How to Find a Pediatric Dentist Who Accepts Medicaid

Pediatric dentists are responsible for the dental care of children, usually beginning during infancy and lasting throughout the teen years. For low-income and needy families, Medicaid, a government-based insurance program, provides health care with federally-received funds. However, not all dentists accept Medicaid as a form of insurance. Fortunately, there are a plethora of resources available for parents to locate a local pediatrics dentist that accepts Medicaid as a form of insurance.

• Start by looking into federal resources. Note that The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, also known as CMS, can provide you with a list of physicians and dentists that accept Medicaid. Navigate to the official CMS website, and start your search by entering "Physician," choose specialty, then select "Dentistry." Type in your zip code on the proceeding page, which pull up a list of dentists in your local area that accept Medicaid. Keep in mind however, that CMS does not have a separate list for pediatric dentists, so you will need to call each dentist and inquire if they specialize in children's dentistry.


• Search you state government's records. Note that Medicaid is a program provided through the health departments in states nationwide, and will have information as to which pediatric dentists in your area accept Medicaid. Be mindful however, that not all states provide dental benefits through Medicaid. Visit your local health department or perform an online search of local providers via your county's health department website


• Perform a search on the American Academy of Pediatrics website. Keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics offers a search tool that allows you to find pediatric dentist who are within 10 miles of the zip code you enter. Be aware however, that you will not be told the specialty of each dentist, so you will need to contact each dentist separately to inquire if they specialize in pediatrics dentistry, and if they accept Medicaid. 


• Visit the National Dental Network website, which is an online resource that helps you find dentists that accept Medicaid, as well as additional resources in the cast that you can't locate a local dentist that accepts Medicaid. The National Dental Network will compile information based on an array of federal, professional and state resources once you have filled out the search form.