Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Rhode Island
Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Rhode Island
Last updated: September 2025
If you’re trying to fix a broken tooth, stop pain, or keep regular cleanings on a tight budget, this guide lays out concrete steps, phone numbers, and real options that work in Rhode Island. You’ll find direct links to state and federal agencies, local clinics, mobile vans, free events, and transportation help—plus checklists, timelines, and backup plans built for real life.
If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take
- Call the statewide non-emergency medical transportation broker to line up a ride for any covered Medicaid dental visit the moment you get an appointment, then confirm the pickup window by phone and text if available. Use the Patient Contact Center at your clinic to ask them to fax any “level of need” form if you cannot use bus or mileage reimbursement. Phone 1-855-330-9131 (TTY 711); urgent trips can be set the same day; routine rides usually need two business days’ notice. See details at MTM Health Rhode Island, check the “Recipients” page at MTM Rhode Island recipients, and keep the DOH “Find Dental Care” page handy at Rhode Island Department of Health oral health. (mtm-inc.net)
- Book the soonest available slot at a Federally Qualified Health Center with dental, then ask for a same-week urgent appointment if you have swelling, fever, or severe pain. Start with Thundermist Health Center dental at 401-767-4100, Providence Community Health Centers dental at 401-444-0430, and Blackstone Valley Community Health Care dental at 401-729-5239; the DOH safety-net list shows hours, locations, and who they prioritize. (thundermisthealth.org)
- If your child needs urgent care or your family member has a developmental disability, call the hospital-based Samuels Sinclair Dental Center at 401-444-5284; they treat all children and adults with special needs. For routine cleanings and X‑rays at no cost, get on the CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic schedule in Lincoln at 401-333-7250, and check dates for the annual free Rhode Island Mission of Mercy clinic. (lifespan.org)
Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Nearby
- DHS benefits, Medicaid enrollment, and renewals by phone 8:30–3 on weekdays: RI DHS Call Center 1-855-697-4347, EOHHS consumer page at EOHHS Consumer Information, and local office finder at DHS Offices. (dhs.ri.gov)
- Find dentists who take Medicaid and see clinic hours: RI DOH Find Dental Care, Medicaid Provider Search, and UnitedHealthcare Dental RIte Smiles for kids born after May 1, 2000. (health.ri.gov)
- Need a ride to the dentist with Medicaid coverage: MTM Health ride scheduling at 1-855-330-9131, late ride help at the same number, and complaints at 1-866-436-0457; see recipient tips at MTM RI recipients. (mtm-inc.net)
- Appeal a Medicaid dental eligibility decision or plan denial: File a Medicaid appeal, EOHHS Appeals Office, and free help from RIPIN Health Insurance Consumer Assistance at 401-270-0101. (staycovered.ri.gov)
- Shop dental plans if you’re over-income for Medicaid: HealthSource RI dental coverage, open/special enrollment help at 1-855-840-4774, and plan comparison at HealthSource RI. (healthsourceri.com)
How to Get Emergency Dental Pain Treated in Rhode Island Today
Start with the fastest option you can actually reach today. Call and book the first opening, ask for an “urgent” slot, and use non-emergency medical transportation if you’re on Medicaid.
- For kids and patients with special needs, call Samuels Sinclair Dental Center at Rhode Island Hospital at 401-444-5284; they handle extractions, endodontics on front teeth, and hospital dentistry. Use the DOH directory to confirm hours at RI Department of Health dental care list and add Providence Community Health Centers dental if the hospital schedule is full. (lifespan.org)
- For adults with Medicaid, call dental clinics on the state safety‑net list and ask “Do you accept Rhode Island fee‑for‑service Medicaid for adults” before you book. Start with Thundermist dental (Woonsocket, West Warwick, South County), WellOne dental (Pascoag, North Kingstown, Scituate), and Wood River Health dental (Hope Valley/Westerly) using the DOH list as your map at Find Dental Care. (thundermisthealth.org)
- If you have no insurance and just need a cleaning or X‑rays to get started, put your name on the waitlist at CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic for free preventive care, and check the date for the free Rhode Island Mission of Mercy clinic (this year scheduled for early October) while continuing to call community clinics on the DOH list at RI DOH Find Dental Care. (ccri.edu)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask United Way 211 Rhode Island to search for last‑minute cancellations and smaller offices that still take Medicaid; have them search by ZIP plus “dentist” and “sliding scale.” Use the state’s provider search at RI Medicaid provider finder, and call RIPIN Consumer Assistance at 401-270-0101 to advocate for an urgent slot. (unitedwayri.org)
Medicaid Dental Coverage in Rhode Island — What’s Covered and How It Works
Rhode Island covers dental care for adults and kids on Medicaid, but kids and adults use different systems and benefit sets. Adults usually use fee‑for‑service dental outside the health plan; children born after May 1, 2000 use the RIte Smiles dental plan.
