirms adult and child dental coverage under Medicaid with service limits; adults can get exams, fillings, extractions, dentures with prior authorization, and root canals on front teeth only; children get two exams and cleanings per year plus fluoride and sealants. Review details in the Medicaid Member Handbook dental section, and watch for policy updates via Public Notices that show budget changes for dental services. Always call to confirm your exact benefit before treatment. (hhs.nd.gov)

CHIP (Healthy Steps) covers dental for uninsured kids through age 18 up to 205% of the federal poverty level; income tables updated April 1, 2025 are posted on ND CHIP, and families can use InsureKidsNow to find dentists taking new patients. If your child might qualify for Medicaid instead, check the age‑specific income tables on Medicaid Eligibility before applying. (hhs.nd.gov)

Pregnant women on Medicaid get full dental during pregnancy and 12 months postpartum; HHS confirmed this extension beginning January 1, 2023, and the 2025 eligibility page shows current income thresholds and dental inclusion. Learn more at ND Medicaid news on postpartum coverage and Children and Pregnant Women Coverage. (hhs.nd.gov)

Medicaid Expansion is different: it helps many adults afford health care but does not include dental or vision unless you’re designated “medically frail.” Read the Expansion rules at Medicaid Eligibility — Adults and ask HHS about “medically frail” if you have serious health conditions that might qualify you for broader benefits. If you’re on Expansion through BCBSND Medicaid Expansion, call Member Services 1-833-777-5779 for help navigating options. (hhs.nd.gov)

The state also funds prevention through the Oral Health Program, including the school‑based SEAL!ND sealants and fluoride. If your child’s school participates, consent and get it done at school; find program details at SEAL!ND and statewide oral health efforts at ND Oral Health Program. (hhs.nd.gov)

Coverage Snapshot — Who Gets What (September 2025)

Group Dental Coverage Snapshot How to Apply / Verify
Kids on Medicaid Two exams/cleanings yearly, x‑rays, fillings, sealants; orthodontics if medically necessary Apply at Apply for Help, benefits in Member Handbook – Dental, find dentists via InsureKidsNow. (hhs.nd.gov)
Kids on CHIP Comprehensive dental up to 205% FPL See income table on ND CHIP, book with InsureKidsNow, verify with HHS Customer Support 1-866-614-6005. (hhs.nd.gov)
Pregnant + 12 months postpartum Full Medicaid benefits include dental See Postpartum extension news, verify Eligibility and call 1-866-614-6005. (hhs.nd.gov)
Adults (Parent/Caretaker Relatives) Dental included with limits and prior auth for some services Check Eligibility – Parent/Caretaker and Member Handbook – Dental; ask your clinic to preauthorize. (hhs.nd.gov)
Adults on Medicaid Expansion No dental or vision unless “medically frail” See Eligibility – Expansion, call BCBSND Expansion 1-833-777-5779 to review options. (hhs.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re over income for Medicaid/CHIP or waiting on approval, use sliding‑fee clinics at HRSA Health Centers, check nonprofit options like Bridging the Dental Gap, and ask for a “self‑pay discount” quote before treatment starts. (hrsa.gov)

How To Get Seen Fast — Booking an Appointment That Sticks

Use the dentist locator for kids and teens first, then call FQHC clinics for adults. Start with InsureKidsNow Dentist Finder, call Family HealthCare 1-701-271-3344, and try Spectra Health 1-701-757-2100; ask about cancellation lists and same‑day pain visits. (insurekidsnow.gov)

If you live in rural counties, check Northland Health Centers locations (Minot Dental 1-701-838-3051; Turtle Lake Dental 1-701-448-9225; Ray Dental 1-701-568-5600), and ask for the sliding‑fee application. You can also search “Find a Health Center” via HRSA to pull more options. (northlandhealthcenters.org)

