Find a Dentist
Low-Cost Dental Services
Finding affordable dental care can be a challenge. There are free and low-cost dental options in Texas. Dental options vary based on things like your age, where you live, and how much money you make.
2-1-1
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211Texas.org as a first step in identifying dental services in your area. The online locator searches by zip code or you can use the guided search to find dental programs in your area. Help is available in more than 90 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Texas Health Steps and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Most children and young adults age 20 and younger with Medicaid or CHIP coverage get dental services through a managed care dental plan. These dental plans have state-wide services for those who qualify for coverage.
Call Texas Health Steps at 1-877-847-8377 (1-877-THSTEPS) for help finding a dentist or getting a dental checkup. They are available Monday through Friday.
Medicaid for Pregnant Women
Low-income pregnant women may be eligible for Medicaid health care benefits. These benefits are available during pregnancy and up to 2 months after the baby’s birth. Dental benefits may also be available through your Medicaid managed care health plan. Check your health plan to see if it includes dental benefits.
Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women can help pregnant women at high-risk for health problems during their pregnancy. If you have Medicaid, contact a case manager in your region to see if you are eligible for services. A case manager can help you find dental services.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), also called community health centers, give comprehensive health care services to underserved communities. They serve many uninsured Texans. Some FQHCs offer more services, such as dental, mental health, or substance abuse treatment.
To find an FQHC near you go to the HRSA Find a Health Center page.
Title V Maternal and Child Health Fee-for-Service Program
The Title V program is available to low-income women and children who aren’t eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or another payor that covers the same service. Individuals 21 and younger qualify for dental services. Pregnant women are also eligible up to three months after they have given birth.
Dental Hygiene Clinics and Dental Schools
Most dental hygiene programs and dental schools have a clinic on campus that accepts patients from the public. Students perform treatment and licensed clinical faculty supervise. Types of dental treatment options, cost, and wait times vary. Contact a dental hygiene clinic or dental school nearest you for more information. Dental schools in Texas:
- Texas A&M University School of Dentistry (Dallas)
- University of Texas Health Houston School of Dentistry
- University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso – Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine
Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM)
Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) is a mobile dental clinic run by volunteers that travels around Texas. They provide basic dental care to Texans with limited resources and/or access to care. TMOM hosts 2 day events at each place they visit in Texas. They provide extractions, fillings, and cleanings. In some cases, they may also replace missing front teeth or repair partial dentures.
Last reviewed and updated: May 14, 2024