Last updated: June 18, 2026
Bottom line
If you need dental care in Virginia, start with coverage first. Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS dental coverage is called Cardinal Care Smiles. The program is managed by DentaQuest and serves eligible adults, children, and pregnant members.
If you already have Medicaid or FAMIS, call DentaQuest at 1-888-912-3456 or use the DentaQuest dental search to find a dentist. If you do not have coverage, apply through Cover Virginia, CommonHelp, or the Virginia Marketplace. While you wait, check free clinics, community health centers, VCU Dental Care, and local dental safety-net programs.
Be careful with websites that promise dental grants or free implants. Real dental help usually comes through Medicaid, FAMIS, a clinic discount, a dental school clinic, a donated-care program, or a local referral. It is rarely cash paid to you.
If you need urgent dental help
Go to an emergency room or call 911 if you or your child has trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, major face or neck swelling, heavy bleeding, a serious jaw or face injury, or symptoms that feel life-threatening. The ADA emergency guide explains common dental emergencies, and the ER dental guide explains when dental problems may need emergency care.
If you have severe tooth pain but no life-threatening symptoms, call early in the day. Say, “I need urgent dental care,” not just “I need a cleaning.” In Richmond, VCU urgent care sees new patients with acute dental pain or possible dental infection. Same-day treatment is not guaranteed, and fees may apply.
Where to start
The best first step depends on who needs care, whether you have coverage, and how urgent the problem is. Do not wait until you have every document ready. You can start the call, ask what is needed, and then send missing proof.
If you have Medicaid
Call DentaQuest at 1-888-912-3456 and ask for dentists taking new Cardinal Care Smiles patients. Ask for adult, child, or pregnancy dental options, depending on your situation.
If you need coverage
Apply through Cover Virginia, CommonHelp, or the Virginia Marketplace. If you need help with food, cash aid, or energy help too, CommonHelp can screen for more than health coverage.
If you cannot wait
Call a dentist, clinic, or VCU Dental Care and ask for urgent dental triage. Explain pain, swelling, fever, infection signs, a broken tooth, or a child who cannot eat or sleep.
If money is tight
Use a free clinic finder, a community health center, or a safety-net dental search. Ask about sliding fees, payment rules, and what is due at the first visit.
For a wider benefits map, keep ASMOM’s Virginia help guide open while you work through dental, food, health, child care, transportation, and emergency needs.
Quick help table
| Your situation | Best first step | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| You have Medicaid | Call DentaQuest | Ask for new-patient dentists near you | Some offices may be full. |
| You are uninsured | Try clinic finders | Ask for sliding-fee dental intake | Free clinics set local rules. |
| Your child needs care | Check Medicaid or FAMIS | Ask for a child dental home | Bring insurance cards and school forms. |
| You are pregnant | Confirm pregnancy coverage | Ask which dental services are covered | Tell the dentist you are pregnant. |
| You need a ride | Call your plan | Ask for dental transportation | Rides often need advance notice. |
Virginia Medicaid dental coverage
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services says Cardinal Care Smiles is the dental program for Virginia Medicaid and FAMIS members. DentaQuest manages the program. Members can call DentaQuest at 1-888-912-3456 for help finding a dentist that accepts Medicaid in their ZIP code.
DentaQuest says Cardinal Care Smiles provides comprehensive benefits for members age 20 and younger, Medicaid members over age 21, and pregnant adults enrolled in Medicaid and FAMIS MOMS. Covered services can include exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum treatment, dentures, extractions, and some oral surgery when program rules are met.
There are no costs or co-payments for covered Cardinal Care Smiles dental services. Still, ask before treatment starts. Ask whether the dentist is in network, whether the service is covered, whether prior approval is needed, and whether any part of the plan is not covered.
How to apply
- Apply online through Cover Virginia, CommonHelp, or the Virginia Marketplace.
- Apply by phone through Cover Virginia if online forms are hard.
