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
Children’s Dentistry in Lolo proudly accepts most major dental insurance plans, including Montana Medicaid (also known as Healthy Montana Kids Plus for eligible children). We are committed to making high-quality child dental care accessible to families of all income levels in Lolo, Missoula, Frenchtown, and throughout Western Montana.
As a leading children’s dentist accepting Montana Medicaid, we provide comprehensive care for kids and young adults. Many parents are pleasantly surprised to learn that our Medicaid-accepting kids’ dental office extends full services to patients up to age 21 under Montana’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) guidelines. This means eligible young adults can continue receiving expert care from our family-friendly team even after transitioning out of childhood.
Montana Medicaid covers a wide range of essential dental services for children and youth under 21, including:
- Routine dental exams and cleanings (as often as medically necessary, with recommendations starting by age 1)
- Dental X-rays (diagnostic imaging to detect issues early)
- Composite (tooth-colored) fillings for cavities
- Pulpal therapy (root canal treatment for primary teeth) and stainless steel or other crowns
- Preventive dental sealants to protect against decay
- Nearly Pain-free sedation dentistry options for anxious or special-needs patients
Our experienced team specializes in gentle, kid-focused dentistry and is here to help make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
If you’re wondering about coverage details, what your Montana Medicaid plan includes, or how to verify benefits, our friendly staff is ready to assist. We encourage you to have your Medicaid member ID card and any relevant information handy when calling to schedule.
Contact Children’s Dentistry in Lolo today to book an appointment for your child or young adult— we’re conveniently located and dedicated to keeping Western Montana smiles healthy!
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 5 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.