While approximately three-quarters of Massachusetts adults report visiting a dentist in the past year, many of the remaining individuals and families face challenges accessing dental care. Access challenges include difficulty getting to a dental office, prioritizing dental care among other health crises and basic needs of living, overcoming financial barriers, and navigating government assistance programs. The resources below can help you find the best dentist for you and learn about low-cost dental care options.
Establishing a dental home is essential to good oral health. Find a Massachusetts Dental Society and American Dental Association (ADA) member dentist through the ADA's Find-a-Dentist® platform. Search by location and type of dentist, and further narrow down your search by languages spoken, payment options, and more.
You should feel comfortable about going to the dentist and talking about any oral health concerns you have. To choose a dentist who's right for you, take the time to speak with a few dentists to learn about their approach to oral care.
Oral health is an important part of overall health, so it is important for all Massachusetts residents to have access to quality dental care. Many clinics and community health centers (CHCs) offer reduced rates on dental care for patients who do not have insurance.
Visit the MassHealth dental webpage to find providers, learn more about benefits, view forms and documents, and contact member services.
It’s important to know all your options when choosing the right dental plan for you and your family. These options include dental benefit plans, direct reimbursement plans, dental savings plans, and membership plans. Though many people with dental benefits get them through their employers, individual plans are also available through the Health Insurance Marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act.
Patients of MDS member dentists expect the best care. When a patient is unhappy with his or her dental treatment, it is a good idea to speak with the providing dentist first. Sometimes the dentist and patient are able to resolve the problem on their own. Sometimes they can’t. That’s where the MDS and its dispute resolution process, called Peer Review, can help.
