About half the cost of private practice — Cannot provide free care, but student clinic fees are much lower than private practices -- roughly half the cost; several discount plans also available ✓
Discounted student care — Far less than most private practices; additional discounts for University of Pennsylvania students without dental insurance (with valid student ID) ✓
Open to the public; care by student dentists supervised by faculty at far less than most private practices; additional discounts for UPenn students without dental insurance
Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) covers limited adult dental: exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and emergency treatment (diagnostic/preventive generally once per 180 days); dentures limited to one set per lifetime; root canals and crowns require approved exceptions.
Emergency dental care
Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry runs an Emergency Services Clinic for patients in pain (3223 N Broad St; call (215) 707-2900; new patients also accepted through the student clinic at the same number).
More ways to save
Temple Kornberg teaching-clinic fees run roughly half of private-practice prices, with discount plans available (215-707-2900).
Dental Lifeline Network - Pennsylvania Donated Dental Services: free comprehensive dental care for people 60+, permanently disabled, or medically fragile with no means to pay; SE Pennsylvania (incl. Philadelphia) coordinator Marsha Thomas, 724-568-4343 (dentallifeline.org/pennsylvania).
PHMC on Cedar clinic phone routes through a central line (855-887-9229, press 2 for Dental, then 2). Philadelphia's FQHCs (Spectrum, QCHC, PHMC Cedar) all accept uninsured patients on sliding scales. Penn Dental Medicine's community programs also reach homeless and shelter populations via outreach.
Where can I get cheap dental care in Philadelphia, PA?
7 verified low-cost options are listed above, including Spectrum Health Services - Haverford Avenue, Spectrum Health Services - Cottman Avenue, Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry - Temple University. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does PA Medicaid cover dental for adults?
Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) covers limited adult dental: exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and emergency treatment (diagnostic/preventive generally once per 180 days); dentures limited to one set per lifetime; root canals and crowns require approved exceptions.
Where do I go for emergency dental care in Philadelphia?
Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry runs an Emergency Services Clinic for patients in pain (3223 N Broad St; call (215) 707-2900; new patients also accepted through the student clinic at the same number).
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
