NE · 96 community health centers

Free & low-cost pediatric dentists in Nebraska

Nebraska has 96 active federally-funded community health centers across 18 cities and towns offering pediatric and family dental care to Medicaid, CHIP, and uninsured children. The state's Medicaid dental program is administered by Nebraska Medicaid (Heritage Health).

Medicaid & CHIP dental coverage for kids in Nebraska

If your child is enrolled in Nebraska Medicaid (Heritage Health) or Kids Connection, pediatric dental care is a covered benefit at no cost to your family. Heritage Health Dental: full preventive and restorative pediatric benefit. 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 Nebraska.

Who qualifies in Nebraska?

Nebraska covers children under 19 in families earning up to 218% of the federal poverty level through Kids Connection. That works out to the following gross household income limits for 2026:

Family sizeAnnual income limitMonthly income limit
1$32,831$2,736
2$44,559$3,713
3$56,288$4,691
4$68,016$5,668
5$79,744$6,645
6$91,473$7,623

Income limits are based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines (the most recent published) and the state's 218% threshold. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify for Nebraska'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 Nebraska dental guides

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

Browse Nebraska by city

Below are the cities in Nebraska 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.