Mississippi Medicaid Dental Coverage

Updated August 2026

All Medicaid-enrolled members under age 21 in Mississippi qualify for comprehensive dental care under EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment). The EPSDT obligation comes from Section 1905(r) of the Social Security Act and is non-negotiable — DOM cannot reduce or eliminate it. DOM processes dental claims for this population through its managed care and fee-for-service systems.

Emergency care only

Adult dental coverage

Full EPSDT

Children's dental coverage (under 21)

FQHC / dental school sliding scale

Main adult alternative

Mississippi Medicaid adult dental is limited to emergency care — children under 21 receive comprehensive coverage under EPSDT

Mississippi Medicaid provides comprehensive dental benefits only to members under 21 (via the federal EPSDT mandate). Adults enrolled in Mississippi Medicaid receive dental coverage limited primarily to emergency extractions and urgent care. Mississippi has not elected to extend comprehensive adult dental as an optional benefit. Source: Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) provider manual and benefit descriptions at medicaid.ms.gov.

Dental coverage for children under 21 — EPSDT

Mississippi's CHIP program (MississippiCAN through private insurers for some children) also includes pediatric dental benefits. Children enrolled through MississippiCAN should verify their dental coverage with their plan directly.

Comprehensive oral exams
Dental X-rays (bitewing, periapical, and panoramic)
Prophylaxis (cleanings) at scheduled intervals
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants (primarily on permanent molars)
Fillings — amalgam and composite resin
Extractions (simple and surgical)
Root canal therapy on permanent teeth
Crowns (stainless steel for primary; porcelain-fused for permanent when indicated)
Dentures for qualifying younger members
Orthodontic evaluation and treatment when medically necessary
Emergency dental care for pain, swelling, or infection

Adult dental coverage — what Mississippi Medicaid covers

For adults 21 and older, Mississippi Medicaid's dental benefits are narrow. Per DOM's provider guidelines, covered adult dental services are limited to situations involving pain, infection, or trauma. Covered services are subject to prior authorization for some procedures. Policies can change — verify with DOM before scheduling treatment.

Covered: emergency extractions (tooth causing acute pain or infection)
Covered: medically necessary oral surgery
Covered: treatment of dental infection when it affects overall health
Covered: post-surgical follow-up care
Not covered: routine preventive cleanings or exams
Not covered: fillings or restorations (non-emergency)
Not covered: dentures (unless specific medical exception)
Not covered: orthodontia
Not covered: root canals (except in limited medical necessity situations)
Not covered: X-rays for routine care

Finding a dentist for Mississippi Medicaid members

Mississippi has a shortage of dental providers who accept Medicaid, particularly in rural areas. Mississippi ranks near the bottom of states for dental provider-to-population ratios. For children: contact DOM at 1-800-421-2408 and ask about dentists in your area accepting Medicaid/EPSDT patients.

FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers) are a key resource — they are required to serve Medicaid patients and often provide dental services. Mississippi has FQHC locations in Jackson, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Greenwood, and other communities. Find them at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. For adults needing routine dental care not covered by Medicaid, community health centers often use sliding-scale fees based on income.

Mississippi Medicaid does not cover routine adult dental. Adults who need cleanings, fillings, or dentures but cannot afford private dental care have two main options: FQHCs (sliding-scale fees based on income, must accept Medicaid patients) and dental schools, which provide supervised care at reduced rates. The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in Jackson accepts adult patients. Call (601) 984-6000 for appointments.