Louisiana Medicaid Dental Coverage

Updated August 2026

All children enrolled in Healthy Louisiana receive comprehensive dental services under the federal EPSDT mandate. EPSDT coverage under 42 U.S.C. § 1396d(r) requires states to cover any medically necessary dental service for members under 21, and Louisiana's MCOs coordinate pediatric dental services as part of the standard covered benefit.

Preventive + limited restorative

Adult dental coverage

Full EPSDT

Children's dental coverage (under 21)

DentaQuest / MCNA Dental

Dental benefit administration

Healthy Louisiana dental benefits are carved out to two dedicated dental plans, separate from your health MCO

Since January 1, 2021, Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has contracted with two Dental Benefit Program Managers — DentaQuest and MCNA Dental — to administer dental benefits for Healthy Louisiana members. Dental coverage is handled separately from your physical health MCO. The adult benefit generally includes preventive and some restorative services, but exact coverage can vary by plan. Confirm your specific dental benefit by calling DentaQuest at 1-800-685-0143 or MCNA at 1-855-702-6262.

Children's dental coverage (under 21) — EPSDT

Oral exams and preventive cleanings (twice per year)
Dental X-rays
Fluoride treatments and sealants
Fillings and restorations
Extractions, including surgical extractions
Root canal treatment
Space maintainers
Crowns when medically necessary
Orthodontic treatment when medically necessary
Emergency dental care for pain or infection

Adult dental coverage under Healthy Louisiana

Adult dental coverage in Louisiana is carved out from the physical health MCOs and administered by two Dental Benefit Program Managers under contract with LDH: DentaQuest and MCNA Dental. The adult dental benefit is more limited than the children's EPSDT benefit but generally includes preventive and basic restorative services.

Oral exams and preventive cleanings
Dental X-rays for diagnosis
Fluoride treatments
Basic restorations — fillings for decayed teeth
Extractions
Emergency dental treatment
Some prosthetic services (dentures) with prior authorization

Major restorative procedures, root canals on posterior teeth, orthodontics for adults, and implants are generally not covered or require prior authorization. Call DentaQuest at 1-800-685-0143 (TTY 1-800-466-7566) or MCNA at 1-855-702-6262 (TTY 1-800-955-8771) to confirm what is covered for your specific situation.

How to find a dental provider in Louisiana

Each of Louisiana's two dental plans maintains its own provider directory. To find a participating dentist, use DentaQuest's provider search at dentaquest.com or call 1-800-685-0143, or use MCNA's provider search at mcnala.net or call 1-855-702-6262.

Louisiana has a statewide network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that provide dental care to Healthy Louisiana members and offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. FQHCs are particularly valuable in rural parishes where Medicaid-accepting private dental practices may be scarce. Find an FQHC at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov, or use the Louisiana Primary Care Association (louisianapca.org) for community health center dental resources across the state.