Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Texas
Dental Care Assistance for Single Mothers in Texas
Last updated: September 2025
This Texas-specific playbook gives you fast actions, plain-language rules, and verified links to real programs that can lower or zero‑out your dental costs. Every program, clinic, and office listed is linked so you can click, call, or apply right away.
If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take
- • Get a same‑week appointment for your child on Medicaid/CHIP: Call your dental plan’s member line (DentaQuest 1‑800‑516‑0165, MCNA 1‑855‑691‑6262, UnitedHealthcare Dental 1‑877‑901‑7321) and say “urgent tooth pain—need earliest appointment,” then ask for help with same‑day transportation if needed. Use the member portal at Your Texas Benefits to confirm plan info and use the dentist locator at InsureKidsNow to add backup offices. (hhs.texas.gov)
- • If you’re an adult in severe pain: Book an urgent slot at a Texas dental school clinic—Dallas: call Texas A&M College of Dentistry 214‑828‑8981, Houston: call UTHealth School of Dentistry 713‑486‑4000 (Option 2), San Antonio: call UT Dentistry 210‑450‑3700; ask about triage/urgent care clinic hours and sliding fees. Also check an FQHC near you with HRSA’s finder at Find a Health Center. (dentistry.tamu.edu)
- • Arrange a ride if you have Medicaid: After scheduling, request a ride through the Nonemergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) program—call 1‑877‑633‑8747 if you don’t have a health plan or call your plan’s transportation line. Keep your Medicaid number, clinic address, and appointment time ready. (hhs.texas.gov)
Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy
- • Texas Medicaid Helpline: 1‑800‑252‑8263 for coverage, plan names, dentist info, or to print your Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card; if you’re 21+ and get a dental bill, ask your medical plan what’s covered. (hhs.texas.gov)
- • Texas HHS Ombudsman (help with plan problems): 1‑866‑566‑8989 or submit a complaint online; use if your plan can’t resolve access issues or you face denial delays. (hhs.texas.gov)
- • Medical Transportation (rides to dentist): 1‑877‑633‑8747 (MED‑TRIP) or your plan’s transport line; ask for same‑day ride if the dentist says “urgent.” (hhs.texas.gov)
- • Texas Health Steps (EPSDT) help line for kids’ dental: 1‑877‑THSTEPS (1‑877‑847‑8377) for finding dentists and checkup reminders. (hhs.texas.gov)
- • 2‑1‑1 Texas (local low‑cost clinics & vouchers): dial 2‑1‑1 or 1‑877‑541‑7905, or click DSHS Find a Dentist for statewide low‑cost options. (dshs.texas.gov)
What Dental Coverage You Can Get in Texas Today
Texas Medicaid and CHIP for Children and Teens (birth through age 20)
What matters most now: If your child has Medicaid (Texas Health Steps/EPSDT) or CHIP, dental is covered through statewide dental plans—DentaQuest, MCNA Dental, or UnitedHealthcare Dental. The plan must help you get routine and urgent appointments and rides if needed. For CHIP, modest enrollment fees and co‑pays may apply and there is a dental benefit cap that can be exceeded with plan approval. (hhs.texas.gov)
- What’s covered for Texas Health Steps (EPSDT): Regular exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, root canals, extractions, dentures/partials, emergency care for pain/infection, and medically‑necessary orthodontics with prior authorization. Preventive visits start at 6 months; policy updates in 2025 clarified preventive code ages and teledentistry billing for checkups. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Which dental plans and member numbers: DentaQuest 1‑800‑516‑0165, MCNA 1‑855‑691‑6262, UnitedHealthcare Dental 1‑877‑901‑7321. Call member services on your child’s card to switch dentists or get help with urgent scheduling. (hhs.texas.gov)
- How to apply or renew: Apply online at Your Texas Benefits, use the mobile app, or visit a local office; expect 10–15 business days for non‑crisis reviews if all documents are complete. Watch your mail—Texas ended “continuous coverage” in 2023 and renewals are active. (hhs.texas.gov)
Eligibility: Medicaid or CHIP depends on household size and income; CHIP has annual enrollment fees of $50 or less per family and small co‑pays. Dental requires selecting a dental plan; if you don’t choose, one will be assigned. (hhs.texas.gov)
