Frequently Asked Questions

PlainDentalCost uses the ADA Health Policy Institute's Survey of Dental Fees (2024) and Medicaid Reimbursement Compendium (2024), the MACPAC Medicaid Coverage of Dental Benefits for Adults compendium, and BEA Regional Price Parities. Per-state Medicaid dollar figures are modeled estimates (national ADA HPI Medicaid average × a state multiplier), not a live pull of every state fee schedule. Coverage spans 62 commonly-searched dental procedures across 51 US jurisdictions (50 states + DC).

PlainDentalCost updates data after validating source material and deploying a new database snapshot; it does not provide continuous or quarterly monitoring. Each page identifies its source vintage. For a current benefit, limit, authorization, or provider-network decision, confirm directly with your state Medicaid program or insurer.

Yes. There are no paywalls, account requirements, or subscription fees. All data comes from public government and ADA HPI sources and is presented for cost-transparency purposes.

Per-state Medicaid figures are modeled estimates (ADA HPI national Medicaid average × state multiplier), not transcribed line items from each state's published fee schedule. Per-state private-market estimates use national private average × state RPP / 100 and should be treated as a midpoint, not a quote. Actual fees at any dentist depend on practice pricing, local submarkets, and clinical complexity. Confirm benefits and fees with the state program or provider. The methodology page documents every step.

Three drivers explain almost all of the variation: cost of living (BEA Regional Price Parities range from 86.4 in Mississippi to 117.5 in New York, a 36% spread), Medicaid policy (states that reimburse providers more attract more Medicaid-accepting dentists, which expands cash-pay competition too), and provider supply (areas with fewer dentists per capita see higher fees). See our guide on why dental costs vary by state.

Adult Medicaid dental coverage is an optional Medicaid benefit. 19 jurisdictions cover comprehensive (extensive) adult services, 21 cover limited services (typically preventive + basic restorative), 10 cover only emergencies, and Delaware covers nothing. Pediatric dental coverage is required everywhere under EPSDT. Visit your state page for your specific tier.

CDT (Current Dental Terminology) codes are the standardized billing codes, the letter D followed by four digits, used by every dentist, every Medicaid program, and every dental insurance carrier in the United States. Knowing the CDT code for your procedure lets you look up state averages and comparison-shop between practices on equivalent terms. Our guide on CDT D-codes explains the code structure.

No. PlainDentalCost is a data portal, we publish per-state and per-procedure cost statistics, not provider directories or live quotes. For specific dentists, your state Medicaid managed-care directory or the ADA's Find-A-Dentist tool are appropriate. For a written treatment estimate, contact the dentist's billing office directly.

The well-established paths are: Federally Qualified Health Centers (sliding-fee scale based on income), dental school teaching clinics (40-60% off private rates), and dental discount plans ($80-$150/year for ~20-30% off member-dentist fees). Our guide on finding affordable dental care walks through each option in detail.

PlainDentalCost prices procedures, not insurance plans. Dental insurance economics differ materially from medical: most plans cap reimbursement at $1,500-$2,000/year and reimburse "major" procedures (crowns, root canals, implants) at 50% of an "allowed amount". For plan comparisons, see your state's healthcare exchange or your employer's benefits portal.