Free & low-cost pediatric dentists in Illinois

Medicaid & CHIP dental coverage for kids in Illinois

If your child is enrolled in Illinois Medicaid (HealthChoice Illinois) or All Kids, pediatric dental care is a covered benefit at no cost to your family. All Kids covers dental for children in families up to 318% of the federal poverty level. 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 Illinois.

Who qualifies in Illinois?

Illinois covers children under 19 in families earning up to 318% of the federal poverty level through All Kids. That works out to the following gross household income limits for 2026:

Income limits are based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines (the most recent published) and the state's 318% threshold. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify for Illinois'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 Illinois dental guides

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

Browse Illinois by city

Below are the cities in Illinois 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.