Questions about cost and coverage keep many El Paso families from booking a dentist. They should not. Whether you have a workplace dental plan, your children are on Texas Medicaid or CHIP, or you are paying for yourself, there is a way to get care. Tell us your situation on the form and the practice will go over it when it calls.
If you have dental insurance
- Have your insurance card ready when the practice calls, including the member ID and group number.
- Ask whether the office is in network with your plan. In-network offices usually cost you less.
- Ask what your plan pays for checkups and cleanings, fillings, crowns and major work. Many plans cover routine care at a higher rate than larger treatment.
- Ask whether your plan has a yearly maximum, a waiting period for major work, or an orthodontic benefit for braces and aligners.
- For larger treatment, ask the office to send a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer so you know your share in advance.
Texas Medicaid and CHIP dental for children
Most Texas Medicaid and CHIP members aged 20 and younger get dental services through a managed care dental plan. Your child's plan card shows which dental plan they belong to.
Texas Health Steps is the Medicaid program for children's checkups, and it includes regular dental checkups. The schedule is on the Texas Health Steps page.
For help finding a dentist who takes your child's plan, or to book a checkup, call the Texas Health Steps line at 1-877-847-8377 (1-877-THSTEPS), Monday to Friday.
The Texas Department of State Health Services also keeps a find a dentist page with more options.
When you book with us, choose "Medicaid / CHIP" in the insurance box on the form. The practice can then check your child's plan before it calls you.
Adults without dental insurance
In El Paso, about 20.6% of residents have no health insurance, and 11.2% of residents under 19 are uninsured (Census ACS 2020 to 2024). If you are paying for yourself, ask the practice:
- 1What is the self-pay price for an exam, X-rays and a cleaning?
- 2Is there a payment plan for larger treatment, such as monthly payments?
- 3Does the office accept healthcare financing or a medical credit card? Read the interest terms carefully.
- 4What should be done first? If money is tight, the dentist can help you put treatment in order of urgency.
The dental school clinic
The Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine at Texas Tech Health El Paso runs the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic, where students treat patients. The Texas DSHS find-a-dentist page lists the Hunt School among Texas dental schools that see public patients. Call the clinic directly to ask which insurance and Medicaid plans it accepts.
National cost guide
To get a feel for prices before your visit, see the El Paso dental cost guide. It lists national averages such as $203 for a routine exam and $226 for a composite filling (CareCredit, 2023 to 2024 data).
Common questions
Do El Paso dentists accept Medicaid?
Some do. Select "Medicaid / CHIP" when you book, or call Texas Health Steps at 1-877-847-8377 for help finding a dentist in your child's plan.
Does Medicaid cover adult dental care in Texas?
Coverage for adults depends on your plan. Ask your Medicaid plan which dental services it covers before you book.
Can I book a dentist without insurance?
Yes. Choose "No" in the insurance box on the form and ask the practice about self-pay prices and payment plans.
Will the office check my insurance before my visit?
Ask when the practice calls. Most offices verify coverage before a first visit if you share your plan details.