Highly Rated Dentists in New York Who Accept Medicaid

Dental care isn’t just about having a bright smile—it’s about maintaining your total health, functionality, and quality of life. Whether it’s brushing twice daily, visiting the dentist regularly, or accessing Medicaid-covered services in New York, maintaining oral hygiene is a critical component of long-term wellness.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program in the United States that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. It was established in 1965 alongside Medicare as part of the Social Security Amendments, and it is administered by both the federal government and individual state governments. Medicaid is the largest source of health insurance coverage for low-income Americans.

Each state has its own Medicaid program, allowing flexibility in designing and managing the program. Since Medicaid is an entitlement program, individuals and families must meet the eligibility requirements before enrolling.

Does New York Medicaid Cover Dental Care?

In short, yes, New York Medicaid does provide dental coverage. Here is a general overview of the dental coverage provided through Medicaid.

For children (under 21 years old), New York complies with federal EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic & Treatment) requirements, meaning children receive comprehensive dental care as long as it’s medically necessary. Covered services include:

Routine exams, cleaning and x-rays
Fillings, sealants and restorative work
Relief of pain and infections
Orthodontics IF deemed medically necessary

For adults (21 and older), New York Medicaid covers standard preventive and diagnostic services. Effective January 31, 2024, expanded dental benefits for adults were added following a legal settlement when deemed medically necessary.

Standard Care

Oral exams and evaluations
Dental cleanings
X-rays
Routine fillings and extractions

Expanded Dental Benefits (When medically necessary)

Root canals
Crowns
Replacement dentures
Crown-lengthening in conjunction with root canal or crown placement

* These procedures require that a dentist document medical necessity and prior authorization is needed for major procedures like implants, crowns, root canals and dentures.

Medicaid adult dental benefits are part of your Managed Care Plan, so you must see a provider who accepts that specific plan (e.g., Molina/DentaQuest, MetroPlus).

How to Find Dentists Accepting Medicaid

A recent report in June 2025 highlights a shortage of dentists accepting Medicaid in New York, leading to long wait times for children, seniors, and adults. Legislative efforts aim to allow fluoride varnish by parents, independent dental hygienists, and expedited licensure for foreign-trained dentists to ease provider shortages.

Finding Medicaid-accepting dentists in New York can be made easier by utilizing various resources. Here are some general strategies and tools to help you find highly-rated dentists accepting Medicaid in New York:

1) Most Medicaid dental benefits in New York are provided through Managed Care Plans, such as:

Healthfirst
Fidelis Care
Molina (formerly Affinity)
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
MetroPlus
EmblemHealth
Healthplex (now part of DentaQuest)

Each plan partners with a dental network like DentaQuest, Liberty Dental, or Healthplex. Visit your specific plan’s website or call customer service to find a participating provider.

2) Call the NY Medicaid Helpline. They can help you identify dentists in your area that accept Medicaid and explain your coverage under the Medicaid Dental Program.

3)Contact Local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). These clinics must accept Medicaid and provide sliding-scale or no-cost dental care:

Call your local FQHC or community health center
Examples in NYC include:
- NYU Langone Family Health Centers
- Urban Health Plan
- Community Healthcare Network
- Sun River Health
Use the HRSA locator

4) Use New York State’s Health Provider & Facility search tool. The NY Department of Health offers a provider directory.

5)Online Dentist Directories: There are also online platforms and directories that allow you to search for dentists by location and accepted insurance. Websites like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, or Yelp may be helpful.

When you find a potential dentist, it’s a good idea to call their office and confirm that they still accept Medicaid and are currently taking new patients.

Highly Rated Dentists in New York Who Accept Medicaid

Finding dentists who accept Medicaid in New York may seem overwhelming, but it is not impossible. With the tips and resources outlined in this article, you can navigate the healthcare system with greater ease and connect with quality dental care providers in your area who accept Medicaid. Here are some highly rated dentists in New York who accept Medicaid: