How to Find a Dentist That Takes Medicaid Near You
Finding a Medicaid dentist takes a few specific steps. Here's how to search your plan's directory, use community clinics, and confirm coverage in NY.
My Dentist Brooklyn Editorial
Independent dental guide · Brooklyn, NY
How do I find a dentist that takes Medicaid near me?
To find a dentist that takes Medicaid, start with your Medicaid managed-care plan's online provider directory — in New York, most members belong to a plan like Fidelis, Healthfirst, MetroPlus or EmblemHealth, each with a "find a dentist" search you can filter by location. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and hospital dental clinics almost always accept Medicaid and treat new patients, so they're a reliable fallback; you can locate one through the HRSA health center finder. Dental school clinics, such as NYU College of Dentistry, also accept many Medicaid members. Always call the office before booking to confirm they currently accept your specific Medicaid plan and are taking new patients, since participation changes. Bring your Medicaid ID to your visit. NY Medicaid covers exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures and, in medically necessary cases, crowns and implants.
Step 1: Identify your Medicaid plan
Most NY Medicaid members are enrolled in a managed-care plan. Your member card shows the plan name. Each plan has its own network, so the right directory to search is your plan's — not a generic one.
Step 2: Use the plan's provider search
On your plan's website, use the dental provider search, filter by Brooklyn or your zip code, and call to confirm. Common NY Medicaid plans include Fidelis Care, Healthfirst, MetroPlus, EmblemHealth and others.
Step 3: Try community health centers
FQHCs are built to serve Medicaid and uninsured patients and rarely turn people away. Use the HRSA health center finder to locate one nearby.
Step 4: Consider dental schools and hospital clinics
NYU College of Dentistry, Columbia, and hospital-based dental clinics accept many Medicaid members and offer comprehensive care. See our dental school clinics guide.
What NY Medicaid covers
NY has broad dental coverage: exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, and — following coverage expansions — crowns and implants where medically necessary. Read the full breakdown in our Medicaid dentist guide.
Always call first
Provider participation and new-patient availability change often. A two-minute call confirming "Do you take my exact plan, and are you accepting new patients?" saves a wasted trip.