- Adults on Medicaid get cleanings, exams, X‑rays, fillings, extractions, and dentures; some periodontal care needs prior authorization; crowns are limited (stainless steel only); general anesthesia for adults is not covered; and molar/premolar root canals are not covered under the current adult package. Review the official grid and confirm any updates with your dentist before treatment using EOHHS adult dental benefits, the adult program page at EOHHS dental services for adults, and the DOH safety‑net directory at Find Dental Care. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- Children and young adults born after May 1, 2000 are in RIte Smiles, managed by UnitedHealthcare Dental; families should use the dental locator, call member services at 1-866-375-3257, and ask about transportation for dental visits. Use EOHHS children’s dental page, the plan portal at UnitedHealthcare Dental RIte Smiles, and the RI Medicaid provider search at RI provider portal search. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- For dual‑eligible adults (Medicare + Medicaid), you may get extra dental through a Medicare plan like Neighborhood’s MMP or a D‑SNP. Check RI DOH dental care page for the current D‑SNP list and confirm allowance amounts with UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete or your plan’s member services. (health.ri.gov)
Medicaid Dental Coverage — At‑a‑Glance
| Group | How you get dental care | What’s typically covered | Key numbers and links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (21+) on Medicaid | Fee‑for‑service (not through your medical MCO) | Exams, cleanings, X‑rays, fillings, extractions, removable dentures; periodontal with prior auth; no GA; limited crowns; no molar/premolar root canals | Adult benefits grid; EOHHS adult dental; Find Dental Care. (eohhs.ri.gov) |
| Children/Young Adults (born after 5/1/2000) | RIte Smiles (UHC Dental) | Preventive and restorative, orthodontia when medically necessary, GA for kids | Children’s dental page; Member Services 1-866-375-3257; RIte Smiles locator. (eohhs.ri.gov) |
| Dual eligibles (Medicare + Medicaid) | Medicare Advantage with dental allowance | Plan‑specific dental allowance for services | DOH duals info; UHC Dual Complete; check plan Evidence of Coverage. (health.ri.gov) |
What to do if this doesn’t work: If a dentist says “we don’t take adult Medicaid,” ask whether they accept fee‑for‑service Medicaid, not just RIte Smiles, and then try the DOH list at Find Dental Care plus the Medicaid provider search at RI provider finder. If you still strike out, call RIPIN to help find practices that currently accept adult Medicaid. (health.ri.gov)
Eligibility, Income Limits, and How to Apply Without Stalling
You can qualify for Medicaid/RIte Care based on income, family size, and situation (pregnancy, disability, age). Rhode Island uses federal poverty level (FPL) rules; kids qualify up to higher FPL than adults. If you’re over the limit, shop dental plans with subsidies through HealthSource RI.
- For 2025, public resources reflect these RI thresholds: parents with children under 18 up to about 133–136% FPL, pregnant people up to about 253% FPL, and children under 19 up to about 261% FPL. Confirm current limits and plan options using EOHHS RIte Care page, the RIte Share premium assistance page, and HealthSource RI dental for stand‑alone dental if needed. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- Apply online or by phone, upload documents, and track messages in your account. Use the state customer portal at HealthyRhode RI, phone help at DHS Call Center 1-855-697-4347, and in‑person help at HealthSource RI. If you can’t upload, use DHS drop boxes or scanning centers listed on Stay Covered — submit documents. (dhs.ri.gov)
- Processing timelines vary. State rules aim to decide many Medicaid applications within around 30 days after a complete application, but real‑world backlogs can add time; disability‑based categories can take longer. See the application timing rule at RI Medicaid application process regulation and call to confirm your case status through DHS Call Center if you pass 30–45 days without an answer. (regulations.justia.com)
2025 RI Income Guidelines — Quick View
| Family size | Parent RIte Care (approx) | Child RIte Care (approx) | Pregnant person (approx) | RIte Share premium assist (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,066 | $41,629 | n/a | $27,387 |
| 2 | $29,821 | $56,259 | $54,567 | $37,012 |
| 3 | $37,576 | $70,889 | $68,757 | $46,637 |
| 4 | $45,331 | $85,519 | $82,947 | $56,262 |
Use these as a starting point, then verify the exact limits and household counting rules before you apply at EOHHS RIte Care, RIte Share, and HealthSource RI. Figures summarized from The Economic Progress Institute’s 2025 guide; call to confirm updates. (economicprogressri.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If the portal flags missing proof or you get timed out, go in person with documents to a DHS office listed at DHS Offices, or call RIPIN to troubleshoot. If your case is denied in error, file an appeal within 35 days using File a Medicaid appeal and ask for “aid pending.” (staycovered.ri.gov)
How to Find a Medicaid Dentist in Rhode Island
Follow these steps in order. They save time and phone tag.
