Free & low-cost pediatric dentists in Washington
Washington has 476 active federally-funded community health centers across 119 cities and towns offering pediatric and family dental care to Medicaid, CHIP, and uninsured children. The state's Medicaid dental program is administered by Apple Health for Kids.
Medicaid & CHIP dental coverage for kids in Washington
If your child is enrolled in Apple Health for Kids or Apple Health for Kids, pediatric dental care is a covered benefit at no cost to your family. Apple Health Smiles delivers comprehensive pediatric dental with no copays. 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 Washington.
Who qualifies in Washington?
Washington covers children under 19 in families earning up to 317% of the federal poverty level through Apple Health for Kids. That works out to the following gross household income limits for 2026:
| Family size | Annual income limit | Monthly income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $47,740 | $3,978 |
| 2 | $64,795 | $5,400 |
| 3 | $81,849 | $6,821 |
| 4 | $98,904 | $8,242 |
| 5 | $115,959 | $9,663 |
| 6 | $133,013 | $11,084 |
Income limits are based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines (the most recent published) and the state's 317% threshold. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify for Washington'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 Washington dental guides
Long-form, parent-friendly guides written specifically for Washington families. Each one combines real Apple Health for Kids rules with practical advice from community dentists.
Medicaid dental coverage for kids in Washington
Read the Washington guide →
Children's dentistry essentials in Washington
Read the Washington guide →
Emergency dental care in Washington — what to do when a tooth can't wait
Read the Washington guide →
Sliding-fee dental pricing in Washington — how community health centers calculate what you pay
Read the Washington guide →
Browse Washington by city
Below are the cities in Washington 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.
Seattle
82 clinics
Yakima
29 clinics
Spokane
26 clinics
Bremerton
23 clinics
Tacoma
17 clinics
Everett
13 clinics
Wenatchee
13 clinics
Vancouver
12 clinics
Renton
10 clinics
Bellingham
10 clinics
Auburn
9 clinics
East Wenatchee
8 clinics
Pasco
8 clinics
Kent
6 clinics
Mattawa
6 clinics
Bellevue
6 clinics
Port Angeles
6 clinics
Kennewick
5 clinics
Longview
5 clinics
Olympia
5 clinics
Chehalis
5 clinics
Port Orchard
5 clinics
Federal Way
5 clinics
Mount Vernon
4 clinics
All cities in Washington
Every city in Washington with at least one HRSA-funded community health center.