Low-cost community dental care — Boston Public Health brochure lists these clinics as providing dental care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay ✓
Preventive dental incl. fillings (sliding scale) — $0 per procedure for households under 100% of federal poverty level; $45-$75 per procedure for 100%-200% of poverty level ✓
Crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals (sliding scale) — $300-$500 per procedure plus material cost, by income tier (under 100% to 200% of poverty level) ✓
No denial for inability to pay — Charges waived or reduced as needed so patients unable to pay are not denied services ✓
Low-cost community dental care — Boston Public Health brochure lists these clinics as providing dental care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay ✓
Low-cost community dental care — Boston Public Health brochure lists these clinics as providing dental care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay ✓
Low-cost community dental care — Boston Public Health brochure lists these clinics as providing dental care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay ✓
Low-cost community dental care — Boston Public Health brochure lists these clinics as providing dental care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay ✓
MassHealth covers comprehensive adult dental at participating dentists with no copays: oral exams, cleanings (twice/year), x-rays, fillings, root canals (not wisdom teeth), crowns, extractions, oral surgery, and full/partial dentures. Source: BeneCare MassHealth, massdhp.org/your-benefits/.
Emergency dental care
Boston Medical Center Dental Department, 850 Harrison Ave, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, (617) 464-5825 — extractions only; same-day access for urgent needs (call before 7am). For severe dental infections or trauma after hours, go to an emergency room.
More ways to save
Dental-school patient clinics offer the lowest rates in the city: Boston University Goldman School (617-638-4700) and Harvard Dental Center (617-432-1434) use supervised dental students and residents.
The City of Boston Office of Oral Health publishes a free/low-cost dental brochure listing community health centers and dental schools that serve anyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay (see sources).
Dental Lifeline Network of Massachusetts coordinates donated dental services for seniors and people with disabilities: (617) 549-5848.
Boston has an unusually deep safety net for dental care. The City of Boston Office of Oral Health brochure confirms that community health centers and dental schools across the city provide care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. FQHCs below charge on income-based sliding scales and cannot turn patients away for inability to pay.
6 verified low-cost options are listed above, including Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine — Patient Treatment Center, South Cove Community Health Center — South Street Clinic Dental, South End Community Health Center — Dental. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does MA Medicaid cover dental for adults?
MassHealth covers comprehensive adult dental at participating dentists with no copays: oral exams, cleanings (twice/year), x-rays, fillings, root canals (not wisdom teeth), crowns, extractions, oral surgery, and full/partial dentures. Source: BeneCare MassHealth, massdhp.org/your-benefits/.
Where do I go for emergency dental care in Boston?
Boston Medical Center Dental Department, 850 Harrison Ave, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, (617) 464-5825 — extractions only; same-day access for urgent needs (call before 7am). For severe dental infections or trauma after hours, go to an emergency room.
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