Required documents: IDs, proof of Texas residency, income, and for renewals any requested verifications. Upload through Your Texas Benefits or fax/mail as directed. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your dental plan for an “expedited appointment” and assistance calling multiple offices. If no appointment within a reasonable time, file a plan complaint and then contact the HHS Ombudsman at 1‑866‑566‑8989. For urgent pain, use a dental school urgent clinic (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio) or an FQHC. (hhs.texas.gov)
Adults on Medicaid in Texas (age 21+)
What matters most now: Adults 21 and older don’t have a Medicaid dental plan in Texas. Any limited coverage usually runs through your medical plan (for medically necessary or emergency situations). Children and young adults through age 20 have dedicated dental plans. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Exception: Adults living in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (ICF‑IID) can receive mandated dental services under Medicaid. (tmhp.com)
- Value‑added extras: Some STAR+PLUS health plans may offer small “value‑added” dental extras, but these are not guaranteed and can change each fiscal year; always confirm with your plan. (hhs.texas.gov)
How to get care: Use sliding‑fee community dental clinics (FQHCs), county programs, dental schools, or charity events. Start with Find a Health Center and confirm fees and wait times. For Harris County, Harris Health Dental serves established adult patients with a Harris Health financial plan and PCP referral. (harrishealth.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Join the waitlist for the next Texas Mission of Mercy event and call nearby FQHCs weekly for cancellations. If you’re a veteran, check VA dental care eligibility and the VADIP dental insurance program. (tmhp.com)
At‑a‑Glance: Core Texas Dental Programs and Who They Help
| Program | Who it helps | Key benefits | How to apply | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid – Texas Health Steps (EPSDT) | Children and youth through age 20 on Medicaid | Full dental (exams, cleanings, fillings, endo, prosthodontics, emergencies; orthodontics if medically necessary) | Apply/renew at Your Texas Benefits; choose DentaQuest, MCNA, or UHC Dental | If docs complete, many cases process in 10–15 business days; ride help via NEMT |
| CHIP | Kids whose families earn too much for Medicaid | Dental with caps; approvals available to exceed cap when medically needed | Apply at Your Texas Benefits; small fees/co‑pays | Enrollment fees 50orless;co‑pays50 or less; co‑pays 3–$35 |
| Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Services Program | Children/youth with certain chronic conditions; any age with cystic fibrosis | Medical, dental, vision, equipment; case management | Submit Forms 3031 and 3034; call 1‑800‑222‑3986 | Waitlists may apply; call to confirm availability |
| Title V Maternal & Child Health (Fee‑for‑Service) | Low‑income children to 21; pregnant women (limited postpartum) not eligible for Medicaid/CHIP | Children’s dental (evals, X‑rays, fluoride, fillings, sealants) | Find provider via 2‑1‑1; email titlevffs@hhs.texas.gov | Often same‑day if site has open slots |
| County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) | Very low‑income adults not eligible for Medicaid | Optional dental: one exam, cleaning, X‑rays, least‑cost emergency care | Apply at your county CIHCP office (ask 2‑1‑1) | Varies by county; limited funds; call to confirm |
| Nonemergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) | Medicaid members without a ride | Gas money, taxis/vans, mileage, lodging/meals for kids | Request ride after scheduling appointment | Request 2+ workdays ahead; same‑day possible for urgent |
How to Use Your Child’s Medicaid/CHIP Dental Benefits Today
