Free & low-cost pediatric dentists in District of Columbia
District of Columbia has 77 active federally-funded community health centers across 1 cities and towns offering pediatric and family dental care to Medicaid, CHIP, and uninsured children. The state's Medicaid dental program is administered by DC Healthy Families.
Medicaid & CHIP dental coverage for kids in District of Columbia
If your child is enrolled in DC Healthy Families or DC Healthy Families, pediatric dental care is a covered benefit at no cost to your family. DC HealthCare Alliance provides dental for kids and pregnant residents up to 200% FPL. Federal EPSDT rules guarantee these benefits in every state, but the program brand name, managed-care administrator, and exact list of covered procedures vary, so the summary below is specific to District of Columbia.
Who qualifies in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia covers children under 19 in families earning up to 324% of the federal poverty level through DC Healthy Families. That works out to the following gross household income limits for 2026:
| Family size | Annual income limit | Monthly income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $48,794 | $4,066 |
| 2 | $66,226 | $5,519 |
| 3 | $83,657 | $6,971 |
| 4 | $101,088 | $8,424 |
| 5 | $118,519 | $9,877 |
| 6 | $135,950 | $11,329 |
Income limits are based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines (the most recent published) and the state's 324% threshold. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify for District of Columbia's sliding-fee scale at any community health center listed below.
What's covered for kids?
- Routine exams and cleanings every six months from age 1 onward.
- Fluoride varnish and protective dental sealants on permanent molars.
- Cavity fillings, including tooth-colored composite when clinically appropriate.
- Stainless-steel crowns and pulpotomies (baby root canals) for severely decayed teeth.
- Tooth extractions and emergency pain treatment.
- Orthodontia when medically necessary (cleft lip/palate, severe malocclusion).
What if we don't have insurance?
Every clinic in this directory is a federally-funded community health center. By law, these clinics must serve every patient regardless of insurance and must charge on a sliding fee scale tied to your household income. Bring a recent pay stub or tax return, and the clinic's enrollment counselor will calculate what you owe. Many families pay $25–$45 for a complete pediatric dental visit.
In-depth District of Columbia dental guides
Long-form, parent-friendly guides written specifically for District of Columbia families. Each one combines real DC Healthy Families rules with practical advice from community dentists.
Medicaid dental coverage for kids in District of Columbia
Read the District of Columbia guide →
Children's dentistry essentials in District of Columbia
Read the District of Columbia guide →
Emergency dental care in District of Columbia — what to do when a tooth can't wait
Read the District of Columbia guide →
Sliding-fee dental pricing in District of Columbia — how community health centers calculate what you pay
Read the District of Columbia guide →
Browse District of Columbia by city
Below are the cities in District of Columbia with the most community health center sites. If your city isn't listed, scroll to the full alphabetical list at the bottom of this page or call the nearest clinic and ask about transportation assistance — most CHCs have established patient-transport programs.