- Use the state’s tools first. Click Find Dental Care — DOH and RI Medicaid Provider Search, then filter by “Dentist” or “Dental Specialist.” If your child is in RIte Smiles, start with RIte Smiles (UnitedHealthcare Dental) and call Member Services at 1-866-375-3257 to assign a primary dentist. (health.ri.gov)
- Call FQHCs and hospital clinics, which usually accept RIte Smiles and adult Medicaid. Try Thundermist dental, Providence Community Health Centers dental, and Blackstone Valley Community Health Care dental while keeping the DOH list open at Find Dental Care. (thundermisthealth.org)
- For adults on Medicaid, ask specifically “Do you take fee‑for‑service adult Medicaid” since adult dental is paid outside your health plan. If they say no, ask for referrals and go back to the DOH list at Find Dental Care and the portal at Provider Search, or dial United Way 211 for live help finding offices with openings. (health.ri.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask RIPIN to escalate with the plan or the practice. If your child sits on a waitlist, ask RIte Smiles to help switch to a dentist with earlier openings, and keep the FQHCs on speed‑dial using Find Dental Care. (ripin.org)
Transportation — How to Get to Dental Appointments Without a Car
If you have Medicaid, you qualify for non‑emergency medical transportation for covered dental visits. Book early and write down the trip number.
- Schedule rides two business days before your appointment when possible; urgent trips are available 24/7. Call 1-855-330-9131 (TTY 711) or use MTM Link. If a ride is late, call the same number; if service is poor, use the We Care Line at 1-866-436-0457. See MTM Rhode Island overview and recipient tips at MTM Recipients. (mtm-inc.net)
- Ask about bus passes or mileage reimbursement if a friend can drive you, and coordinate pickup after long visits. Check the DOH dental list at Find Dental Care to make sure the clinic address you give to MTM matches the one in your appointment reminder. For families, ask your clinic’s front desk to fax a “level of need” form if you cannot use bus service. (health.ri.gov)
NEMT Quick Facts
| Topic | What to know | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Booking window | Routine rides: call at least two business days ahead; urgent rides can be same day | MTM Rhode Island rides; MTM Recipients. (mtm-inc.net) |
| Hours | Weekdays call center 7–6; urgent line 24/7 | MTM Rhode Island rides. (mtm-inc.net) |
| Late ride help | Call 1-855-330-9131; if unresolved, We Care 1-866-436-0457 | MTM Recipients. (mtm-inc.net) |
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your clinic for a same‑day tele‑triage to document “urgent” and reschedule the ride, call RIPIN to escalate chronic ride issues, and report serious problems to EOHHS using contacts linked on EOHHS Consumer Information. (ripin.org)
Programs That Lower Dental Costs (Even If You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid)
- Hospital and community clinics. Try Samuels Sinclair Dental Center for children and people with developmental disabilities, Providence Community Health Centers dental for kids and pregnant women at Prairie Ave plus adults at Crossroads, and Thundermist dental statewide, using the DOH directory to compare hours and eligibility notes. (lifespan.org)
- Donated Dental Services (DDS). If you’re over 65, permanently disabled, or need care that is medically necessary, apply to Dental Lifeline Network — Rhode Island DDS; counties are currently open, but DDS does not provide emergency care. Use RI DOH dental list while you wait. (dentallifeline.org)
- Free preventive care through schools and colleges. Book CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic for no‑cost cleanings and radiographs (September–April), and ask your child’s school about mobile programs like EBCAP “Molar Express” or Seal RI! school sealants on the DOH site. (ccri.edu)
- Annual large free clinic. Watch the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy page for this fall’s event at PCHC; it’s first‑come, first‑served with a cap each day, so arrive early. Confirm details on RI Oral Health Foundation / RIMOM and PCHC Prairie dental. (rimom.org)
- Sliding‑fee clinics beyond FQHCs. Check St. Joseph Pediatric and Family Dental Center (401-456-4461) and use United Way 211 to find smaller practices with income‑based fees; always ask about an “out‑of‑pocket discount” at time of scheduling. Keep DOH Find Dental Care as your master list. (chartercare.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re still stuck, get on multiple waitlists (clinic + student clinic) and ask RIPIN to advocate if you have a medically urgent need. Recheck HealthSource RI dental plans with subsidies if your income is just over Medicaid limits. (ripin.org)
