Free & low-cost pediatric dentists in Rhode Island

Medicaid & CHIP dental coverage for kids in Rhode Island

If your child is enrolled in RIte Care / RIte Smiles or RIte Care, pediatric dental care is a covered benefit at no cost to your family. RIte Smiles is one of the longest-running Medicaid dental programs in the country. 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 Rhode Island.

Who qualifies in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island covers children under 19 in families earning up to 261% of the federal poverty level through RIte Care. 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 261% threshold. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify for Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island dental guides

Long-form, parent-friendly guides written specifically for Rhode Island families. Each one combines real RIte Care / RIte Smiles rules with practical advice from community dentists.

Browse Rhode Island by city

Below are the cities in Rhode Island 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.