Rhode Island Medicaid Dental Coverage

Updated August 2026

Children enrolled in Rhode Island Medicaid receive comprehensive dental benefits under the federal EPSDT mandate. All three MCOs cover EPSDT dental as part of the standard pediatric benefit. Children do not pay premiums or co-pays for most covered dental services.

Out-of-plan

Adult dental is billed separately from your MCO

Basic

Adult dental coverage

Under 21

Full EPSDT dental coverage

Adult dental in Rhode Island is billed separately from your health plan

RI Medicaid dental services for adults age 21 and over are "out-of-plan" — meaning they are not paid for by your Medicaid managed care plan (Aetna Better Health, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, or UnitedHealthcare). Adult dental is covered directly through RI Medicaid rather than through your health plan's network. See eohhs.ri.gov for the current adult dental benefit package and provider search.

Dental coverage for children under 21

Oral exams and cleanings (twice per year)
Dental X-rays
Fluoride treatments and preventive sealants
Fillings and restorations
Tooth extractions
Root canal treatment
Space maintainers
Orthodontic treatment when medically necessary
Emergency dental care

Adult Medicaid dental coverage in Rhode Island

RI Medicaid dental benefits for adults age 21 and over are billed "out-of-plan," meaning they are covered directly by RI Medicaid rather than through your Medicaid managed care plan. Coverage is basic — not every procedure is covered, and several services carry limits.

Preventive care — two cleanings and two oral exams per calendar year
X-rays and medically necessary diagnostic imaging
Root canal therapy — front teeth only; not covered for premolars and molars (back teeth)
Fillings — silver and white restorative services; crowns are not covered except stainless-steel crowns
Gum treatment — scaling, root planing, and other periodontal services with prior authorization
Complete and partial removable dentures, including adjustments and relines (frequency and type limits apply)
Emergency and palliative services — medically necessary extractions, incision and drainage of abscesses
Oral surgery when medically necessary

Some services are not covered at all for adults: bridges, implants, and other non-removable tooth-replacement procedures; orthodontics; and general anesthesia. Ask your dentist to confirm what your specific treatment plan covers before scheduling major work.

How to find a Rhode Island Medicaid dentist

Because adult dental is billed out-of-plan, your MCO's regular provider directory (Aetna Better Health, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, or UnitedHealthcare) is not the right tool for finding a dentist. Instead, use RI Medicaid's own provider search at eohhs.ri.gov/consumer/provider-search — select "Dentist" under "Type of Service" to get a list of participating dentists and dental specialists. Call ahead to confirm the office is still accepting Medicaid patients, since listings can be outdated.

The Rhode Island Department of Health also publishes a Dental Safety Net Providers List of clinics that accept Medicaid, and Rhode Island's Federally Qualified Health Centers provide dental services to Medicaid members regardless of MCO. Use the HRSA Health Center Finder at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to locate a community health center dental clinic near you. Nursing home residents enrolled in Medicaid for at least 45 days can also access the CareLink Mobile Dentistry Program, which brings dental care directly to the facility.