Most important step: Confirm your child’s dental plan and main dentist in your Your Texas Benefits account or by calling 1‑800‑252‑8263, then call the dental plan to book a checkup or urgent visit. If no dentist is assigned, the plan must help you pick one. Use InsureKidsNow’s Dentist Locator as a backup. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Covered care: Exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, pulpotomies/root canals, periodontal therapy, dentures/partials, extractions, injury care, and orthodontics if severe and approved; policy updates in 2024–2025 added clearer frequency for fluoride/prophylaxis and allowed teledentistry codes with checkups. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Transportation: Ask your plan’s transportation vendor or call 1‑877‑MED‑TRIP for rides; children 14 and under must travel with an adult. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Postpartum coverage note: Texas extended Medicaid/CHIP postpartum medical coverage to 12 months (effective March 1, 2024). Dental still runs through the child’s plan; check your health plan for any adult dental “value‑added” extras. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If you cannot get an appointment within the plan’s access standards, file a complaint with the plan, then escalate to the HHS Ombudsman (1‑866‑566‑8989). For emergencies after hours, use your plan’s nurse/dental advice line and request the closest urgent option. (hhs.texas.gov)
Adult Options When You Don’t Have Dental Insurance
Start with low‑cost clinics and dental schools: FQHCs in Texas offer sliding‑fee dental; use the HRSA finder and search “dental.” In large cities, consider school clinics—Dallas (Texas A&M College of Dentistry), Houston (UTHealth School of Dentistry), San Antonio (UT Dentistry)—for supervised student care and emergency clinics. (dentistry.tamu.edu)
- Harris County: Harris Health Dental serves adult patients who have Harris Health financial assistance and a referral from their primary care doctor. Call 713‑526‑4243 to start. (harrishealth.org)
- San Antonio: UT Dentistry runs an urgent care line; call 210‑450‑3700 for next‑day student clinic pain slots. (uthscsa.edu)
- Dallas/Fort Worth: Options include the Texas A&M Urgent Care and nonprofits like Now‑Forward (formerly North Dallas Shared Ministries) and Agape Clinic. (dentistry.tamu.edu)
- Free events: Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) hosts 2‑day clinics four times per year; Houston event scheduled September 26–27, 2025. These are first‑come, early‑line events focused on extractions, fillings, and cleanings. (tdasmiles.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask clinics about cancellations and waiting lists. Check 2‑1‑1 for faith‑based help (vouchers) and request limited‑scope care (extraction, temporary filling) to stop pain quickly while you plan definitive care. (dshs.texas.gov)
County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP): A Lifeline in Some Counties
Most important step: Ask your county’s CIHCP office whether they fund dental this year and what’s covered. State rules allow optional dental: one routine exam, one routine cleaning, one annual X‑ray set, and least‑cost emergency care (e.g., filling or extraction) for abscess, infection, or extreme pain—paid at Texas Medicaid dental fee amounts. Funding is limited and varies by county. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Eligibility basics: Texas resident, income at or below 21% FPL, very low assets, not eligible for Medicaid. Apply at your county CIHCP office; get local contacts via 2‑1‑1. (hhs.texas.gov)
- How to apply: Bring ID, proof of residence, and all income/asset paperwork. Ask for written approval before treatment when possible. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Try the Primary Health Care program clinics (some include dental) and ask FQHCs for sliding‑fee emergency care. If denied due to income just over the limit, ask about “medical debt spend down” or charity funds. (hhs.texas.gov)
Special Help for Children with Complex Needs
Most important step: If your child has a lasting condition, apply to the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Services Program. It may cover dental along with medical and case management when Medicaid/CHIP isn’t available or during gaps. Submit Form 3031 (2/2025) and Form 3034 with your dentist’s assessment. (hhs.texas.gov)
- While you wait: Keep Medicaid/CHIP active and use Texas Health Steps dental benefits; call 1‑877‑THSTEPS for dentist help and rides. Ask your plan about case management if appointments are difficult to coordinate. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Request Title V services for children up to 21 (dental included) through local providers if you are not eligible for Medicaid/CHIP. (hhs.texas.gov)