- Use your local Department of Social Services if you need in-person help.
- Send missing proof as soon as you get a request.
Cover Virginia says applications may ask for full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers for people applying, immigration document numbers when needed, income details, and information about other health insurance. If you need background before applying, ASMOM’s Medicaid and CHIP guide explains the bigger coverage path.
If you are uninsured or Medicaid is pending
If you are uninsured, ask for a sliding-fee dental appointment or a free clinic referral. HRSA’s health center locator can help you find federally supported health centers. Health centers may offer dental care, but not every site has a dental clinic, so call first.
The Virginia Health Care Foundation keeps a dental care search for safety-net dental options. The tool can help you filter for adults, children, uninsured patients, or Medicaid patients. The free clinic finder from VAFCC lists member clinics, but not all free clinics offer dental care and not all areas have a clinic.
Ask each clinic these questions: Do you treat adults? Do you treat children? Do you take Medicaid? Do you see uninsured patients? What income proof do I need? What is due at the first visit? Do you handle pain, broken teeth, extractions, fillings, or dentures?
Reality check
A clinic may be low-cost but not free. It may also have a waitlist or a limited service area. If the first clinic cannot help, ask for the names of two nearby clinics or dental referral partners.
Dental care for children and pregnant mothers
Children may qualify for Medicaid or FAMIS even if a parent does not. If your child is not covered, apply through Cover Virginia or CommonHelp and let the state decide. Do not guess based only on income. Household size, age, disability, pregnancy, and immigration-related rules can affect the answer.
The Virginia Department of Health runs an oral health program focused on prevention, sealants, fluoride varnish, education, and access to care. VDH also has a VDH dental directory for people with disabilities or chronic conditions and children under age 3. The directory is based on dentist responses, so call offices to confirm availability.
If your child is in school, Head Start, Early Head Start, WIC, or a pediatric clinic, ask about dental screenings, fluoride varnish, sealants, mobile dental visits, and local dental referrals. For related supports, ASMOM’s Virginia WIC and Virginia SNAP guides can help with food and health referrals.
If you are pregnant, tell the dental office when you call. Ask whether the service is covered during pregnancy and whether they need a note from your medical provider. For broader pregnancy and baby support, ask your clinic, WIC office, or health plan for local referrals.
Local dental options in Virginia
Dental access can look different in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Southwest Virginia, and rural areas. Use statewide finders first. Then call local clinics directly because openings, fees, and services can change.
| Area or need | Places to check | Ask this |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia | Community clinics and county referrals | Ask about residency, income proof, and referral rules. |
| Richmond area | VCU Dental Care and free clinics | Ask if urgent care, student care, or a resident clinic fits. |
| Hampton Roads | Health centers and 211 | Ask who accepts new uninsured adults this month. |
| Southwest Virginia | Health centers and dental events | Ask about date, arrival time, and services offered. |
| Disability or special needs | VDH dental directory | Ask whether the office can meet your needs now. |
VCU School of Dentistry says VCU Dental Care provides care through student, resident, faculty, and urgent care clinics. The VCU appointment page says some patients may not be accepted if their needs are too complex for the student practice, and there is no financial screening program for the student practice.
The Virginia Dental Association Foundation runs Donated Dental Services and Mission of Mercy clinics. Its Donated Dental Services page says the program serves vulnerable adults, including older adults, people with disabilities, and people who are medically fragile. It also says applications are not accepted in some counties. Use its Mission of Mercy page to check event information before you travel.
Documents to bring or keep ready
Keep photos of key documents on your phone. Bring paper copies if you can. If you are missing a document, ask the clinic or agency what else it will accept.
| Item | Why it helps | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Confirms who is being seen | State ID, school ID, passport, driver’s license |
| Address proof | Some clinics serve certain places | Lease, utility bill, school letter, shelter letter |
| Income proof | Used for Medicaid or sliding fees | Pay stubs, benefit letter, employer note |
| Insurance cards | Shows Medicaid, FAMIS, or private coverage | Medicaid card, plan card, dental card |
| Medical details | Helps the dentist plan safe care | Medicine list, allergies, pregnancy note |
| Dental records | May avoid repeat X-rays | X-rays, treatment plan, referral, denial |
ASMOM’s documents checklist can help if you are applying for dental, food, cash, child care, housing, or utility help at the same time.