If you’re near Bismarck–Mandan, Bridging the Dental Gap 1-701-221-0518 takes Medicaid and offers reduced fees; ask for help with dentures or crowns if your plan allows prior authorization. Keep an eye on ND Mission of Mercy announcements for free pop‑up clinics when funding is available. (dentalgap.org)

Timelines to expect: Non‑crisis Medicaid/CHIP applications often take 10–15 business days; phone the Customer Support Center 1-866-614-6005 for status, use the Self‑Service Portal to upload documents, and ask clinics for “pending Medicaid” scheduling while you wait. For faster triage, call to be added to cancellation lists. (hhs.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Try the dental hygiene training clinic at NDSCS Allied Dental Clinic in Wahpeton 1-701-671-2333 for low‑cost cleanings and x‑rays, or look at university teaching clinics nearby like University of Minnesota Dental Clinics and Creighton University School of Dentistry for reduced‑fee care. (ndscs.edu)

Where To Go for Emergency Dental Care Today in North Dakota

If swelling spreads, fever rises, or you can’t swallow, go now. Start with Family HealthCare in Fargo and ask for an urgent dental slot, use Spectra Health for Grand Forks area triage, or call Northland Health Centers to find the nearest site with a same‑day opening. (famhealthcare.org)

Tribal clinics often set walk‑in blocks for pain. Elbowoods Memorial Health Center Dental posts emergency walk‑in hours multiple days each week, Turtle Mountain’s Quentin N. Burdick facility lists dental contacts, and Standing Rock Hospital provides dental during weekday hours. Call first to confirm schedule. (elbowoodshealth.com)

If you’re a Veteran and eligible for VA dental, call Fargo VA Dental Clinic through the main line 1-701-239-3700, ask for Dental, or review eligibility classes at VA Dental Care; if ineligible, check reduced‑cost VADIP dental insurance. (va.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: For kids, watch for the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in western ND and ask your school nurse about SEAL!ND; for adults without coverage, ask FQHCs for “extraction‑only” urgent visits. If nights/weekends are your only option, go to the ER for infection or facial swelling—hospital teams can control pain and infection and will refer you back to dental. (rmhcbismarck.org)

Affordable Clinics and Programs You Can Use

North Dakota has a small but strong safety net. Tie together Medicaid, sliding‑fee clinics, and special events to cover your family’s needs. Use HRSA’s Find a Health Center to map options statewide, check ND Oral Health Program for prevention services, and call Human Service Zones if you need help with applications. (hrsa.gov)

For Bismarck, Bridging the Dental Gap sees Medicaid and uninsured patients and partners with Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to reach kids; Fargo families can use Family HealthCare for sliding‑fee dental; and Grand Forks area moms can book with Spectra Health. Always ask for written estimates before treatment. (dentalgap.org)

If you or a caregiver is elderly or permanently disabled and cannot afford care, apply to Dental Lifeline Network — North Dakota (Donated Dental Services). There can be long waits, and many counties pause intake; call the coordinator listed on the program page before applying. (dentallifeline.org)

If you can travel, dental schools offer reduced‑fee care. University of Minnesota Dental Clinics generally run about 30% less than private offices; Creighton School of Dentistry notes 40–60% lower fees and runs an after‑hours urgent clinic. Expect longer visits, but real savings. (dentalclinics.umn.edu)

