Dental Insurance in Alabama: Medicaid, CHIP and Finding an In-Network Dentist
A practical guide for Alabama: public dental coverage, private dental insurance networks and low-cost options. Our directory lists 3,746 dental providers in Alabama, including 3,189 general dentists and 17 pediatric dentists, from the public NPI registry.
Medicaid dental coverage in Alabama
Medicaid is run by each state within federal rules. Dental care for children is a required Medicaid benefit, while dental coverage for adults is optional, so it ranges from none or emergency-only to comprehensive depending on the state. Nationally, the ADA Health Policy Institute, Dental Care in Medicaid Programs (Dec 2025) counted 38 states and DC with enhanced adult dental benefits as of 2025. Federal overview: Medicaid.gov – Dental care.
According to the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute (December 2025), Alabama was the only state with no dental coverage for adult Medicaid beneficiaries. Children remain covered. Check with Alabama Medicaid for any change since then.
CHIP and dental care for children
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private coverage, and CHIP plans must include dental coverage. To find a dentist who takes Medicaid or CHIP for a child in Alabama, use the InsureKidsNow.gov dentist locator (choose Alabama) or the program link above. Our directory lists 17 pediatric dentists in the state; it does not show which ones take Medicaid.
Finding an in-network dentist with private dental insurance
With a PPO plan you can usually see any dentist, but costs are lower in network; with a DHMO you normally need to choose a network dentist. Start from your insurer's own directory:
- Delta Dental – Find a dentist
- Cigna – Provider directory
- MetLife – Find a dentist
- Aetna – Find a doctor or dentist
For other carriers (Guardian, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ameritas and more), use the directory on your plan's member website. Then call the office to confirm they are in network for your exact plan. If you buy coverage on the Marketplace, see HealthCare.gov – Dental coverage; Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care (Medicare.gov).
Low-cost dental care in Alabama
Our data includes 196 HRSA-funded health center sites in Alabama. Health centers charge on a sliding scale by income and many provide dental care; search HRSA Find a Health Center. Dental schools and community clinics are other options.
Find a dentist in Alabama
Browse dentists in 144 Alabama cities: dentists in Alabama. See also our Medicaid dentist finder.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicaid cover dental care for adults in Alabama?
According to the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute (December 2025), Alabama was the only state with no dental coverage for adult Medicaid beneficiaries. Children remain covered. Check with Alabama Medicaid for any change since then.
Do children get dental coverage through Medicaid or CHIP?
Yes. Medicaid covers dental services for children under its EPSDT benefit, and CHIP programs are required to include dental coverage. Eligibility depends on family income and other rules set by each state.
How do I know if a dentist takes my insurance?
Search your insurer's online directory, then call the office and give your plan name and member ID. Directories can be out of date, so the office is the final word. Our listings do not say which plans an office accepts.
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Provider counts: NPPES NPI registry (CMS), October 2026. Alabama adult-coverage fact: ADA Health Policy Institute, Dec 2025; not verified on an Alabama Medicaid site.