If you have Medicaid through United Healthcare, you might wonder what kind of dental benefits come with it. Good news—UnitedHealthcare offers a dental plan that helps you take care of your teeth and your wallet. In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about United Healthcare Medicaid dental benefits in 2025.
How Can You Access United Healthcare Medicaid Dental Benefits?
To get your dental benefits, you need to be enrolled in a United Healthcare Medicaid plan that includes dental coverage. Here’s how to access it step-by-step:
- Check Your Plan
Not all United Healthcare Medicaid plans include dental, so check your plan details. You can do this on the UHC website or by calling Member Services. - Find a Dentist
Go to the United Healthcare website and use the “Find a Dentist” tool. This tool helps you find dentists in your area who take UnitedHealthcare Medicaid. - Make an Appointment
Call the dental office and book your appointment. Make sure you bring your United Healthcare ID card with you. - Ask Questions
If you’re unsure about what’s covered or need help, call the customer service number listed on your card.
What Is the United Healthcare Medicaid Dental Phone Number?
Each state has a different phone number, but here is Medicaid’s phone #
- 1-800-941-4647 (TTY 711)
- National Member Services: Visit uhc.com and select your state for the correct phone number.
You can call them to ask about covered services, find a dentist, or get help understanding your benefits.
How Good Is the Coverage with United Healthcare Medicaid Dental?
United Healthcare Medicaid dental coverage is pretty helpful. It usually covers the basics and sometimes more, depending on your state. Here’s what most people get:
- Cleanings and Checkups: Covered every 6 months.
- X-Rays: Often included once a year.
- Fillings: Covered if you have a cavity.
- Extractions: Covered if a tooth needs to be pulled.
- Emergency Dental Care: For things like tooth pain or infections.
In some states, you may even get root canals, crowns, or dentures, especially if you’re in a long-term care plan.
Where Is United Healthcare Medicaid Dental Accepted?
You can use your United Healthcare Medicaid dental plan at dentists who are in the UHC network. These are called “in-network providers.” To find one:
- Use the “Find a Dentist” tool at uhc.com
- Or call the dental customer service number for your state
Keep in mind, not all dentists accept Medicaid, so it’s important to check before you go.
What Are the Benefits of United Healthcare Medicaid Dental?
The dental plan offers many benefits that help you stay healthy and save money. Here’s what you get:
- Regular Care: Free cleanings and exams to keep your mouth healthy.
- Cavity Protection: Fillings and sealants to stop problems before they get worse.
- Emergency Care: Help when you have sudden pain or swelling.
- No Big Bills: Most services are free or have a small cost.
- Healthy Smiles: Helps you keep your teeth and gums in good shape.
Taking care of your teeth now helps avoid bigger problems later.
What Comes in the Package of United Healthcare Medicaid Dental?
When you get the dental package, it usually includes:
- Preventive Services
- Checkups
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants (for kids)
- Basic Services
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Emergency care
- Sometimes Major Services (depends on your state)
- Crowns
- Root canals
- Dentures
- Oral surgery
Always read your plan handbook or ask customer service to know what’s included.
Why Choose United Healthcare Medicaid Dental?
Here’s why this plan can be a smart choice:
- Trusted Company: UHC is one of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S.
- Large Dentist Network: Easy to find a provider nearby.
- Extra Help: They offer things like free rides to the dentist or interpreter services.
- Low or No Cost: Most dental services are free for Medicaid members.
- One Card for Everything: Use your United Healthcare card for both medical and dental visits.
They make it simple, so you don’t have to stress.
What Are the Costs for United Healthcare Medicaid Dental?
The best part? Most services are free if you’re on Medicaid. Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
- Checkups and Cleanings: $0
- X-rays: $0
- Fillings and Extractions: Usually $0, sometimes a small copay like $2–$3
- Emergency Care: Often free or low-cost
- Major Services: May require approval or have some limits
Be sure to check if your plan covers everything you need and ask if there’s a copay before your visit.
Are There Any Concerns with the United Healthcare Medicaid Dental Plan?
Yes, a few things could be better:
- Limited Dentists in Some Areas
- Some towns or cities don’t have many in-network dentists.
- Coverage Can Vary by State
- Not all services are covered in every state.
- Long Wait Times
- It can take weeks to get an appointment, especially in busy areas.
- Needs Approval for Big Treatments
- Crowns, root canals, or dentures may need approval and paperwork.
- Age Restrictions
- Some benefits are for children only, not adults.
Still, for many people, these are small issues compared to the value the plan offers.
Does United Healthcare Medicaid Dental Come with Any Other Perks or Packages?
Yes! Depending on where you live and your exact Medicaid plan, you might get:
- Transportation: Free rides to dental appointments
- Gift Cards: Rewards for going to checkups or completing a dental visit
- Extra Cleanings: For people with diabetes or pregnant women
- Health Classes: Tips on brushing, flossing, and eating better
- Combined Benefits: Dental, vision, and medical on the same plan
Ask customer service or check your benefits online to see what extras come with your plan.
How Much Can You Save with United Healthcare Medicaid Dental?
Dental care can be very expensive without insurance. Here’s how much you could save with UHC Medicaid:
| Service | Typical Cost (No Insurance) | Your Cost with UHC Medicaid |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Cleaning | $100 – $200 | $0 |
| Cavity Filling | $150 – $300 | $0 – $5 |
| Tooth Extraction | $200 – $400 | $0 – $5 |
| Root Canal | $700 – $1,200 | May be free if covered |
| Full Dentures | $1,000 – $3,000 | Covered in some states |
As you can see, you could save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year just by using your dental benefits.
Final Thoughts: Take Care of Your Smile for Free
If you’re on Medicaid and your state includes dental benefits through United Healthcare, you’re in luck. You get important dental services for little to no cost. From free cleanings to emergency toothaches, this plan helps you stay healthy and save money.
To make the most of it:
- Check your plan details
- Use in-network dentists
- Stay on top of your appointments
- Ask about any extra perks
Healthy teeth make a healthy life—and it doesn’t have to cost you a dime.
