Free & Low-Cost Dental Care in North Carolina: Medicaid, FQHCs, Dental Schools & Nonprofits

North Carolina offers several pathways for affordable dental care, especially for complex needs (extractions, dentures, restorative).

1. NC Medicaid (Adult Dental Benefit)

• Eligibility: Adults 21+ enrolled in Medicaid (includes expansion population since 2023).
• Covered: Exams, X-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals (anterior), dentures (partial/complete), periodontal scaling, emergency care.
• Access: Find providers via NC Medicaid Provider Portal or call 1-888-245-0179.

2. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

• Sliding fee scale (based on income); serve uninsured/underinsured.
• Comprehensive dental: preventive, restorative, prosthetic, oral surgery.
• Locate: HRSA Find a Health Center.

3. Dental School Clinics

• UNC Adams School of Dentistry (Chapel Hill) – Student/resident care; reduced fees; all specialties.
• ECU School of Dental Medicine (Greenville + 8 Community Service Learning Centers statewide) – Similar model.
• Longer appointments; high-quality supervised care.

4. Nonprofit / Charitable Clinics

• Carolina Dental Care (Raleigh)
• Charlotte Community Health Clinic
• Durham Community Dental Clinic
• Greensboro Community Clinic
• Wilmington Dental Clinic
• Mission of Mercy (MOM) events – free 2-day clinics (check schedule).

Action Steps

1. Apply for Medicaid if eligible (ePASS.nc.gov).
2. Call FQHCs/dental schools for new patient appointments (waitlists common).
3. Bring proof of income, ID, medication list.
4. For urgent infection/swelling: ER → dental referral or MOM event.

Oral health is essential health. Persistent advocacy gets care.