Low‑Cost Options at a Glance

Program Who They Serve Typical Services How to Book
Family HealthCare – Fargo All ages; sliding fees; Medicaid Exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions 1-701-271-3344; ask for dental scheduler. (famhealthcare.org)
Spectra Health – Grand Forks All ages; sliding fees; Medicaid Integrated medical–dental; same‑day options 1-701-757-2100; request dental triage. (spectrahealth.org)
Northland Health Centers Rural ND; sliding fees; Medicaid Multiple sites with dental See site list; Minot 1-701-838-3051; Turtle Lake 1-701-448-9225. (northlandhealthcenters.org)
Bridging the Dental Gap – Bismarck Medicaid, uninsured Fillings, extractions, dentures, crowns 1-701-221-0518; sliding‑fee available. (dentalgap.org)
NDSCS Allied Dental Clinic Public clinic; supervised students Cleanings, x‑rays, sealants 1-701-671-2333; book early. (ndscs.edu)
University of Minnesota Dental Clinics Regional patients Full‑scope teaching clinics 612‑625‑2495; screening first. (dentalclinics.umn.edu)
Creighton University School of Dentistry Regional patients Lower‑fee care; after‑hours urgent 1-402-280-5990; long visits expected. (paccess.creighton.edu)
ND Mission of Mercy Anyone; first‑come, first‑served Free pop‑up care Watch event dates, arrive early. (ndmom.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use HRSA Health Center Finder to search by ZIP code, call FirstLink 2‑1‑1 for local leads, and ask your human service zone about one‑time emergency funds or referrals. (hrsa.gov)

Step‑by‑Step — Apply for Coverage and Book Care

What to do if this doesn’t work: If online isn’t working, call 1-866-614-6005 to apply by phone, or have a Navigator help by contacting ND Navigator 1-866-614-6005 for Medicaid/CHIP guidance and document checklists. (hhs.nd.gov)

Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot and Use These Boxes

  • Photo ID: Driver’s license or other government ID; see forms on Medicaid Apply.
  • Proof of income: Last 30 days of pay stubs or self‑employment records; see Eligibility page.
  • Household details: Social Security numbers for applicants if available; add unborn baby to household on Eligibility – Pregnant Women.
  • Insurance status: Any other coverage information for CHIP or Medicaid.
  • Special cases: Tribal ID (for IHS coordination), disability documentation (if applying for more comprehensive coverage), or postpartum eligibility noted on ND Medicaid postpartum extension. (hhs.nd.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality Check — Delays, Waitlists, and Workarounds

Expect seasonal waits at safety‑net clinics, especially after outreach events like Mission of Mercy or during back‑to‑school sealant seasons promoted by HHS Oral Health Program. Put your name on multiple cancellation lists and set call‑back consent. If you live in a dental shortage area, use urgent slots or travel to the next city for care. As of February 2025, ND had 67 dental shortage areas, so travel may be necessary in some regions. (ndmom.org)

If you can’t find a dentist who takes your plan, search ADA Find‑A‑Dentist, then call and ask, “Do you take ND Medicaid, and are you accepting new patients?” For families without coverage, start at HRSA Health Centers and request the sliding‑fee form. (findadentist.ada.org)

Diverse Communities — Tailored Tips and Contacts

Resources by Region

Fargo–West Fargo–Moorhead: Where to Start

Fargo families can call Family HealthCare for same‑week openings, use InsureKidsNow Dentist Finder for pediatric slots, and check VA eligibility at Fargo VA if you’re a Veteran. Add cancellation lists to move sooner. (famhealthcare.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Look across the river at Family HealthCare’s Moorhead Dental for extra capacity, and consider University of Minnesota Dental Clinics if you can travel. (famhealthcare.org)

Bismarck–Mandan: Fastest Options

Start with Bridging the Dental Gap for Medicaid and sliding‑fee care, ask about the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile for kids, and use HRSA Health Centers to find additional clinics. If you’re a tribal member, check Standing Rock IHS. (dentalgap.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Look at Elbowoods Memorial Health Center if you’re eligible for IHS, or apply through Apply for Help for coverage to widen clinic options. (elbowoodshealth.com)

Grand Forks–Larimore: Routes to Care

Use Spectra Health 1-701-757-2100 for same‑day dental hours, search InsureKidsNow for pediatric providers, and confirm CHIP eligibility at ND CHIP. Add your name to the cancellation list for quicker calls. (spectrahealth.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Consider travel to Family HealthCare – Fargo for more capacity, or book at NDSCS Clinic for preventive care. (famhealthcare.org)

