Illinois Medicaid Dental Coverage

Updated August 2026

Per HFS, the Illinois Medicaid dental program covers a full range of dental services for children and restorative dental services for adults over 21. DentaQuest has served as the dental fiscal agent for HFS since March 1999, administering the program on a fee-for-service basis.

Restorative

Adult dental coverage

DentaQuest

Dental fiscal agent since 1999

1-888-286-2447

DentaQuest member line

Illinois covers restorative dental for adults, not just emergencies

Per HFS, the Illinois Medicaid dental program covers a full range of dental services for children and restorative dental services for adults over 21 — broader than the emergency-only benefit many states offer. DentaQuest has served as the dental fiscal agent for HFS since March 1999, administering the program on a fee-for-service basis.

What Illinois Medicaid dental covers for adults

Adult dental services covered under Illinois Medicaid include:

Oral examinations and X-rays
Preventive cleanings (prophylaxis)
Fillings (amalgam and composite, subject to coverage rules)
Extractions — including surgical extractions
Dentures — complete and partial dentures
Emergency dental services for pain relief

Children get full dental coverage under EPSDT

Children enrolled in All Kids (the Illinois CHIP/Medicaid program for children) receive dental coverage under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) mandate. EPSDT requires all medically necessary services to be covered for enrollees under 21, which means children's dental is broader than adult dental. It includes:

Routine checkups and cleanings at recommended intervals
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants
Fillings, crowns, and restorations as medically necessary
Extractions
Orthodontia when medically necessary
Emergency dental care

How to find a dentist who accepts Illinois Medicaid

DentaQuest manages the Illinois Medicaid dental provider network. The fastest way to find a participating dentist near you is to use DentaQuest's provider search and filter by "Illinois Medicaid" or "All Kids/HFS" to see in-network providers.

You can also call DentaQuest directly at 1-888-286-2447 (TTY: 1-800-466-7566) for help locating a dentist in your area. The call is free, and staff can confirm whether a specific provider is currently accepting new Medicaid patients.

If you are enrolled in a HealthChoice Illinois managed care plan, dental is a separate benefit administered by DentaQuest — not through your health plan. Your medical card and your dental coverage are handled by different entities.

Prior authorization and what Illinois Medicaid dental does not cover

Not all dental procedures are covered without prior approval. DentaQuest reviews requests for dentures, certain surgical procedures, and some restorative work before authorizing payment. The dentist's office submits the prior authorization request and typically receives a response within a few business days.

Illinois Medicaid dental does not cover cosmetic procedures. Teeth whitening, veneers, and purely cosmetic reshaping are excluded. Implants are generally not covered for adult Medicaid enrollees. Orthodontic treatment is covered for children when it meets the EPSDT medical necessity standard but is not routinely covered for adults.

If a procedure is denied, you have the right to appeal. Ask DentaQuest for the reason for denial in writing and request a review. Your dentist can also submit additional clinical documentation supporting medical necessity.