Wisconsin Medicaid Dental Coverage
Updated August 2026
Wisconsin Medicaid provides dental coverage for BadgerCare Plus adult members through the ForwardHealth fee-for-service dental benefit. Unlike some states that contract dental to a separate managed care organization, Wisconsin administers dental as a direct ForwardHealth benefit — members can see any dentist enrolled with ForwardHealth, not just those in a specific dental plan network.
Preventive & basic restorative
Adult dental coverage
Full EPSDT
Children's dental coverage (under 21)
800-362-3002
ForwardHealth Member Services
BadgerCare Plus adult dental covers preventive and basic restorative services
Wisconsin Medicaid covers a range of dental services for BadgerCare Plus adults through the ForwardHealth program. Adult dental includes exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Some services require prior authorization. Contact ForwardHealth Member Services at 800-362-3002 to confirm your specific benefits.
Adult dental coverage under BadgerCare Plus
Per DHS's covered services documentation, BadgerCare Plus adult dental benefits include the items below. Services like crowns, bridges, root canals, and orthodontics are generally not covered for standard BadgerCare Plus adults, though some of these services may be covered for members in specific disability-related programs. Verify your specific coverage by calling ForwardHealth at 800-362-3002 or reviewing the covered services list at dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus/services.htm.
- Oral exams — comprehensive and periodic exams covered
- Preventive cleanings (prophylaxis) — limited frequency per year
- Dental X-rays (bitewing and panoramic)
- Fillings — amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth-colored) in some situations
- Tooth extractions including simple and surgical
- Dentures (complete dentures with prior authorization)
- Emergency dental treatment for pain or acute infection
Children's dental coverage: EPSDT ensures comprehensive benefits
Children enrolled in BadgerCare Plus receive comprehensive dental coverage under the federal EPSDT mandate (42 U.S.C. § 1396d(r)). Under EPSDT, Wisconsin must cover all medically necessary dental services for children under age 21 — a broader standard than the adult benefit package. Children must be enrolled in BadgerCare Plus to access these benefits through ForwardHealth.
- Dental exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants to prevent cavities on permanent molars
- X-rays (diagnostic)
- Fillings and restorative care
- Extractions and oral surgery
- Space maintainers after baby tooth loss
- Orthodontics when medically necessary
- Emergency dental treatment
Finding a BadgerCare Plus dentist in Wisconsin
Because Wisconsin Medicaid dental operates as a direct ForwardHealth fee-for-service benefit (not through a separate dental plan), members can see any dentist who accepts ForwardHealth — a broader network than a managed dental care model. Use the ForwardHealth provider directory at forwardhealth.wi.gov to search for participating dentists in your county.
Wisconsin has community dental clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that serve BadgerCare Plus members throughout the state, including rural areas. FQHCs must accept Medicaid and provide dental services regardless of ability to pay. Find Wisconsin FQHCs through HRSA at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Wisconsin Medicaid (ForwardHealth)
- ForwardHealth Member Services: 800-362-3002
- ForwardHealth provider directory: forwardhealth.wi.gov
- BadgerCare Plus covered services: dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus/services.htm
- HRSA Health Center Finder (FQHC dental): findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
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