Minot–Rolette–Turtle Lake: Practical Steps

Call Northland Health Centers Minot Dental 1-701-838-3051 or Turtle Lake Dental 1-701-448-9225; if you’re in Belcourt, call Turtle Mountain IHS Dental 1-701-477-8439 for eligibility and hours. Use HRSA Health Center Finder for other sites. (northlandhealthcenters.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Book cleanings at the NDSCS Clinic and ask Northland to prioritize you for cancellations. (ndscs.edu)

Williston–Ray–Watford City: Options

Use Northland – Ray Medical & Dental 1-701-568-5600, search HRSA Health Centers for Williston‑area clinics, and check if the Care Mobile is visiting nearby schools for kids. (northlandhealthcenters.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about transport help or staggered visits at Northland, and apply for Medicaid now at Apply for Help to unlock more providers. (hhs.nd.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

County‑Specific Notes That Matter

Cass County moms often find faster openings at Family HealthCare, and CHIP can cover kids up to 205% FPL as posted on ND CHIP; always check InsureKidsNow for nearby providers. Meanwhile, Burleigh–Morton moms can use Bridging the Dental Gap, and tribal members south of Bismarck can call Standing Rock IHS for dental days. (famhealthcare.org)

Ward and Rolette counties have Northland Health Centers sites and access to Turtle Mountain IHS; Williams has the Ray clinic through Northland. Rural moms should also check the HRSA Health Center Finder for nearby sliding‑fee dental. (northlandhealthcenters.org)

How to Handle Bills and Payment Plans Safely

Before you sign clinic financing, read CFPB’s warning on medical credit cards, ask for the clinic’s in‑house payment plan, and request a written good‑faith treatment plan. If anyone pitches “discount plans,” check FTC guidance on discount plan scams and verify legitimacy. Use HRSA Health Centers for true sliding‑fee care. (consumerfinance.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a “phase treatment” approach—handle infection and pain first, then plan restorations when funds or coverage come through. Re‑apply if your income changes.

If Your Application Gets Denied — Fixes That Work

Tips for Strong Applications and Faster Appointments

Tables You Can Use

A. Medicaid/CHIP Dental — What’s Typically Covered (Adults vs. Kids)

Service Kids (Medicaid/CHIP) Adults (Medicaid) Notes
Exams & Cleanings Twice per year Twice per year Limits reset Jan 1 per Member Handbook. (hhs.nd.gov)
Fillings/Extractions Covered Covered PA sometimes required for complex care. (hhs.nd.gov)
Root Canals Covered Front teeth only Adults posterior teeth typically not covered. (hhs.nd.gov)
Crowns/Dentures With PA With PA Confirm PA steps with clinic billing. (hhs.nd.gov)
Fluoride/Sealants Covered N/A Use SEAL!ND at school. (hhs.nd.gov)

B. CHIP Income Limits (Including 5% Disregard) — Effective April 1, 2025

Family Size Annual Monthly
1 $32,083 $2,674
2 $43,358 $3,614
3 $54,633 $4,553
4 $65,908 $5,493
5 $77,183 $6,432

See the full table on ND CHIP and call 1-866-614-6005 to verify. Amounts may vary with policy updates. (hhs.nd.gov)

C. Clinics and Numbers — Ready List

Area Clinic Phone Link
Fargo Family HealthCare 1-701-271-3344 FHC Locations (famhealthcare.org)
Grand Forks Spectra Health 1-701-757-2100 Spectra Contact (spectrahealth.org)
Minot Northland Minot Dental 1-701-838-3051 Northland Locations (northlandhealthcenters.org)
Bismarck Bridging the Dental Gap 1-701-221-0518 Dental Gap (dentalgap.org)
Ray Northland Ray Dental 1-701-568-5600 Northland Locations (northlandhealthcenters.org)