Rides, child care, and time off
Dental care often falls apart because of rides, child care, or work schedules. DMAS says managed care members should contact their health plan for transportation, and fee-for-service transportation is handled by ModivCare. Use the DMAS ride page to find the right contact path.
If you are uninsured, call 211, a clinic, a church pantry, or a community action agency and ask about bus passes, gas help, or volunteer rides. If child care is blocking care, ASMOM’s Virginia child care guide can help you look for subsidy and local options.
When you book, ask if the clinic has early morning, evening, school-break, or cancellation slots. If you work hourly, ask for the shortest appointment window and a work note.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calling only one dentist. Call several offices and ask DentaQuest for help if the list is not working.
- Asking for a cleaning when pain is urgent. Say clearly if you have pain, swelling, infection signs, a broken tooth, or trouble eating.
- Assuming a clinic is free. Ask what is due at the first visit and whether sliding fees apply.
- 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 often need advance notice.
If you are denied, delayed, ignored, or billed
If your Medicaid or FAMIS application is delayed, call Cover Virginia or your local Department of Social Services and ask what proof is missing. If you receive a denial notice, read the appeal instructions and deadline on the notice.
Cover Virginia says you have the right to appeal an action that denies, reduces, or ends Medicaid or FAMIS coverage. DMAS also has an appeals portal for eligibility decisions, denials or reductions of services, and final managed care decisions. If the problem comes from a managed care plan, you may need to use the plan appeal first.
If a dental office says it accepts Medicaid but will not schedule you, ask if it accepts new Cardinal Care Smiles patients right now. If the list is outdated, call DentaQuest and ask member services for more offices. Keep dates, names, and call notes.
If you think a bill is wrong, ask for an itemized bill and claim details. Ask whether the service was covered, denied, or never billed. If a complaint involves a licensed dental professional and cannot be solved with the office, the DHP complaint form explains how to file a complaint. The Virginia Dental Association also offers VDA mediation for some disputes involving VDA member dentists.
Plan B options
- Ask DentaQuest for three dentists within a wider mile range.
- Ask a free clinic if it has a dental referral partner.
- Call 211 and ask for low-cost dental care near nearby counties.
- Ask VCU if urgent care, student care, or another clinic fits.
- Use ASMOM’s denied benefits guide if a benefit is denied, delayed, or closed.
Phone scripts
Calling DentaQuest
“Hi, I have Virginia Medicaid or FAMIS and need a dentist who takes Cardinal Care Smiles. I live near [ZIP code]. I need help with [pain, swelling, broken tooth, routine care, child care, pregnancy care]. Can you give me offices that are taking new patients?”
Calling a clinic
“Hi, I need low-cost dental care. I am [uninsured, waiting for Medicaid, on Medicaid]. Do you offer dental appointments, urgent visits, extractions, fillings, dentures, or referrals? What documents should I bring?”
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 child 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 may have my child with me. What do you need to set this up?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita cuidado dental en Virginia, empiece con Medicaid o 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 clínicas gratuitas, centros de salud comunitarios y clínicas con tarifa según sus ingresos. Llame antes de ir y pregunte qué documentos necesita llevar. Si tiene hinchazón, fiebre, dificultad para respirar o tragar, sangrado fuerte, o una lesión seria, busque ayuda médica 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 services can include exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum treatment, dentures, extractions, and some oral surgery when program rules are met.
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. Managed care members should use their plan’s transportation process. Fee-for-service rides are handled through ModivCare.
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 June 18, 2026, next review September 18, 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.