New Mexico Medicaid Dental Coverage

Updated August 2026

New Mexico Medicaid members under 21 receive full comprehensive dental coverage under EPSDT. Per Section 1905(r) of the Social Security Act, New Mexico must provide all medically necessary dental services to this age group without restriction to a limited benefit package. All four Turquoise Care MCOs include pediatric dental.

Included

Adult dental coverage

Full EPSDT

Children's dental coverage (under 21)

BCBSNM, Molina NM, Presbyterian, UHC Community Plan NM

Turquoise Care dental MCOs

Turquoise Care includes adult dental — New Mexico covers more than most states for adult members

New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care) includes dental as a covered benefit for adults as well as the comprehensive EPSDT coverage required for members under 21. This places New Mexico above the national baseline — many states cover only emergency dental for adults. Per the HCA Turquoise Care member handbook, dental benefits are included in the managed care benefit package delivered through the four MCOs: BCBSNM, Molina Healthcare NM, Presbyterian Health Plan, and UHC Community Plan NM. Check your specific MCO's benefit guide for the exact covered service list.

Dental coverage for children under 21 — EPSDT

Routine preventive exams and cleanings
Dental X-rays (bitewing, periapical, panoramic)
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants on permanent teeth
Composite and amalgam fillings
Tooth extractions (simple and surgical)
Root canal therapy on permanent teeth
Crowns (stainless steel for primary; permanent crowns when medically indicated)
Space maintainers after early tooth loss
Dentures for eligible younger members
Orthodontic evaluation and treatment when medically necessary
Emergency dental care for pain, swelling, or injury

Adult dental coverage through Turquoise Care MCOs

New Mexico includes adult dental as part of the Turquoise Care managed care benefit. This is broader than the emergency-only approach used by some states. Per HCA, covered adult dental services include preventive, diagnostic, and select restorative care in addition to emergency treatment. Exact scope varies by MCO — review your plan's member handbook for the complete list.

Generally covered for adults	Typically not covered for adults
Oral exams and dental X-rays	Orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners)
Routine cleanings (typically 1–2 per year)	Dental implants
Extractions	Cosmetic procedures
Emergency dental services	Services exceeding plan frequency limits
Restorative fillings (amalgam and composite)	Some complex crown and bridge work
Full and partial dentures (with prior authorization)	—
Root canals on select teeth (vary by plan; may require PA)	—

Oral exams and dental X-rays

Typically not covered for adults: Orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners)

Routine cleanings (typically 1–2 per year)

Typically not covered for adults: Dental implants

Extractions

Typically not covered for adults: Cosmetic procedures

Emergency dental services

Typically not covered for adults: Services exceeding plan frequency limits

Restorative fillings (amalgam and composite)

Typically not covered for adults: Some complex crown and bridge work

Full and partial dentures (with prior authorization)

Typically not covered for adults: —

Root canals on select teeth (vary by plan; may require PA)

Typically not covered for adults: —

Finding a dentist in New Mexico Medicaid

To find an in-network dentist, use your Turquoise Care MCO's provider directory. Each plan has its own dental network — a dentist in one MCO's network may not participate in another. Switching MCOs annually is possible and may make sense if your preferred dentist only participates with one plan.

New Mexico has significant rural areas where dental providers are scarce. FQHCs serve Medicaid members statewide and are required to accept all patients regardless of MCO. Locations include Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Taos, and multiple rural communities.

Native American members of New Mexico Medicaid may access dental care through Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities in addition to their MCO's network. IHS dental services are available at IHS facilities and Tribal health programs statewide. Native American members also have the right to opt out of managed care and receive Medicaid services on a fee-for-service basis — contact HCA at 1-800-283-4465 to learn more about this option.