Michigan Medicaid dental coverage
Last verified: June 2026
Michigan dental is a carved-out benefit — it is NOT handled by your MCO
Michigan has one of the stronger adult dental benefits in the country
How Michigan Medicaid dental works
Michigan Medicaid dental benefits for adults are administered by Delta Dental of Michigan through a contract with MDHHS — branded as DeltaCare Michigan Medicaid. Enrollees do not go through their managed care health plan for dental services; dental is a carve-out program handled separately by Delta Dental. The Delta Dental of Michigan Medicaid provider line is 1-800-482-8915.
Adults enrolled in Michigan Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan can access dental services from participating Delta Dental Medicaid providers. Finding a participating dentist is done through deltadentalmi.com or by calling 1-800-482-8915. Not every dentist who accepts commercial Delta Dental insurance accepts Medicaid — confirm Medicaid participation when scheduling.
An annual benefit limit applies to adult dental services. The specific dollar cap is set in the state budget and can change from year to year. Verify the current annual limit with Delta Dental of Michigan before scheduling high-cost procedures.
What Michigan Medicaid dental covers for adults
The following services are covered under Michigan Medicaid's adult dental benefit, subject to the annual limit and prior authorization where noted:
- Comprehensive oral exams and limited emergency exams
- Full-mouth X-rays (bitewing and periapical series)
- Prophylaxis (preventive cleanings) — covered twice per year
- Fluoride treatments for eligible enrollees
- Composite (tooth-colored) and amalgam fillings
- Simple and surgical extractions, including impacted teeth
- Root canal treatment — anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth
- Crowns — covered with prior authorization from Delta Dental
- Partial dentures and full dentures — covered with prior authorization
- Denture relines and repairs
- Periodontal (gum) treatment, including scaling and root planing
- Emergency dental services for pain relief
Prior authorization is required for crowns, dentures, root canals on posterior teeth, periodontal surgery, and some other procedures. Delta Dental reviews the clinical documentation submitted by the dentist before approving the service. Dentists who regularly treat Medicaid patients are familiar with the prior auth process.
Dental coverage for children: no annual cap under EPSDT
Children under 21 enrolled in Michigan Medicaid receive dental care under the federal EPSDT mandate — the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment standard. EPSDT requires states to cover all medically necessary dental services for this age group, with no annual dollar cap. That is a materially stronger benefit than adult dental.
For children, covered services include everything in the adult list plus orthodontic treatment when medically necessary (not merely cosmetic), space maintainers, and sealants applied to permanent molars. Schools and pediatric dental clinics are common access points for children's Medicaid dental in Michigan.
Services Michigan Medicaid dental does not cover
Adult dental coverage has limits. The following are generally not covered for adults under Michigan Medicaid:
- Cosmetic procedures — teeth whitening, veneers placed for aesthetic reasons
- Implants — dental implants are not a covered service for adults
- Orthodontia (braces) — not covered for adults; covered for children when medically necessary
- Services that exceed the annual benefit limit (the enrollee is responsible for costs above the cap)
How to find a Michigan Medicaid dentist
Use Delta Dental of Michigan's provider search at deltadentalmi.com — filter by Medicaid. Alternatively, call 1-800-482-8915 and request a list of Medicaid-accepting providers near your zip code.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are another reliable option. Michigan has dozens of FQHCs that accept Michigan Medicaid dental patients regardless of ability to pay. HRSA's health center finder at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov lists FQHC locations by zip code.
What Michigan Medicaid dental covers
| Service | Adults (21+) | Children (under 21) |
|---|---|---|
| Exams and x-rays | Covered | Covered (EPSDT) |
| Cleanings (prophylaxis) | Covered (2×/year) | Covered |
| Fillings | Covered | Covered |
| Extractions | Covered | Covered |
| Root canals | Covered (prior auth may apply) | Covered (EPSDT) |
| Crowns | Covered (prior auth required) | Covered (EPSDT) |
| Full and partial dentures | Covered (annual limit applies) | Covered (EPSDT) |
| Orthodontics | Not covered (adults) | Covered if medically necessary (EPSDT) |
An annual benefit maximum applies to adult dental services. Children under 21 have no benefit cap under EPSDT. Contact Delta Dental at 1-800-482-8915 for prior auth and benefit limit information.
- Find a Delta Dental network dentist at deltadentalmi.com or call 1-800-482-8915
- Tell the dental office you have Michigan Medicaid — this is separate from your Medicaid MCO
- For major services (crowns, dentures): prior authorization is required before treatment begins
- Children under 21 are covered for all medically necessary dental under EPSDT with no annual cap
- If you cannot find a Delta Dental dentist, FQHCs accept Medicaid dental directly
Michigan Medicaid vs Delta Dental: your MCO card is not for dental