PR · 168 community health centers

Free & low-cost pediatric dentists in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has 168 active federally-funded community health centers across 85 cities and towns offering pediatric and family dental care to Medicaid, CHIP, and uninsured children. The state's Medicaid dental program is administered by Plan de Salud del Gobierno (Vital).

Medicaid & CHIP dental coverage for kids in Puerto Rico

If your child is enrolled in Plan de Salud del Gobierno (Vital) or Plan Vital, pediatric dental care is a covered benefit at no cost to your family. Plan Vital includes pediatric dental through participating community health centers islandwide. 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 Puerto Rico.

Who qualifies in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico covers children under 19 in families earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level through Plan Vital. That works out to the following gross household income limits for 2026:

Family sizeAnnual income limitMonthly income limit
1$37,650$3,138
2$51,100$4,258
3$64,550$5,379
4$78,000$6,500
5$91,450$7,621
6$104,900$8,742

Income limits are based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines (the most recent published) and the state's 250% threshold. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify for Puerto Rico'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 Puerto Rico dental guides

Long-form, parent-friendly guides written specifically for Puerto Rico families. Each one combines real Plan de Salud del Gobierno (Vital) rules with practical advice from community dentists.

Browse Puerto Rico by city

Below are the cities in Puerto Rico 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.