Medicaid Dental in Nevada

For Medicare's own rules, see does Medicare cover dental. Nevada's other offices are on Medicare help in Nevada.

If you have full Nevada Medicaid, you have dental care now, even with Medicare. There's no separate form to fill out. Until July 2026, Medicaid paid only to pull a bad tooth, ease pain, or make dentures. Now it pays for checkups, cleanings, fillings and crowns too, up to $1,000 a year. If you've lived with a cracked tooth because a filling wasn't covered, it's worth booking a visit.

You may qualify if

• You live in Nevada and have full Medicaid, or can get it.
• You're 21 or older. Children have their own, wider dental benefit.
• You have more than a Medicare Savings Program, which pays Medicare costs but not dental care.

Not sure you qualify? Apply anyway, because the Division of Social Services (DSS) makes the call and some of your income may not count. If you would rather not do it alone, a Pair Team advocate can check with you in one call.

What Nevada Medicaid dental pays for adults

Nevada Medicaid lists these in its dental manual and dentist billing guide.

Is there a yearly limit on Nevada Medicaid dental?

Yes, there's a $1,000 limit each calendar year on checkups, cleanings, gum care, fillings and crowns, Nevada Medicaid says. It counts what Medicaid pays the dentist, not what the dentist charges. The limit starts over each January.

Care over the limit is yours to pay, but only if the dentist tells you first. Say Medicaid has paid $1,000 for your fillings this year. A crown later that year would be yours to pay, unless it can wait until January. Before the work, the dentist must explain what you'll owe, and you must sign for each item, state rules say. For care Medicaid covers, the dentist can't bill you for the rest.

I have Medicare. Do I still get Nevada Medicaid dental?

Yes, Nevada Medicaid covers dental care Medicare does not, if you have full Medicaid. Original Medicare doesn't pay for checkups, fillings or dentures.

• Medicare and full Medicaid: You have regular fee-for-service Medicaid. You can go to any dentist who takes Nevada Medicaid.
• A Medicare Advantage plan with dental: Your plan pays first, and Medicaid pays last, Nevada Medicaid says. Show the dentist both cards.
• Only a Medicare Savings Program: It helps pay what Medicare costs you, but it doesn't come with dental care.

For the income and savings rules, see Medicare and Medicaid in Nevada.

How to get dental care

1. Find a dentist with the Search Providers tool at medicaid.nv.gov. Or call Nevada Medicaid at 1-866-569-1746.
2. Call the office first. Ask if it sees adults with Nevada Medicaid and has openings.
3. Bring your cards: your Medicaid card, a photo ID, your Medicare card and any plan card.
4. Ask for a written plan that shows what counts toward the $1,000 before the work starts.
5. Need a ride? A Medicaid ride can take you to the dentist, and Medicaid rides in Nevada explains how.
6. Not on Medicaid yet? Apply at accessnevada.nv.gov, or call DSS at 800-992-0900.

For questions, you can also call a Nevada Medicaid office: Las Vegas 702-668-4200, Reno 775-687-1900, Carson City 775-684-3651 or Elko 775-753-1191.

If Nevada Medicaid says no

Ask your dentist to send the request again with more records. The denial letter tells you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. For free help with a dental bill or a denial, call the Office for Consumer Health Assistance at 1-888-333-1597.

What a Pair Team advocate does

When someone in Nevada calls us about a tooth, there's often more going on. There may be no dentist nearby who takes Medicaid, no ride, or a renewal due the same month. This is what we do:

• Check that your Medicaid is active and includes dental care, in one phone call.
• Find a dentist who takes Nevada Medicaid and has openings, and book the visit.
• Set up a Medicaid ride to the dentist with you.
• Help with your renewal, plus food, utilities and housing.

An advocate is covered by Medicare if you qualify. It takes two minutes to find out.

Check if you qualify for a Pair Team advocate

Frequently asked questions

How often can I get new dentures?

Nevada Medicaid pays for one new full or partial denture every five years. It can make an exception if your dentures were stolen or lost in a fire or disaster. It can also make one if they no longer fit because of a health problem. Adjustments and relines are part of the price for the first six months.

Do I need approval for dentures?

Most people don't need approval first for dentures, Nevada Medicaid says. If you live in a nursing home or get hospice care, your dentist must get approval first.

Does Nevada Medicaid cover dental implants for seniors?

No, implants are not on Nevada Medicaid's list of covered adult dental care. Ask your dentist about dentures, which Medicaid does cover.

What counts as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is a tooth that hurts, swells or is infected, Nevada Medicaid's rules say. Pulling that tooth is covered without approval, and it doesn't count toward the $1,000.

Did Nevada Medicaid dental change in 2026?

Yes, on July 1, 2026, Nevada Medicaid added checkups, cleanings, gum care, fillings and crowns for adults. Before that, adults got only emergency care, pain care and dentures.

Sources

• Web Announcement 3955, Expanded Coverage for Adults 21 Years and Older, Nevada Medicaid
• Medicaid Services Manual Chapter 1000, Dental, Nevada Medicaid
• Provider Type 22 Dentist Billing Guide, Nevada Medicaid
• Attachment A, Fee-for-Service Coverage and Limitations, Nevada Medicaid
• Dental Services, Nevada Medicaid
• Recipient's Dental FAQs, Nevada Medicaid
• Statewide Managed Care Program, Nevada Medicaid
• Contact Nevada Medicaid, Nevada Health Authority
• Office for Consumer Health Assistance, Aging and Disability Services Division
• Dental services, Medicare.gov