Rides, Appointments, and Complaints—How to Keep Things Moving
- Book rides early: Call 1‑877‑MED‑TRIP or your plan’s transport vendor at least 2 workdays ahead; same‑day rides may be approved for urgent dentist orders or post‑hospital. Keep the appointment letter handy. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Change dentists or plans: For children, call your dental plan to change your main dentist. If you don’t know your plan, check Your Texas Benefits or call 1‑800‑252‑8263. (hhs.texas.gov)
- If the plan can’t help: File a plan complaint; if unresolved, contact the HHS Ombudsman Managed Care Help at 1‑866‑566‑8989. You can also submit an online complaint to Texas HHS. (hhs.texas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your child’s pediatrician to fax a “medical necessity” note to the dental plan to prioritize scheduling, and request case management services. If you believe a dentist acted below standard of care, file a complaint with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. (tsbde.texas.gov)
Where to Get Low‑Cost Dental Care: Texas Examples You Can Call Today
Houston Area – Fast Paths to Care
- Legacy Community Health (multiple sites including Fifth Ward and Galena Park): Adult and pediatric dental, urgent slots, sliding fees. Call 832‑548‑5400 (Fifth Ward) or 832‑548‑5240 (Galena Park). Use Legacy’s Dental Care page to find locations. For county patients, Harris Health Dental Center serves referred adult patients with financial assistance. (legacycommunityhealth.org)
- UTHealth School of Dentistry – Houston: Student and graduate clinics plus urgent care. Central line 713‑486‑4000 (Option 2) or UT Dentists 713‑486‑4444. See Student Clinics and Contact page. (dentistry.uth.edu)
- San José Clinic (Midtown + Fort Bend): Sliding‑fee dental for uninsured adults; appointments 713‑228‑9411; dental line 713‑228‑5716. See Locations & Hours. (sanjoseclinic.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask clinics for cancellation lists. If you’re a veteran without VA dental benefits, check VETSmile partners for referrals through local VA clinics. (innovation.va.gov)
Dallas–Fort Worth – Quick‑Schedule Options
- Texas A&M College of Dentistry – Dallas: Adult screening 214‑828‑8981; pediatric 214‑828‑8133; urgent extraction clinic 214‑828‑8489. See Contact & patient lines. (dentistry.tamu.edu)
- Now‑Forward (formerly North Dallas Shared Ministries): Preventive, emergency, dentures (60+), must live in service area; call 214‑358‑8700. See Dental program page. (now-forward.org)
- Agape Clinic – Dallas: Charity medical/dental; dental line 972‑707‑7746 or 972‑707‑7782 (ext. 302). See Agape contact. (theagapeclinic.org)
- Prism Health North Texas Dental Care (East Dallas, Farmers Branch, Vickery Meadow): Sliding fees; call 214‑257‑1082 (East Dallas), 972‑241‑2259 (Farmers Branch), 214‑987‑1131 (Park Ln). See PHNTX Dental Care. (phntx.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic at 214‑540‑0300 and ask for dental openings; or call the A&M urgent clinic for pain relief first, then schedule definitive care. (lbucommunityclinic.org)
San Antonio – Strong Safety Net
- UT Dentistry San Antonio: Call 210‑450‑3700 for urgent slots and next‑day student appointments; see Emergency & Urgent Care and Clinic location. (uthscsa.edu)
- CentroMed (multiple dental sites such as South Park Dental): Appointments 210‑922‑7000; see CentroMed dental locations. (centromedsa.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about Bexar County’s CareLink medical financial assistance and request a dental referral; check 2‑1‑1 for church clinics. (hhs.texas.gov)
Austin/Central Texas – Mobile Help for Kids, Clinics for Adults
- CommUnityCare Dental (Travis County MAP Dental Clinics): Central scheduling 512‑978‑9015; see Clinic locations. (communitycaretx.org)
- St. David’s Foundation Dental Program (kids in Title I schools): Free mobile dental care across Central Texas school districts; check current summer/community schedules and call posted numbers to join the list. (stdavidsfoundation.org)
- People’s Community Clinic: Ask for current dental referrals if you’re a patient; see Dental resource list. (austinpcc.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Use the HRSA health center finder to check nearby counties; many clinics accept out‑of‑county patients on sliding fees.
