Understanding Medicaid for Children
Tooth decay is among the most common chronic diseases in children in the US. States recognize the importance of dental care and provide benefits for eligible children under 21 based on their household income. You can visit this website to see if your children qualify for Medicaid services. The minimum dental care services covered by a kids’ dentist that accepts Medicaid must include:
- Infection treatments
- Teeth restorations
- Oral health maintenance
A Children’s Dentist That Takes Medicaid in Montana
At Children’s Dentistry in Lolo, we are proud to accept most forms of dental insurance, including Montana Medicaid. We believe that patients of all income levels should be able to reach a quality children’s dentist. Many parents are surprised to find that although we’re a kids’ dentist, accepting Medicaid means patients have access to our full range of care until they are 21 years old. In Montana, Medicaid covers the following services and procedures:
- Dental exams and cleanings
- Dental x-rays
- Composite tooth fillings
- Pulpal therapy and crowns
- Dental sealants
- Pain-free sedation dentistry
If you have any questions or concerns about what your insurance will cover, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to talk to you. Please have your Medicaid member card and ID with you when scheduling your appointment.
Additional Options
In addition to being a kids’ dentist that accepts Medicaid, we work diligently to ensure that our patients have other options for access to the high-quality dental care we offer.
Insurance
We accept most insurance plans, including payments from most indemnity and PPO plans. If you have any questions regarding our insurance policy or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact our office today.
Payment Options
We accept all major credit cards, cash, and debit/ATM cards. We have also arranged a payment plan through a third party to help you receive your treatment on time.
Visit a Children’s Dentist That Takes Medicaid
Our office is a vibrant, child-friendly place, so your kids feel completely safe and comfortable when you bring them in for an appointment. We are open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. We cannot wait to welcome you and your children into our Lolo family!
Medicaid and Children’s Dentistry
Dental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being. While states are required to provide dental coverage for children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), they have the option to extend dental benefits to adults. For details on children’s access to dental care, as well as the opportunities and challenges related to obtaining care, refer to the 2010 Medicaid/CHIP Oral Health Services fact sheet.
Dental Coverage for Children in Medicaid
Medicaid ensures that dental services are available to all enrolled children as part of the comprehensive Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. While oral screenings may be conducted during physical exams, they do not replace a full dental examination performed by a dentist. A dentist referral is required for every child based on the state’s designated periodicity schedule.
Essential Dental Services for Children
Dental services for children covered by Medicaid must include at least:
- Relief of pain and infection
- Restoration of teeth
- Maintenance of dental health
Under the EPSDT benefit, all services must be provided if deemed medically necessary. Each state determines what qualifies as medically necessary. If a condition that requires treatment is identified during a screening, the state is obligated to provide the necessary treatment, even if it’s not included in the state’s Medicaid plan.
Dental Periodicity Schedule
States must create a dental periodicity schedule in collaboration with recognized dental organizations that focus on child health. These schedules are not limited to emergency dental services for children entitled to EPSDT coverage.
Dental services must be offered at intervals that meet professional dental practice standards and any additional intervals based on medical necessity. States consult with dental organizations to establish these intervals. A dentist referral is required for every child in line with the state’s periodicity schedule, as well as at any other medically necessary times. It’s important to note that the periodicity schedule for other EPSDT services does not apply to dental services.