Reality Check — What to Expect This Year
- Clinic wait times: Expect one to three weeks for routine cleanings and one to five days for urgent pain at many community clinics; call daily for cancellations, and use United Way 211 to find alternatives, keeping DOH Find Dental Care open. Confirm exact timing with the clinic’s front desk and rebook transportation at MTM Health. (unitedwayri.org)
- Phone lines and portals: Call volume spikes during renewals. Try early morning for DHS Call Center, save screenshots in HealthyRhode, and upload documents the same day they are requested per Stay Covered RI guidance. (dhs.ri.gov)
- Coverage rules: Adult Medicaid dental is narrower than children’s. Review the grid at EOHHS adult dental benefits before you start a complex plan, and ask your dentist to send any required prior authorization. Keep EOHHS dental pages open during treatment planning. (eohhs.ri.gov)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking a clinic that only takes RIte Smiles when you need adult fee‑for‑service Medicaid. Always say, “I have adult Medicaid dental, fee‑for‑service” and confirm with EOHHS adult dental page while you’re on the phone, cross‑checking the DOH list. If it’s for your child, switch to RIte Smiles steps. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- Forgetting to book transportation. Set the ride the same day you get the appointment through MTM Health; keep the trip ID in your notes and call back if the time changes. For bus pass requests and “will‑call” returns, follow the rules on MTM Recipients. (mtm-inc.net)
- Starting complex crown or implant work that your coverage doesn’t pay for. Check the adult grid at EOHHS adult benefits and ask for a predetermination in writing. If your current plan won’t cover it, price HealthSource RI dental and ask about sliding fees at FQHCs on the DOH list. (eohhs.ri.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask RIPIN to review the plan’s denial, then file an appeal at File a Medicaid appeal within 35 days; keep receipts and treatment plans. (staycovered.ri.gov)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | Who to call or click | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Find a dentist who takes Medicaid | RI DOH Find Dental Care; Medicaid Provider Search | United Way 211 for live assistance. (health.ri.gov) |
| Kids’ dental (born after 5/1/2000) | RIte Smiles (UHC Dental) 1-866-375-3257 | EOHHS children’s dental. (eohhs.ri.gov) |
| Adult Medicaid benefits | EOHHS adult dental benefits grid | EOHHS dental info. (eohhs.ri.gov) |
| Rides to dental visits | MTM Health Rhode Island 1-855-330-9131 | MTM We Care 1-866-436-0457. (mtm-inc.net) |
| Appeals | File a Medicaid appeal | EOHHS Appeals Office; RIPIN 401-270-0101. (staycovered.ri.gov) |
Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot and Bring With You
- Photo ID and proof of Rhode Island address; see EOHHS Consumer Information for acceptable documents and the DHS Call Center if you have questions; upload at HealthyRhode RI. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- Proof of income for everyone in your household: pay stubs, award letters, or employer letter, then confirm at Stay Covered — submit docs and keep copies for appeals using File an appeal if needed. (staycovered.ri.gov)
- Pregnancy verification if applying as pregnant; check RIte Care income rules and, if over income, compare HealthSource RI dental plans. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- Your clinic’s name, address, and phone (from RI DOH Find Dental Care) and your preferred bus route or ride details for MTM Health scheduling. (health.ri.gov)
If Your Application Gets Denied
- Read the notice line by line and circle the reason. Then call the DHS Call Center to confirm what’s missing while you gather documents for a quick fix, and ask RIPIN to review the notice. (dhs.ri.gov)
- File an appeal within 35 days and ask for “aid pending” so coverage continues during review. Use Stay Covered — File an appeal, or submit via the EOHHS Appeals Office forms and follow‑up by phone. Keep copies of everything you sent. (staycovered.ri.gov)
- While the appeal is pending, book cleanings and medically necessary visits at clinics with sliding fees from DOH Find Dental Care, and consider a temporary subsidized plan at HealthSource RI dental if you can afford premiums for a few months. (health.ri.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact RIPIN again and ask for help preparing for your fair hearing; bring your denial, pay stubs, lease, and any clinic letters about urgent dental needs. (ripin.org)