El Paso & West Texas – New Options Growing
- Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic (El Paso): Texas Tech’s Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine provides affordable care via the dental clinic; call Texas Tech Health El Paso main patient lines for current dental clinic scheduling. (ttuhscep.edu)
- Tribal members: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Health Care Division offers dental care for tribal members; call 915‑858‑1076. (ysletadelsurpueblo.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Search rural FQHCs by ZIP in the HRSA finder and ask for mobile dental events in your area.
Charity and One‑Time Programs You Should Know
- Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM): Free 2‑day pop‑up clinics focused on pain relief and basic restorative care. Arrive early; first‑come, first‑served. Watch the schedules and volunteer pages for events like Houston, Sept 26–27, 2025. (tdasmiles.org)
- Dental Lifeline Network – Donated Dental Services (DDS): For older adults, individuals with permanent disabilities, or those needing medically necessary care. Texas waitlist is often closed due to high demand—check status before applying. (dentallifeline.org)
- Regional philanthropic programs: Central Texas school‑based care via St. David’s Foundation Dental Program; music‑industry micro‑grants through HAAM Dental for eligible Austin musicians. (stdavidsfoundation.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask local 2‑1‑1 Texas for small church and civic health funds that cover extractions or limited care.
How to Get a Same‑Day or Next‑Day Dental Appointment in Texas
- Call across three networks: Your plan’s dentist list, InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator, and HRSA’s Find a Health Center. Ask each office: “Do you have a cancellation list for urgent pain?” (insurekidsnow.gov)
- Ask for teledentistry triage: Many pediatric checkups can start via teledentistry codes (D9995 with D0120/D0140 for Medicaid kids), which can speed prescriptions and prioritization. (tmhp.com)
- Use dental schools’ urgent clinics: UT Dentistry–San Antonio and Texas A&M–Dallas run urgent slots for extractions and pain. (uthscsa.edu)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If your child’s plan still can’t place you, open a plan complaint the same day and escalate to the Ombudsman if needed. Request NEMT for the earliest available appointment. (hhs.texas.gov)
Diverse Communities: Tailored Paths to Dental Care
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: Use inclusive clinics like Prism Health North Texas Dental Care for family‑friendly sliding‑fee services, and arrange rides via NEMT if you have Medicaid. If you face discrimination, switch providers within your plan and report issues through the HHS Ombudsman. (phntx.org)
- Single mothers with disabilities or caring for disabled children: Check Medicaid Buy‑In for Adults if you work and live with a disability, and use CSHCN Services Program for children’s dental if eligible. For rides, request accommodations through NEMT (wheelchair vans). (hhs.texas.gov)
- Veteran single mothers: Review VA dental eligibility and VADIP for discounted plans if you don’t qualify for free VA dental. Ask your local VA clinic about VETSmile referrals to dental schools (pilot runs through July 2026). (va.gov)
- Immigrant/refugee single moms: FQHCs treat everyone regardless of status and offer sliding fees—search Find a Health Center. Use 2‑1‑1 for clinics with Spanish or other language support. Many dental schools also provide interpreters on request. (dshs.texas.gov)
- Tribal‑specific resources: Texas tribal members can seek care at the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Health Care Division dental clinic in El Paso; the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas coordinates health services for members (confirm dental access through your tribal health office). (ysletadelsurpueblo.org)
- Rural single moms: Look for mobile dental events and school‑based vans (e.g., St. David’s Foundation Dental Program in Central Texas). Ask your county about CIHCP dental options and use the HRSA map to find the nearest dental FQHC. (stdavidsfoundation.org)
- Single fathers: All programs in this guide apply equally to single dads and legal guardians; use Your Texas Benefits and InsureKidsNow for your child’s dental plan info.