D. IHS Dental — Main Contacts

Service Unit Phone Link
Elbowoods (MHA Nation) 1-701-627-7907 EMHC Dental (elbowoodshealth.com)
Turtle Mountain 1-701-477-8439 Turtle Mountain IHS (ihs.gov)
Standing Rock (Fort Yates) 1-701-854-3831 Standing Rock IHS (ihs.gov)

E. Fast Links for Coverage and Providers

Need Link Backup
Apply for Medicaid/CHIP Apply for Help Medicaid — Ways to Apply (hhs.nd.gov)
Find kids’ dentists InsureKidsNow Oral Health Program (insurekidsnow.gov)
Sliding‑fee clinics HRSA Health Centers Northland Health Centers (hrsa.gov)

FAQs — Detailed Answers to Common Questions

  • Does North Dakota Medicaid cover adult dentures and crowns: Yes, with prior authorization and within program limits; see the Medicaid Member Handbook – Dental and ask your clinic to submit a pre‑authorization. Benefits reset annually on January 1. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • My root canal is on a back tooth — will Medicaid cover it: Adult coverage is typically limited to front teeth for root canals; confirm the current policy in the Member Handbook – Dental and ask about an extraction alternative if not covered. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • What if I’m on Medicaid Expansion — can I get dental: Expansion does not include dental unless you’re considered “medically frail.” Review Eligibility – Expansion and call BCBSND Expansion 1-833-777-5779 to check if you qualify for broader benefits. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • How do I find a dentist who takes Medicaid for my child: Use InsureKidsNow Dentist Finder and filter by North Dakota; confirm “accepting new patients.” If full, call FQHCs like Family HealthCare or Spectra Health. (insurekidsnow.gov)
  • How long will my application take: Plan for about 10–15 business days for non‑crisis cases; upload documents in the Self‑Service Portal and call 1-866-614-6005 for status. Ask clinics for “pending Medicaid” appointments. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • Is there help for kids’ sealants if I can’t get to a dentist: Yes, many schools host SEAL!ND visits with dental hygienists who place sealants and fluoride right at school. Sign and return consent forms. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • I’m a Veteran — what dental care can I get: It depends on your VA dental class; see VA Dental Care. If you’re not eligible for free VA care, consider VADIP for reduced‑cost insurance. (va.gov)
  • Who regulates dentists in North Dakota if I have a complaint: File a complaint with the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners and verify licenses on the Board’s search page; use ADA Find‑A‑Dentist to locate providers. (nddentalboard.org)
  • Are discount dental plans or medical cards safe: Be careful; the CFPB and FTC warn about costly medical credit and deceptive discount plans. Ask about sliding fees at HRSA Health Centers first. (consumerfinance.gov)
  • Does HHS still invest in dental services: Yes. A June 24, 2025 notice shows Medicaid dental expenditures increasing and dental clinic cost reporting starting October 1, 2025; see Medicaid State Plan Changes for details. (hhs.nd.gov)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Esta sección se generó con herramientas de traducción de IA. Verifique siempre con las fuentes oficiales.

Para cobertura rápida, solicite Medicaid o CHIP en Aplicar para ayuda y llame al 1-866-614-6005. Para encontrar dentistas para niños, use InsureKidsNow y para clínicas con tarifas reducidas busque en Centros de Salud HRSA. Embarazadas tienen 12 meses de cobertura posparto incluyendo dental según Medicaid ND y anuncio oficial. En Bismarck, Bridging the Dental Gap atiende Medicaid y ofrece tarifas reducidas; en Fargo Family HealthCare y en Grand Forks Spectra Health. Para tribus, llame a Elbowoods 1-701-627-7927, Turtle Mountain 1-701-477-8439, o Standing Rock 1-701-854-3831. (hhs.nd.gov)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April 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 provides general information for North Dakota as of September 2025. Program rules, income limits, and clinic availability can change during the year. Always confirm current eligibility, benefits, and appointment availability with the agency or clinic before you travel or pay any fees. For emergencies, call 9‑1‑1.

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