Does Louisiana Medicaid Cover Dental Implants?
Louisiana Medicaid usually does not cover dental implants. Dental benefits are managed by DentaQuest or MCNA Dental. Call your dental plan before getting care to confirm what it will cover.
What Dental Services Does Louisiana Medicaid Cover?
The dental care covered by Louisiana Medicaid depends on your age and eligibility.
Children and young adults age 20 and younger receive dental care through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment dental program. Covered services may include:
Dental exams and cleanings
X-rays
Fillings and other tooth repairs
Root canals
Gum care
Dentures and other removable dental devices
Oral surgery
Emergency dental care
Braces when they are medically necessary
Adults may have more limited benefits. Some adults can receive dentures. Adults enrolled in certain Medicaid waiver programs may receive more complete dental care, including preventive care, fillings, root canals, gum care, dentures, and oral surgery. Specific rules apply to each service.
Visit the Louisiana Department of Health dental services page for current benefit information.
Could a Dental Implant Ever Be Covered?
A dental implant may be considered only in a very limited medical situation, but the new law does not make implants a standard Medicaid benefit.
Louisiana Act 629 takes effect August 1, 2026. It requires Medicaid to cover a dental procedure when that procedure is needed to clear a patient for another medical procedure that Medicaid covers. For example, a person may need an infection treated before receiving another type of medical care.
The law does not say that all dental implants must be covered. The state must also complete steps to put the new benefit into place. Ask your dental plan whether this law applies to your care before scheduling treatment.
What Should I Do If I Need a Dental Implant?
Start by calling your dental plan and asking whether the implant or another treatment may be covered.
You can take these steps:
Call your dental plan. Ask whether implants are covered in your situation and whether your dentist must request approval first.
Talk with your dentist about other choices. A denture or another treatment may help replace missing teeth at a lower cost.
Ask about lower-cost dental clinics. A community health center or dental school clinic may offer reduced prices based on your income.
Ask how to appeal a denial. Louisiana Medicaid members can first appeal a denied dental service through their dental plan and may then have the right to appeal to the state.
For benefit questions, call:
DentaQuest: 1-800-685-0143
MCNA Dental: 1-855-702-6262
Both lines are listed by the Louisiana Department of Health as available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Can Nest Health Help With My Dental Care Questions?
Nest Health does not provide dental care, but we can help eligible families understand their next steps. Your Nest care team may help you find local dental resources, talk through a referral, or coordinate with your other healthcare providers.
Nest provides whole-family medical, behavioral health, and social support through in-home and virtual visits for eligible Medicaid families in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas.
Need Help Coordinating Your Family’s Care?
Nest Health brings medical and behavioral healthcare to eligible Medicaid families at home and online. Our team can help with primary care, medicines, health concerns, referrals, and finding community resources.
Nest services may be available at no additional cost through a Medicaid health plan that partners with Nest. Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to see whether your family is eligible.