- Language and accessibility: Request interpreter services when booking (Spanish and many other languages are available via plans and clinics). For TTY, use Relay Texas 7‑1‑1; most state lines list TTY numbers. For large‑print forms, ask your clinic or the HHS Ombudsman. (hhs.texas.gov)
Resources by Region (Examples to Start With)
| Region | Clinics to call first | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Houston / Gulf Coast | Legacy Community Health Dental, UTHealth School of Dentistry, San José Clinic | Sliding fees; adult urgent/screening; Harris Health Dental requires referral and financial plan |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Prism Health NTX Dental, Now‑Forward Dental, Agape Clinic | Urgent extraction clinic at A&M; Prism has 3 sites; Now‑Forward serves specific ZIPs |
| San Antonio / South Texas | UT Dentistry, CentroMed Dental | Next‑day urgent student clinics, multiple FQHC dental sites |
| Austin / Central TX | CommUnityCare Dental, St. David’s Foundation Dental Program (kids) | MAP dental clinics for Travis County; St. David’s mobile vans in Title I schools |
| El Paso / West TX | Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Health Care Division (tribal) | New dental school clinic; tribal services for eligible members |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing renewal mail from Texas HHS: If you miss a renewal, your child can lose Medicaid/CHIP and dental stops. Update address and phone in your Your Texas Benefits account and respond to renewal packets quickly. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Not switching dentists when schedules are full: You can change your child’s main dentist at any time by calling your dental plan; don’t wait months on one office’s list. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Assuming adults have Medicaid dental: In Texas, adults 21+ don’t have a Medicaid dental plan; look to FQHCs, county programs, and dental schools. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Skipping rides: If transportation is the barrier, request NEMT—rides or gas reimbursement may be available for Medicaid members. (hhs.texas.gov)
Reality Check
- Funding is tight: County dental funds and charity programs can run out mid‑year—always call to confirm current availability before applying. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Wait times vary: FQHC dental waits can be 2–6 weeks for new patients but often have faster “pain” visits. Dental schools may offer next‑day urgent slots for extractions. (uthscsa.edu)
- Policy changes happen: Children’s dental policy updates (e.g., teledentistry codes, preventive frequency) rolled out in 2024–2025; confirm coverage with your child’s plan. (tmhp.com)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | Who to call first | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Find your child’s dentist and plan | Your Texas Benefits or 1‑800‑252‑8263 | InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator |
| Book a ride to the dentist | Your plan’s transport line or 1‑877‑MED‑TRIP | Ask clinic for after‑hours taxi authorization if urgent |
| File a complaint about access | Plan member services | HHS Ombudsman 1‑866‑566‑8989 |
| Low‑cost adult care | Find a Health Center | Dental schools (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio) |
| Free events | Texas Mission of Mercy | Ask 2‑1‑1 for local one‑day clinics |
Application Checklist (Print or Screenshot)
- Photo ID and proof of Texas address: Driver’s license or state ID, lease, or utility bill.
- Proof of income: Recent pay stubs, award letters, or self‑employment records; for CSHCN include medical documentation. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Child’s documents: Birth certificate or school enrollment, Medicaid/CHIP case number from Your Texas Benefits.
- Dental records/x‑rays if you have them: Helps clinics triage faster.
- Transportation plan: If on Medicaid, pre‑book with NEMT or ask the clinic for bus routes and gas reimbursement forms. (hhs.texas.gov)
If Your Application Gets Denied
- Step 1 — Read the notice: Look for the denial reason and missing documents list. Re‑upload through Your Texas Benefits within the deadline.
- Step 2 — Call for clarification: Contact your plan or the Medicaid Helpline (1‑800‑252‑8263) to confirm what’s needed. Ask for help from a health plan navigator.
