Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) — largest network of community health centers in DC; accepts Medicare, Medicaid, AmeriHealth Caritas DC, Amerigroup DC, MedStar Family Choice, and private insurance; free or discounted fees via sliding fee scale for uninsured based on income
2250 Champlain St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Website ↗
Sliding-scale fees
Accepts Medicaid
What you'll pay verified
Sliding-scale fees — Income-based, exact fees not published; sliding fee scale payment plan available for all services, level assigned by family size and income; free one-on-one help exploring insurance options ✓
Mon-Tue 8:30am-5:00pm; Wed 8:30am-7:30pm; Thu-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm; Sat 9:00am-3:30pm; Sun closed
Eligibility
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC); sliding fee payment plan for uninsured based on income and family size; care provided regardless of ability to pay
Care regardless of ability to pay — Serves uninsured and low-income DC adults and children regardless of ability to pay; dental care available to its primary-care patients ✓
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC); serves uninsured and low-income adults and children in DC; dental, vision, and behavioral health available only to patients who come to Bread for the City for their primary health care; care provided regardless of ability to pay
DC Medicaid (administered by the Department of Health Care Finance, DHCF) covers dental services for adults 21 and older, including: general dental exams with preventive services — routine cleaning and oral hygiene instruction every six months; emergency, surgical, and restorative services including crowns and root canal treatment; denture reline and rebase (limited to one per five years unless prior authorized); complete radiographic survey including full mouth series, bitewing, and panoramic x-rays (limited to once every three years unless prior authorized); periodontal scaling and root planing when criteria are met; and dental implants only when prior authorized. Not covered for adults: cosmetic procedures, hygiene aids, fixed prosthodontics (bridges) without prior authorization, and gold restorations. (Source: DC Medicaid Dental Billing Manual v1.5, May 15, 2026 — medicaid.dc.gov; DHCF lists 'Dental services and related treatment' among covered Medicaid services.)
Emergency dental care
For urgent dental pain, call Unity Health Care at (202) 469-4699 to make a dental appointment at the nearest Unity dental site. For facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling with fever, go to the nearest emergency room.
More ways to save
Unity Health Care — DC's largest FQHC network; uninsured patients may qualify for free or discounted fees through the sliding fee scale based on income.
Community of Hope — Sliding Fee Discount Program: dental visits cost $25-$50 depending on income level (plus discounted complete/partial dentures and repairs); care regardless of ability to pay.
Bread for the City — FQHC serving uninsured and low-income DC residents; all care regardless of ability to pay (dental available once established as a primary care patient).
DC Medicaid adult dental is relatively comprehensive (exams/cleanings every 6 months, crowns, root canals, dentures) — enrollees should use a Medicaid-enrolled dentist.
Community of Hope operates three health centers in DC with full medical and dental programs (Marie Reed in Adams Morgan, Conway Health & Resource Center in Ward 8, and the Family Health and Birth Center); Marie Reed is listed as the representative Adams Morgan dental site.
Where can I get cheap dental care in Washington, DC?
3 verified low-cost options are listed above, including Unity Health Care - Anacostia Health Center, Community of Hope - Marie Reed Health Center, Bread for the City. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does DC Medicaid cover dental for adults?
DC Medicaid (administered by the Department of Health Care Finance, DHCF) covers dental services for adults 21 and older, including: general dental exams with preventive services — routine cleaning and oral hygiene instruction every six months; emergency, surgical, and restorative services including crowns and root canal treatment; denture reline and rebase (limited to one per five years unless prior authorized); complete radiographic survey including full mouth series, bitewing, and panoramic x-rays (limited to once every three years unless prior authorized); periodontal scaling and root planing when criteria are met; and dental implants only when prior authorized. Not covered for adults: cosmetic procedures, hygiene aids, fixed prosthodontics (bridges) without prior authorization, and gold restorations. (Source: DC Medicaid Dental Billing Manual v1.5, May 15, 2026 — medicaid.dc.gov; DHCF lists 'Dental services and related treatment' among covered Medicaid services.)
Where do I go for emergency dental care in Washington?
For urgent dental pain, call Unity Health Care at (202) 469-4699 to make a dental appointment at the nearest Unity dental site. For facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling with fever, go to the nearest emergency room.
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
