ND · 35 community health centers

Free & low-cost pediatric dentists in North Dakota

North Dakota has 35 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 North Dakota Medicaid / Healthy Steps.

Medicaid & CHIP dental coverage for kids in North Dakota

If your child is enrolled in North Dakota Medicaid / Healthy Steps or Healthy Steps, pediatric dental care is a covered benefit at no cost to your family. EPSDT covers periodic exams, prophylaxis, sealants, fillings, and extractions for under-21. 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 North Dakota.

Who qualifies in North Dakota?

North Dakota covers children under 19 in families earning up to 175% of the federal poverty level through Healthy Steps. That works out to the following gross household income limits for 2026:

Family sizeAnnual income limitMonthly income limit
1$26,355$2,196
2$35,770$2,981
3$45,185$3,765
4$54,600$4,550
5$64,015$5,335
6$73,430$6,119

Income limits are based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines (the most recent published) and the state's 175% threshold. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify for North Dakota'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 North Dakota dental guides

Long-form, parent-friendly guides written specifically for North Dakota families. Each one combines real North Dakota Medicaid / Healthy Steps rules with practical advice from community dentists.

Browse North Dakota by city

Below are the cities in North Dakota 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.