Diverse Communities — Targeted Tips and Contacts
LGBTQ+ single mothers: Use clinics with strong inclusion practices and interpretation on request, such as Thundermist Health Center, which offers affirming care and assistance with insurance; find dental openings via the DOH Find Dental Care directory and use RIPIN for coverage questions and appeals. Ask for a chaperone or translator as needed and request a trauma‑informed appointment flow when booking. (thundermisthealth.org)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Book at Samuels Sinclair Dental Center for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and ask about sensory‑friendly scheduling. Confirm your Medicaid ride with MTM Health and keep a backup caregiver for pickup delays; call RIPIN if an insurer denies a medically necessary dental service tied to a health condition. (lifespan.org)
Veteran single mothers: If you served and qualify, VA may cover dental based on your benefits class; if not, you can buy discounted dental insurance through VADIP. Check VA dental eligibility, compare VA Dental Insurance Program options, and still use community clinics from RI DOH Find Dental Care to bridge care. (va.gov)
Immigrant and refugee single moms: Get coverage help through RIPIN’s consumer assistance and request free interpreters at clinics like Providence Community Health Centers. Ask United Way 211 to locate language‑friendly offices, and use DOH Find Dental Care to confirm hours and sliding fees. (ripin.org)
Tribal‑specific resources: Contact the Narragansett Indian Health Center in Charlestown for care coordination and Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) referrals; reach the Tribal main number at 401-364-1100 via Narragansett Indian Tribe contacts. Continue to use DOH Find Dental Care for community dental options close to home. (narragansettindiannation.org)
Rural single moms with limited access: Look first to WellOne sites in Pascoag, North Kingstown, and Scituate, and Wood River Health dental in Hope Valley and Westerly; use MTM Health to arrange rides or mileage reimbursement. Keep DOH Find Dental Care open to check smaller clinic hours. (welloneri.org)
Single fathers: All programs in this guide apply regardless of gender; use EOHHS dental pages for eligibility and RIPIN for advocacy, then book through DOH Find Dental Care. (eohhs.ri.gov)
Language access and disability access: Clinics and agencies provide interpreters and TTY/Relay. Ask for large‑print forms and state “I need language services” when calling DHS; DOH lists RI Relay 711 on Find Dental Care, and EOHHS Consumer Information points to 211 for tech help. (dhs.ri.gov)
Resources by Region — Where to Call First
Providence area
- Providence Community Health Centers — Prairie Dental (401-444-0430), Samuels Sinclair Dental Center (401-444-5284), and Thundermist Providence Specialty Dental (via Patient Contact Center 401-767-4100). Keep DOH Find Dental Care open for Crossroads adult dental hours. (providencechc.org)
Blackstone Valley (Pawtucket/Central Falls)
- Blackstone Valley Community Health Care — Dental (401-729-5239), Thundermist Woonsocket Dental (401-767-4100), and DOH dental list entries for Saturday hours (seasonal). Ask MTM Health about bus tickets vs. van rides. (bvchc.org)
West Bay (Warwick/West Warwick/Cranston)
- Thundermist West Warwick Dental (401-767-4100), CCAP Family Health Services locations with dental per DOH list, and backup at WellOne Scituate dental (401-647-6262). (thundermisthealth.org)
East Bay (Newport/East Providence/Bristol/Barrington)
- East Bay Community Action Program — Dental (401-845-0564), PCHC dental for cross‑river options, and DOH Find Dental Care for clinic hours. Use MTM Health for Newport‑to‑Providence rides if needed. (ebcap.org)
South County and Islands
- Thundermist South County Dental (401-767-4100), WellOne North Kingstown dental (401-295-9706), and Wood River Health dental (401-539-2461). For Block Island clinics, call Wood River for visiting schedules; verify travel through MTM Health. (thundermisthealth.org)
Step‑By‑Step — Book, Ride, Get Care, and Follow Up
- Find your best clinic using DOH Find Dental Care, confirm they take your coverage (adult Medicaid fee‑for‑service or RIte Smiles), and request the earliest urgent slot for pain. Keep the RI Medicaid Provider Search open while you call. (health.ri.gov)
