Maryland Medicaid Dental Coverage

Updated August 2026

Maryland operates its Medicaid dental benefit through a named program called the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program. This is a notable structural difference from most states, where dental is simply one benefit within a managed care plan. Maryland Healthy Smiles has its own provider network and member portal, giving dental coverage a distinct identity and administrative track.

Comprehensive

Adult dental coverage

Full EPSDT (MCHP)

Children's dental coverage (under 21)

SKYGEN

Dental benefit administrator

Maryland runs a dedicated dental program called Maryland Healthy Smiles, with no annual dollar cap

Maryland Medicaid's dental benefit is administered through the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program, managed by SKYGEN (formerly managed by MCNA Dental). There are no premiums, deductibles, copays, or annual maximum benefit amount for covered services. Contact the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program at 855-934-9812 or visit member.mdhealthysmiles.com for provider information.

Maryland Healthy Smiles: a dedicated dental program

The program is administered by SKYGEN under contract with the Maryland Department of Health. Members access dental services through SKYGEN's network of participating dentists. To find an in-network dentist, members log into the Maryland Healthy Smiles member portal at member.mdhealthysmiles.com or call 855-934-9812.

Per the Maryland Department of Health's Maryland Healthy Smiles page, both adult and child dental benefits are included in Maryland Medical Assistance, with no annual maximum benefit amount. The scope of adult coverage is broader than in many states.

What Maryland Medicaid dental covers for adults

Maryland Medicaid provides comprehensive dental coverage for adults — a significant contrast with neighboring states like Virginia and Pennsylvania, which offer more limited adult dental benefits. Per MDH program information, adult Maryland Medicaid dental benefits include:

Preventive care: exams, X-rays, and professional cleanings
Basic restorative services: fillings (amalgam and composite)
Oral surgery: extractions including surgical extractions
Root canal therapy (endodontics)
Anesthesia and crowns
Denture adjustments (new dentures are not covered for adults 21+)
Emergency dental services for pain or infection

Some services require prior authorization. Note that new dentures for adults 21 and older are not a covered service — only denture adjustments are covered for adults. Contact SKYGEN at 855-934-9812 before scheduling major restorative work to confirm coverage and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Children's dental coverage under MCHP

Children enrolled in the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) receive comprehensive dental coverage under the federal EPSDT mandate (42 U.S.C. § 1396d(r)). EPSDT requires coverage of all medically necessary dental services for Medicaid and CHIP-enrolled children under age 21. Maryland's MCHP coverage meets and often exceeds this federal floor.

Dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants
Diagnostic X-rays
Fillings and restorative care
Extractions and oral surgery
Root canals when medically necessary
Orthodontics when medically necessary (not cosmetic)
Space maintainers following tooth loss

Finding a Maryland Healthy Smiles dentist

Maryland Medicaid dental members can find participating dentists through the Maryland Healthy Smiles provider directory at member.mdhealthysmiles.com or by calling 855-934-9812. Marylanders who cannot find a local participating dentist can also seek care at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which are required to provide dental services and accept Medicaid. Find an FQHC through the HRSA Health Center Program at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.