- Step 3 — Ask about other doors: For kids with complex needs, apply to CSHCN. For adults below 21% FPL, ask your county CIHCP about dental options; for kids not eligible for Medicaid/CHIP, try Title V clinics. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Step 4 — Escalate appropriately: If you think a plan made a mistake, file a complaint and escalate to the HHS Ombudsman for review. (hhs.texas.gov)
County‑Specific Variations to Watch
- Harris County (Houston): Adult dental through Harris Health Dental generally requires a Harris Health financial plan and a PCP referral. Ask about urgent referral slots. (harrishealth.org)
- Tarrant County (Arlington): Dental Health Arlington offers low‑cost care, with limited same‑day emergency slots; bring proof of county residency and income for discounts. (dhaclinic.org)
- Dallas County: Nonprofits like Now‑Forward and Agape Clinic provide low‑cost care to specific ZIP codes or as funding allows. (now-forward.org)
Always call to confirm current availability—county budgets and clinic capacity change during the year.
Tables You Can Use Right Now
Medicaid/CHIP Dental Plans Statewide (Member Lines)
| Dental Plan | Member phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DentaQuest | 1‑800‑516‑0165 | Texas Medicaid/CHIP dental plan; mobile app for members |
| MCNA Dental | 1‑855‑691‑6262 | Texas Medicaid/CHIP dental plan |
| UnitedHealthcare Dental | 1‑877‑901‑7321 | Texas Medicaid/CHIP dental plan |
Key State Contacts
| Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Medicaid Helpline (plan info, dentist on file) | 1‑800‑252‑8263; Medicaid Card Q&A (hhs.texas.gov) |
| Ombudsman Managed Care Help | 1‑866‑566‑8989; Ombudsman page (hhs.texas.gov) |
| Rides to dentist (NEMT) | 1‑877‑633‑8747; NEMT info (hhs.texas.gov) |
| Texas Health Steps help line | 1‑877‑847‑8377; Program page (hhs.texas.gov) |
| Find local low‑cost clinics | Dial 2‑1‑1; DSHS Find a Dentist (dshs.texas.gov) |
Dental Schools (Low‑Cost Student Clinics)
| School | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M College of Dentistry (Dallas) | 214‑828‑8981 (adult screening), 214‑828‑8133 (pediatric) | Urgent extraction clinic 214‑828‑8489; sliding fees |
| UTHealth School of Dentistry (Houston) | 713‑486‑4000 (Option 2) | Student/graduate/faculty clinics; urgent care triage available |
| UT Dentistry (San Antonio) | 210‑450‑3700 | Same‑day/next‑day urgent scheduling during business hours |
Programs for Special Circumstances
| Situation | Program | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Child with ongoing medical condition | CSHCN | CSHCN Services Program (hhs.texas.gov) |
| Uninsured kids not eligible for Medicaid | Title V | Title V Dental (hhs.texas.gov) |
| Adults 21% FPL or less, no Medicaid | CIHCP | CIHCP (ask about optional dental) (hhs.texas.gov) |
| Veterans without VA dental | VADIP | VADIP (va.gov) |
Emergency Access Options by Metro
| Metro | First call | Second call |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | UTHealth Student Clinics | San José Clinic (dentistry.uth.edu) |
| Dallas | Texas A&M Urgent Clinic | Prism Health NTX Dental (dentistry.tamu.edu) |
| San Antonio | UT Dentistry Urgent Care | CentroMed Dental (uthscsa.edu) |
FAQs (Texas‑Specific)
- How soon can my child get into a dentist after we enroll in Medicaid/CHIP?
Plans must help you book timely routine and urgent visits once your eligibility is active. Call your plan as soon as you get your case number from Your Texas Benefits and ask for earliest openings plus help with transportation. If you can’t get an appointment within access standards, file a plan complaint and escalate to the HHS Ombudsman. (hhs.texas.gov) - Does Texas Medicaid cover adult dental?
