Dental care use among U.S. children has remained flat in recent years and remains below pre-pandemic levels, with no narrowing in the gap between those on Medicaid or CHIP and children with private dental coverage, according to the latest findings from the ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI).
HPI’s data also show that dentist participation in Medicaid and CHIP has stayed largely unchanged. In 2024, 41% of U.S. dentists accepted Medicaid or CHIP patients — the same rate recorded in 2015. Despite expansions in adult dental benefits under Medicaid, dentist participation overall has not increased.
As of 2025, 38 states and Washington, D.C., offer enhanced adult dental benefits through Medicaid, with 18 states expanding coverage since 2021 and none reducing benefits. Still, disparities persist, with adults and children on public insurance consistently using fewer dental services than those with private coverage.
Experts attribute the stagnation in participation and utilization largely to low reimbursement rates. In most states, Medicaid fee-for-service payments remain below 50% of typical dentist charges and about 60% of private insurance rates.
The HPI report notes that even with improved reimbursements, broader barriers to care beyond provider access may continue to limit utilization.
HPI will continue tracking these trends and their impact on dental care access nationwide. Policymakers and advocates can find Medicaid-specific resources, including ADA toolkits, to support expanded dental benefits.