State launches free dental care for adults on Medicaid with two mobile clinics on Saturday

The state announced Friday that it is launching its free dental care for adults on Medicaid with two mobile clinics on Saturday. You have to make an appointment – and there are just a few slots left, according to a person scheduling appointments.

In a press release issued Friday morning, the Department of Health and Human Services said clinics will be held in Concord and Colebrook from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For appointments, call 1-877-248-6684, a scheduling clinic located in New York. 

Prior to legislation passed last year, adults on Medicaid could receive free emergency dental care like tooth extractions, but not preventive care like cleanings, X-rays, or fillings. 

The two clinics mark the start of the state’s new New Hampshire Smiles Adult Program, the department said in its release. The state has contracted with Northeast Delta Dental to provide Medicaid recipients 21 and older free dental care, transportation to dental appointments, and case management to manage oral health care. 

Clinics will be held at Northeast Delta Dental in Concord, and the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook. 

In its release, the department said adults age 21 and older with full Medicaid benefits will automatically be enrolled in the program and will receive an ID card from DentaQuest in the coming weeks.

In addition to X-rays and examinations, cleanings, and fillings, adult Medicaid recipients can get limited gum-related treatment, tooth extractions, other oral surgeries, and general services such as anesthesia. 

“This is an exciting time for oral health in the Granite State,” said Sarah Finne, Medicaid dental director at Health and Human Services, in the press release. “We are grateful to our partners and advocates across New Hampshire who have worked tirelessly over the past several years to highlight the importance of preventive dental care as it relates to overall health.”

The department is providing additional information about the program via phone at 844-583-6151 and, for those who need assistance hearing and speaking, at 800-466-7566. There is also information on its website, at dhhs.nh.gov. Enter “smile program” in the search bar.