Adults 21+ don’t have a Medicaid dental plan. Some emergency or medically necessary dental might be handled through your medical plan, and limited “value‑added” extras may exist by plan. Look to FQHCs, county programs, and dental schools. (hhs.texas.gov) - What does CHIP dental cover and what costs might I pay?
CHIP covers regular dental but has small enrollment fees and co‑pays, and a dental cap that can be exceeded with plan approval. Call your child’s dental plan for pre‑approval if nearing the cap. (hhs.texas.gov) - My child needs braces—does Medicaid pay?
Orthodontics are covered only when medically necessary and approved (severe cases, cleft palate, etc.). Policies were updated in 2024–2025; ask your dentist to submit prior authorization. (tmhp.com) - How do I get a ride to the dentist?
If you or your child have Medicaid, call your plan’s transportation vendor or NEMT at 1‑877‑MED‑TRIP. Same‑day rides are possible for urgent visits or hospital discharges. (hhs.texas.gov) - What if the dentist bills me for a covered service?
For kids on Medicaid/CHIP, call the Medicaid Helpline 1‑800‑252‑8263 and your dental plan to verify coverage. If unresolved, file a complaint and contact the HHS Ombudsman. (hhs.texas.gov) - Are pregnant adults covered for dental in Texas?
Texas extended postpartum medical coverage to 12 months in 2024, but dental for adults isn’t a standard Medicaid benefit in Texas. Check your health plan for any dental “value‑added” services and use FQHC dental clinics. (hhs.texas.gov) - Where can I report a dentist who mistreated me?
File a complaint with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. For plan issues, use your plan’s grievance process and the HHS Ombudsman. (tsbde.texas.gov) - Do tribes in Texas provide dental services?
The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Health Care Division offers dental for tribal members; other tribes coordinate dental via their health systems. Always call your tribal health department. (ysletadelsurpueblo.org) - Any free kids’ programs near Austin?
The St. David’s Foundation Dental Program runs the nation’s largest mobile charity dental program for Title I elementary schools in Central Texas; check summer/community schedules. (stdavidsfoundation.org)
Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español
Esta sección fue producida con herramientas de traducción de IA. Verifique los detalles llamando a los números oficiales.
- Niños con Medicaid/CHIP: Los servicios dentales se coordinan a través de planes dentales estatales—DentaQuest 1‑800‑516‑0165, MCNA 1‑855‑691‑6262, UnitedHealthcare Dental 1‑877‑901‑7321. Use Your Texas Benefits para confirmar su plan y InsureKidsNow para buscar dentistas. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Transporte: Si tiene Medicaid, pida transporte llamando al 1‑877‑633‑8747 (MED‑TRIP). Llame con 2 días laborales de anticipación o el mismo día si es urgente. (hhs.texas.gov)
- Adultos sin seguro: Busque clínicas comunitarias (FQHC) con Find a Health Center, escuelas de odontología (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio), o eventos gratuitos como Texas Mission of Mercy.
- Quejas y ayuda: Para problemas con su plan, comuníquese con la Oficina del Ombudsman de HHS al 1‑866‑566‑8989.
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- • Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Medicaid & CHIP Members, Texas Health Steps, and NEMT pages. (hhs.texas.gov)
- • Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) policy updates and the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual. (tmhp.com)
- • DSHS Find a Dentist and InsureKidsNow Dentist Locator. (dshs.texas.gov)
- • County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) Handbook and CIHCP homepage. (hhs.texas.gov)
- • Dental schools and community clinics (Texas A&M), UTHealth School of Dentistry, UT Dentistry, and FQHCs such as Legacy Community Health Dental and CentroMed Dental. (dentistry.tamu.edu)
- • Texas Mission of Mercy, Dental Lifeline Network—Texas, and St. David’s Foundation Dental Program. (tdasmiles.org)
Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
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 to help Texas families find dental care. It is not legal, medical, financial, or eligibility advice. Policies, providers, copays, fees, income limits, and availability change frequently by county and plan. Always confirm current details with your health or dental plan, clinic, or state agency before you apply or schedule.
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