- Schedule your ride with MTM Health at 1-855-330-9131, or request bus fare. Save your trip number and set a reminder to confirm the day before. Use the MTM Recipients page for mileage reimbursement info. (mtm-inc.net)
- Bring a list of medicines, photo ID, and your insurance card. If you need cleanings only and funds are tight, set a backup appointment at CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic. Keep RIPIN in your phone in case you get a surprise denial or billing issue. (ccri.edu)
- Ask for a written treatment plan before major work. Compare it to the adult grid at EOHHS adult dental benefits and call your plan or RIPIN if coverage is unclear. (eohhs.ri.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Switch clinics using Find Dental Care, move your ride, and ask for a pain‑control visit while you wait for a full appointment. For ongoing pain or swelling, call Samuels Sinclair Dental again same morning to check cancellations. (lifespan.org)
Tables — Compare Your Options Fast
Community Clinics With Dental — Examples and Hours Snapshot
| Clinic | Counties served | Typical hours snapshot | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thundermist Health Center | Providence, Kent, Washington | Dental Mon–Fri, extended evenings many days | 401-767-4100 |
| Providence Community Health Centers — Prairie Dental | Providence | Early starts; special schedules for kids/pregnancy vs. adults at Crossroads | 401-444-0430 |
| Blackstone Valley CHC — Dental | Providence (Pawtucket/Central Falls) | Weekday days; some Saturdays (Sept–May) | 401-729-5239 |
| East Bay CAP — Dental | Newport/East Bay | Weekdays | 401-845-0564 |
| WellOne — Dental | Washington/Kent/Providence | Weekdays; some later hours | 401-567-0800 / 401-295-9706 |
Use the full list at RI DOH Find Dental Care to confirm locations and hours before you go. (thundermisthealth.org)
What Adult vs. Child Medicaid Dental Covers
| Service | Adults on Medicaid | Children/young adults (RIte Smiles) |
|---|---|---|
| Exams/cleanings | Covered (2 per year) | Covered |
| X‑rays | Covered when medically necessary | Covered |
| Fillings | Covered (limited) | Covered |
| Root canals | Front teeth only; premolars/molars not covered | Covered when medically necessary |
| Crowns | Stainless steel only | Covered when medically necessary |
| Dentures | Complete and partial; with limits | Covered when medically necessary |
| Orthodontics | Not covered | Covered when medically necessary |
| General anesthesia | Not covered | Covered when medically necessary |
Check details at Adult benefits grid and Children’s dental page. (eohhs.ri.gov)
NEMT (Rides) — What to Remember
| Task | When to do it | How |
|---|---|---|
| Book ride | Two business days before routine visit | Call 1-855-330-9131, see MTM Rhode Island |
| Same‑day urgent | Call as soon as dentist sets the visit | Use urgent request line on MTM Recipients |
| Return ride (will‑call) | After your visit ends | Call MTM with your trip number |
Free/Low‑Cost Programs
| Program | Who it helps | How to access |
|---|---|---|
| CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic | Anyone needing cleanings/X‑rays | Call 401-333-7250 (Sept–April) |
| Dental Lifeline Network — DDS | Older adults, people with disabilities, or medically necessary care | Apply online; waitlist OK |
| RI Mission of Mercy | Anyone with urgent needs; first‑come | Check event dates; arrive early |
(ccri.edu)
Insurance and Appeals
| Topic | Where to go | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Shop dental plans | HealthSource RI dental | Ask about cost‑sharing and waiting periods |
| File an appeal | Stay Covered — File an appeal | File within 35 days; request aid pending |
| Get help | RIPIN Consumer Assistance | Free, statewide |
How to Get Ready for Your First Visit
- Bring your medications list, ID, and insurance card, and confirm coverage rules at EOHHS adult dental or RIte Smiles if it’s for your child; keep RIPIN in your phone for help with denials at the desk. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- If you need sedation or hospital dentistry due to anxiety or disability, ask Samuels Sinclair Dental about options first, and make sure your ride through MTM Health allows extra pickup time. Keep the full DOH clinic list for backups. (lifespan.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Switch to a different clinic on the DOH list, ask the first clinic to transfer your X‑rays, and check CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic to stay on track with cleanings while you wait. (ccri.edu)
FAQs — Rhode Island Dental Help for Single Moms
