Mon-Fri 7:30am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm (closed 12-1pm for lunch)
Eligibility
Must visit the clinic, complete an application, and provide proof of income, identity, and address. Fees on a sliding scale based on family size and income.
Open to everyone regardless of income or insurance; must see a Lower Lights medical provider before seeing the dentist. Sliding fee discount for those who qualify.
Sliding-scale fees — Sliding Fee Discount lowers the cost of dental (and medical, pharmacy, counseling) services for people with lower earnings; rate based on earnings and household size ✓
Medicaid: Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance plans
Federally designated community health center; sliding fee discount lowers dental costs for people with lower earnings. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance.
Ohio Medicaid covers comprehensive adult dental — checkups and cleanings (once every 12 months for adults 21+), fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals, and dentures — with a $3 copay per dental visit for non-exempt adults.
Emergency dental care
Ohio State Dental Emergency Care Clinic (1st Floor, Postle Hall, 305 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210): first-come, first-served emergency care, no appointments — Mon-Thu 7:30am-12pm (15-patient limit), Fri 7:30-10:30am (10-patient limit); call 614-688-3763 before traveling to confirm the patient limit isn't met; average estimated cost $231-$450. After hours: hospital emergency department.
More ways to save
Ohio State University student dental clinics offer care at reduced cost vs. private practice.
Dental Lifeline Network Ohio (Donated Dental Services): free comprehensive dental care for Ohio residents who are 65+, permanently disabled, or medically fragile and lack income; call 888-235-5826.
Columbus Public Health provides free dental sealants for 2nd and 6th grade students in Columbus-area schools; 614-645-6853.
The Columbus Public Health dental clinic and PrimaryOne Health's flagship dental program operate on the same 240 Parsons Ave campus; they are listed here once as the health-department entry to avoid duplication.
Where can I get cheap dental care in Columbus, OH?
4 verified low-cost options are listed above, including Columbus Public Health – Dental Clinic (operated by PrimaryOne Health), Ohio State University Dental Center, Lower Lights Health – Dental Care. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does OH Medicaid cover dental for adults?
Ohio Medicaid covers comprehensive adult dental — checkups and cleanings (once every 12 months for adults 21+), fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals, and dentures — with a $3 copay per dental visit for non-exempt adults.
Where do I go for emergency dental care in Columbus?
Ohio State Dental Emergency Care Clinic (1st Floor, Postle Hall, 305 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210): first-come, first-served emergency care, no appointments — Mon-Thu 7:30am-12pm (15-patient limit), Fri 7:30-10:30am (10-patient limit); call 614-688-3763 before traveling to confirm the patient limit isn't met; average estimated cost $231-$450. After hours: hospital emergency department.
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
