Sliding Discount Fee Scale based on family income and size for uninsured patients (bring proof of income and residence); accepts most health insurance including Medicaid and Medicare
Open to all; discount program based on income and family size for patients without health insurance; accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most major insurance plans
Children ages 0-17 only; must be a Mecklenburg County resident; income verification and proof of address required at registration; also runs a mobile dental unit at schools and community events
Open to the public; flat $35 fee for all services, no dental insurance required; free new-patient screening; care provided by dental hygiene students under licensed faculty supervision (appointments can take up to 3 hours)
North Carolina Medicaid offers comprehensive adult dental benefits - routine cleanings, exams and preventive services plus medically necessary oral surgery, periodontal care, tooth restoration, and denture fittings/placements (complete replacements every 10 years, partials every 5 years).
Emergency dental care
UNC Adams School of Dentistry Urgent Care clinic, 385 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill - emergency line (919) 537-3737 (option 1), 8am-5pm; in Charlotte, Charlotte Community Health Clinic offers urgent dental services (dental line 704-384-1523). For swelling that affects breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the ER.
More ways to save
Central Piedmont Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic - flat $35 fee for cleanings, X-rays and periodontal therapy, no insurance needed
Dental Lifeline Network North Carolina - Donated Dental Services (DDS) provides donated comprehensive dental care for people 65+, permanently disabled, or medically fragile who cannot afford care (dentallifeline.org)
Charlotte Community Health Clinic also has a University location at 8401 Medical Plaza Dr, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28262 (same main line 704-316-6561). Mecklenburg County also hosts annual Give Kids A Smile events with free pediatric dental services for uninsured children.
Where can I get cheap dental care in Charlotte, NC?
4 verified low-cost options are listed above, including C.W. Williams Community Health Center - Check Your Smile Dental, Charlotte Community Health Clinic - Family Dentistry, MeckDental - Mecklenburg County Public Health Pediatric Dental Clinic. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does NC Medicaid cover dental for adults?
North Carolina Medicaid offers comprehensive adult dental benefits - routine cleanings, exams and preventive services plus medically necessary oral surgery, periodontal care, tooth restoration, and denture fittings/placements (complete replacements every 10 years, partials every 5 years).
Where do I go for emergency dental care in Charlotte?
UNC Adams School of Dentistry Urgent Care clinic, 385 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill - emergency line (919) 537-3737 (option 1), 8am-5pm; in Charlotte, Charlotte Community Health Clinic offers urgent dental services (dental line 704-384-1523). For swelling that affects breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the ER.
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