- How do I find a dentist that accepts adult Medicaid right now? Use RI DOH Find Dental Care, filter by your area, and call asking “Do you accept adult fee‑for‑service Medicaid.” Cross‑check Provider Search and ask United Way 211 to locate practices with openings. (health.ri.gov)
- My child is on RIte Smiles—what’s the fastest way to book? Use the RIte Smiles locator, call 1-866-375-3257, and ask for the earliest appointment. If the office is full, ask to switch your child’s primary dentist and keep the DOH pediatric safety‑net list handy. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- What does adult Medicaid usually not cover? Adults don’t have coverage for molar/premolar root canals, general anesthesia, and most crowns (except stainless steel); implants and bridges are not covered. Confirm with the Adult benefits grid before treatment. (eohhs.ri.gov)
- I don’t have a car—can I still get to the dentist? Yes. Book rides for Medicaid‑covered visits with MTM Health at 1-855-330-9131, or request bus fare or mileage reimbursement. If the ride is late, call back; if issues persist, use the We Care Line 1-866-436-0457. (mtm-inc.net)
- Is there any free dental care? Yes: RI Mission of Mercy (once a year), the CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic for cleanings/X‑rays, and multiple FQHCs with sliding fees on the DOH list. (rimom.org)
- What if I earn too much for Medicaid? Compare stand‑alone dental plans and pediatric‑dental‑included medical plans through HealthSource RI, and ask RIPIN to help you pick. If you’re offered job‑based insurance, see RIte Share to cover premiums and cost‑sharing. (healthsourceri.com)
- How long will my Medicaid application take? State rules aim for decisions around 30 days for most groups after a complete application, but it can take longer in practice. Check the rule at RI application process regulation and call the DHS Call Center if you pass that window. (regulations.justia.com)
- Can VA help with dental if I’m a veteran? Possibly. Eligibility depends on your VA class; check VA dental care eligibility. If not eligible for VA care, buy discounted dental through VADIP. You can still use local clinics on DOH Find Dental Care. (va.gov)
- Where do I go if I’m denied or my benefits stop? File within 35 days at Stay Covered — File an appeal, contact the EOHHS Appeals Office, and ask RIPIN for free help. (staycovered.ri.gov)
- Who can help me navigate all of this quickly? Use United Way 211 for immediate referrals, RIPIN for insurance questions and appeals, and the state EOHHS Consumer Information page for official links. (unitedwayri.org)
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Esta sección fue traducida con herramientas de IA. Verifique los detalles por teléfono o en los sitios oficiales.
- Para encontrar dentistas que aceptan Medicaid, visite Encuentre atención dental — RI DOH, use Búsqueda de proveedores de Medicaid, y para niños en RIte Smiles llame al 1-866-375-3257 de UnitedHealthcare Dental. (health.ri.gov)
- Para transporte a citas dentales con Medicaid, llame a MTM Health Rhode Island al 1-855-330-9131; viajes urgentes el mismo día y de rutina con dos días hábiles de anticipación; quejas al 1-866-436-0457 y detalles en MTM para miembros. (mtm-inc.net)
- Para apelar una decisión, visite Presente una apelación — Stay Covered y pida “ayuda continua” mientras revisan su caso; también puede llamar a RIPIN al 401-270-0101 para asistencia gratuita. (staycovered.ri.gov)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
- Rhode Island Department of Health — Find Dental Care
- Rhode Island Department of Human Services
- UnitedHealthcare Dental — RIte Smiles
- MTM Health — Rhode Island
- RIPIN Health Insurance Consumer Assistance
- HealthSource RI — Dental
- Samuels Sinclair Dental Center
- CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic
- Dental Lifeline Network — Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Mission of Mercy
- Thundermist Health Center
- Providence Community Health Centers
- Blackstone Valley CHC
- East Bay CAP
- WellOne
- Wood River Health
- Narragansett Indian Health Center
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
Important: This guide is general information for Rhode Island. Always confirm current eligibility, benefits, and provider status before you book or pay. Program funding and clinic capacity can change during the year. For medical emergencies, call 911.
🏛️More Rhode Island Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Rhode Island
- 📋 Assistance Programs
- 💰 Benefits and Grants
- 👨👩👧 Child Support
- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
