Free and Low Cost Dental Care

There are a few programs and projects in South Dakota to help folks with dental needs, but most are geared toward children, the elderly or the disabled.

Community Health Center (CHC) - Dental Clinics

These are public health clinics that provide care on a sliding scale based on income. These clinics accept both Medicaid patients and fee-for service patients. For an appointment contact a CHC in your area.:

Alcester - Alcester Dental Clinic (605) 934-2251
DeSmet - Horizon Health (605) 854-3455
Faith - Horizon Health (605) 967-2644
Howard - Prairie Winds Dental Center (605) 772-4703
Martin - Bennett County CHC (605) 685-1046
Plankinton - Aurora County Dental Clinic (605) 539-1381
Rapid City - Rapid City CHC (605) 721-8919
Sioux Falls - Falls CHC (605) 367-8022
Wessington Springs - Horizon Health (605) 539-1381
Yankton - Yankton Community Dental Center (605) 260-0329

St. Francis Mission Dental Clinic

St. Francis Mission Dental Clinic provides care primarily for members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. A partnership between the South Dakota Dental Association (SDDA) and the Jesuit Mission is providing people living in one of the nation's poorest counties severely needed dental care.

Volunteers, including members of the SDDA as well as students and faculty from dental schools, provide dental exams, X-rays, fillings, root canals, extractions, cleanings, treatments, follow-up checkups, and preventive care education.

To Learn more, or to make an appointment, go to: www.sfmdental.com

Medicaid Resources

Insure Kids Now

Have you had trouble finding a South Dakota Dentist for your child? Use this Dentist Locator to find a dentist in your community who sees children and accepts Medicaid and CHIP. The information is updated quarterly and will provide a list of dentists who accept Medicaid.
Insure Kids Now
(Medicaid Dentists in South Dakota)

Medicaid Referral Center

Delta Dental of South Dakota provides assistance to adults and children covered by Medicaid to understand and use their dental benefits, including working with patients to find local dental care. The service is provided as part of DDSD's contract with the South Dakota Department of Social Services. Contact the Medicaid Referral Center at 1-877-841-1478.

Delta Dental's Mobile Program Trucks

Two mobile units travel throughout the state and providing dental services to children at no cost to the family (Medicaid and private insurance are accepted if available). The Delta Dental Mobile Program schedule is posted on Delta’s web site: www.deltadentalsd.com. Eligibility: Kids up to 21 years old who haven't seen a local dentist in 2 years or who live more than 85 miles from the nearest dentist.

Delta Dental Mobile Program Preventative Care Clinics on Native American Reservations

Delta Dental staff holds clinics at various locations on the state's Native American Reservations to provide preventive care services to children at no cost to the family (Medicaid and private insurance are accepted if available). Eligibility: Kids up to 8th grade who live on or near a Native American Reservation.
The clinics are arranged and hosted by Delta Dental staff, and advertised locally. Interested families can contact Vickie Samuelson at Delta Dental toll-free at 800-627-3961.

Tribal or IHS Dental / IHS Clinics

Members of Native American tribes can access the dental clinics located on their tribe’s reservation. These are operated by either the Tribe or the Indian Health Service. Usually these clinics are co-housed with the Tribal health care clinics or IHS hospitals.

The Donated Dental Service Program

This program matches eligible people (the elderly, 65 and over, and disabled. The disability must be as such that it limits your ability to work) with dentists across the state who have agreed to donate their services. You are welcome to contact the South Dakota program coordinator to see if you qualify (866-551-8023). The DDS Coordinator is only funded to work 10 hours per week, so you may need to leave a message.

Sioux Empire Smiles

The first Saturday in October, the Southeastern District Dental Society hosts the Sioux Empire Smiles Event. For more information, you can contact Dr. Damon Thielen at the Children’s Dental Center in Sioux Falls (605-332-1095).

Other Options

Some counties provide emergency assistance for medical and dental needs through the county welfare offices.

Contact a local dentist about your situation and see if he or she would be willing to help you. Many of the dentists who are members of the South Dakota Dental Association will provide dental care at a reduced fee for individuals who need help. They may also be willing to have you pay your bill over a period of time.

Give Kids a Smile Program

During the month of February a number of South Dakota dentists participate in this one-day-a-year program and donate dental care to young children. To find out if a dentist in your area participates in the program contact the Medicaid Referral Center at 1-800-627-3961, and tell them your child would like to be on the list to see a dentist through the Give Kids a Smile Program.

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