ID · 242 community health centers

Free & low-cost pediatric dentists in Idaho

Idaho has 242 active federally-funded community health centers across 67 cities and towns offering pediatric and family dental care to Medicaid, CHIP, and uninsured children. The state's Medicaid dental program is administered by Idaho Smiles (Medicaid Dental).

Medicaid & CHIP dental coverage for kids in Idaho

If your child is enrolled in Idaho Smiles (Medicaid Dental) or Idaho CHIP, pediatric dental care is a covered benefit at no cost to your family. Idaho Smiles delivers preventive, restorative, and orthodontic services to enrolled children. 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 Idaho.

Who qualifies in Idaho?

Idaho covers children under 19 in families earning up to 190% of the federal poverty level through Idaho CHIP. That works out to the following gross household income limits for 2026:

Family sizeAnnual income limitMonthly income limit
1$28,614$2,385
2$38,836$3,236
3$49,058$4,088
4$59,280$4,940
5$69,502$5,792
6$79,724$6,644

Income limits are based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines (the most recent published) and the state's 190% threshold. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify for Idaho'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 Idaho dental guides

Long-form, parent-friendly guides written specifically for Idaho families. Each one combines real Idaho Smiles (Medicaid Dental) rules with practical advice from community dentists.

Browse Idaho by city

Below are the cities in Idaho 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.