Vermont Medicaid dental coverage is more generous than most people assume, and the details differ sharply depending on whether you are on Dr. Dynasaur — the program for children and pregnant Vermonters — or the adult Green Mountain Care benefit. This explains who qualifies, what each program actually covers, and the practical part everyone asks about: finding a dentist who accepts Vermont Medicaid.
Who qualifies
Green Mountain Care is the name printed on the ID card Vermont issues to Medicaid members — it is not a separate program, just Vermont's name for its Medicaid coverage. Which specific program you are on determines your dental benefit.
- Dr. Dynasaur — children and teens under 19, and pregnant Vermonters, based on household income
- Medicaid for Children and Adults (MCA) — adults under 65 who are not blind or disabled, based on household income
- Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MABD) — Vermonters who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled
- Eligibility and applications for Dr. Dynasaur and MCA go through Vermont Health Connect
- Call 1-800-250-8427 for coverage questions or a replacement Green Mountain Care card
What Dr. Dynasaur covers
Dr. Dynasaur's dental benefit is built to prevent disease, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergencies, and it carries no annual dollar cap. Coverage includes prevention and diagnosis with radiographs, periodontal therapy, root canal treatment, oral surgery, and replacement of missing teeth with crowns, bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures. A routine oral evaluation is covered once every six months, and prior authorization is required for most special procedures.
- Prevention, evaluation and diagnosis, including radiographs when indicated
- Periodic cleaning and topical fluoride
- Root canal treatment (endodontics) and treatment of injuries
- Oral surgery for tooth removal and abscess drainage
- Orthodontic treatment where a dentist determines it is needed
- Crowns, bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures
What the adult Medicaid dental benefit covers
The adult dental benefit is capped at $1,500 per member per calendar year. Two preventive visits a year — an oral evaluation, a cleaning, and fluoride or tobacco-cessation counseling — do not count toward that cap and carry no copay; other covered dental visits carry a $3 copay. Members under 21, pregnant Vermonters through the 12-month postpartum period, and members in certain waiver programs are not subject to the annual cap, and Vermont Medicaid covers emergency dental treatment for acute pain, infection, or bleeding even after the cap has been met.
Cosmetic and several elective procedures are not covered under the adult benefit, and prior authorization is required for most special dental procedures.
- $1,500 annual cap per member; two preventive visits a year excluded from the cap and copay-free
- $3 copay for other covered dental visits
- Not subject to the cap: members under 21, pregnant Vermonters (through 12 months postpartum), and certain waiver-program members
- Emergency dental care for acute pain, infection or bleeding is covered even after the cap is met
- Not covered: cosmetic procedures, bonding, sealants, periodontal surgery, comprehensive periodontal care, orthodontic treatment, and processed or cast crowns and bridges
Dr. Dynasaur compared with the adult Medicaid dental benefit
| Dr. Dynasaur (under 19, and pregnancy) | Adult Medicaid dental (Green Mountain Care) | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual dollar cap | None | $1,500 per calendar year |
| Preventive visits | Oral evaluation covered once every 6 months | 2 visits a year excluded from the cap, no copay |
| Orthodontic treatment | Covered where medically indicated | Not covered |
| Crowns, bridges & dentures | Covered, including fixed and removable prosthetics | Processed or cast crowns and bridges not covered |
| Copay | None — under-21 and pregnant members are copay-exempt | $3 per visit; none for preventive visits |
| Prior authorization | Required for most special procedures | Required for most special procedures |
How to find a participating dentist
Vermont Medicaid dental is fee-for-service rather than a narrow network plan, so any Vermont dentist enrolled with Vermont Medicaid can treat a Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur patient — but not every practice accepts new Medicaid patients, so it is always worth confirming directly before booking.
- Call the DVHA Customer Support Center at 1-800-250-8427 to ask about coverage or find help locating care
- Ask a specific practice directly whether they are enrolled with Vermont Medicaid and are accepting new Medicaid patients
- Vermont's Federally Qualified Health Centers are required to treat patients regardless of insurance status, usually on a sliding fee scale, and most offer dental care
- If you would like to discuss your options, request an appointment and ask directly whether Vermont Medicaid is accepted for the visit you need
Common questions
What people ask before scheduling
Is Green Mountain Care the same as Medicaid?
Yes. Green Mountain Care is the name printed on the ID card Vermont issues to Medicaid members, including those on Dr. Dynasaur. It is Vermont's name for its Medicaid program, not a separate plan.
Does Vermont Medicaid dental have a yearly limit?
For most adults, yes — dental benefits are capped at $1,500 per calendar year, though two preventive visits a year do not count against that cap and carry no copay. Members under 21, pregnant Vermonters through the 12-month postpartum period, and members in certain waiver programs are not subject to the cap.
Does Dr. Dynasaur cover orthodontics (braces)?
It can. Dr. Dynasaur's dental benefit for children under 19 and pregnant Vermonters includes orthodontic treatment where a dentist determines it is needed, along with root canals and crowns, bridges and dentures — coverage well beyond the adult Medicaid dental benefit, which excludes orthodontic treatment and processed or cast crowns and bridges entirely.
How do I know if a dentist accepts Vermont Medicaid?
Ask the practice directly. Vermont Medicaid dental is fee-for-service, so acceptance depends on the individual dentist rather than a fixed network list, and not every practice accepts new Medicaid patients. The DVHA Customer Support Center (1-800-250-8427) can also help, and Vermont's Federally Qualified Health Centers generally serve Medicaid patients and most offer dental care.
What isn't covered under the adult Medicaid dental benefit?
Cosmetic procedures and several elective treatments are excluded, including bonding, sealants, periodontal surgery, comprehensive periodontal care, orthodontic treatment, and processed or cast crowns and bridges. Most other dental care is covered up to the annual cap, and prior authorization is required for many special procedures.
Can I still be seen for a dental emergency after I've used the $1,500 cap?
Yes. Vermont Medicaid covers emergency dental services — treatment for acute pain, infection, or bleeding — for adults even after the annual cap has been met.
Patient education sources
Sources were checked on September 3, 2026. Personal recommendations require a dental examination.
- American Dental Association patient education
- Vermont Department of Health oral health resources
- Department of Vermont Health Access: Medicaid member benefits
- Department of Vermont Health Access: Dr. Dynasaur
- Department of Vermont Health Access: Summary of Improved Dental Benefits Effective July 1, 2023
- Vermont Department of Health: Dental and Primary Care