Missouri Medicaid Dental Coverage

Children enrolled in MO HealthNet for Kids receive comprehensive dental coverage under the federal EPSDT mandate (42 U.S.C. § 1396d(r)). EPSDT requires states to cover all medically necessary dental services for Medicaid-enrolled children under age 21. This is a substantially broader benefit than the adult dental package.

DentaQuest administers dental benefits for MO HealthNet members. To find an in-network dentist, use the DentaQuest provider directory online or call DentaQuest's member services line directly. Members can also call the MO HealthNet Division general line at 855-373-4636 to ask about dental coverage and find a provider.

Missouri Medicaid members who need dental care but cannot find a local in-network provider can also look for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in their area. FQHCs serve patients regardless of ability to pay and are required to accept Medicaid — they often provide dental services when private dental offices have limited Medicaid slots. Find an FQHC through the HRSA Health Center Program finder at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

In addition to children, MO HealthNet extends comprehensive dental coverage — not just the limited trauma-related benefit — to pregnant women, individuals who are blind, and residents of a nursing facility. Research has documented links between untreated periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and Missouri's expanded pregnancy dental coverage reflects this clinical evidence. Pregnant MO HealthNet members should ask their OB-GYN for a dental referral early in their pregnancy and contact their dental plan to confirm covered services before scheduling.