First, parents will need to get started by applying for Medicaid in their home state. While the methods of doing so will vary depending on where you are in the country, you can generally expect to be able to complete an application over the phone, online, or at certain physical locations. Once you’ve been approved, you’ll be provided with a referral to a dental office that welcomes Medicaid (such as Victoria Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics) based on geographic location. However, you are not required to visit that practice if you already have somewhere in mind that you’d like to take your child to.

Medicaid coverage does have strict requirements regarding regular care for children. You will need to make sure that your son or daughter attends consistent checkups and cleanings in order to maintain available benefits. These benefits include coverage for dental restorations and relief from infections and/or severe pain.

Alternatively, CHIP is also available for children whose families make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid but still cannot afford regular health insurance. There are several guidelines for acceptance into this program, including the age of the child, the size of the family, and their annual income. CHIP can cover services that are necessary to promote good oral health in young patients and prevent disease, as well as treat problems that are considered emergencies and require restorative intervention.