How to Find a Dentist Who Accepts Caresource Insurance: Your Complete Guide

Everyone should have a healthy smile, but finding a dentist who takes Caresource insurance can seem hard. This guide makes it simple. You’ll learn what Caresource dental insurance offers, how to find the right dentist near you, what treatments you can get, and how to use your plan the best way. Don’t let insurance stop you from getting good dental care—keep reading to find your answer.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Your Need for a Caresource Dentist

Maybe your tooth hurts when you wake up. Maybe your child fell and broke a tooth. Or maybe you just want a checkup and want to use your insurance smartly. Whatever the reason, the big question is, “What dentist takes Caresource insurance?”

Let’s be real—healthcare can be a headache. Tooth care is no different. Sometimes, you call offices only to hear, “Sorry, we don’t take that insurance now.” It wastes time and makes you worry you won’t get care.

But don’t stress. I’ve been there too—calling, searching online, just trying to find someone who can help. The good news? With the right steps and some tips, you can find the care you need and save your money, too.

2. What Is Caresource Insurance? Breaking Down The Basics

Caresource is a company that gives people health insurance, and lots of people use it for dental care. Some get Caresource through Medicaid (that’s government coverage for those who qualify), while others have Caresource through private or state health plans.

The dental part of your plan mostly pays for cleanings, checkups, and basic things like fillings. Sometimes, it pays for emergency dental treatment too. Caresource is found in states like Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

Main things:

• Not every dentist takes Caresource.
• Each state’s plan may be a little different.
• Coverage often includes teeth cleanings, checkups, and sometimes more.

3. Why Is It Sometimes Hard to Find a Dentist Who Takes Caresource?

Here’s something I learned the hard way: Not every dentist’s office takes Caresource. Dentists may come and go from insurance lists. This means people call offices, just to hear “no” over and over. Even when you find a dentist, they may not take your Caresource plan, or may not take new patients.

Why does this happen? Dentists and insurance companies set payment agreements. If the money isn’t enough, some dentists decide not to be part of Caresource. In some places, especially country areas, there just aren’t many dentists who take Caresource at all.

If you have this problem, you’re not alone. Many families go through the same thing and need good solutions.

4. How Does Caresource Dental Coverage Work?

Caresource dental plans change based on which one you have. Medicaid usually covers cleanings, exams, and X-rays. Some private or state plans might pay for even more, like bigger dental jobs.

Here’s what to remember:

• Preventive services: Cleanings, checkups, sealants for kids—often covered all the way.
• Basic services: Fillings, pulling teeth, some root canals—covered with low or no payment for Medicaid.
• Major procedures: Crowns, bridges, braces—sometimes covered, but might be limited or need a “yes” from insurance first.
• Emergency care: Usually included, especially if you’re in pain.

Always look at your own Evidence of Coverage—the paper or file from Caresource that says what is paid for and what might cost you more.

5. How Can I Find a Dentist Near Me Who Accepts Caresource?

Here’s the big part. How do you really find a dentist who takes Caresource for your insurance? Here are the steps to follow:

Use the Caresource Provider Search Tool

Caresource has a “find a doctor” tool on their site. You can search by city, zip, or state, and even limit your search to dentists in your area or those taking new patients. It’s quick, and usually right—but always call the office to check!

Call Caresource Member Services

If the search tool is too much, or you’re not sure about it, grab your Caresource card and call the number on the back. Ask for a list of dentists who:

• Are near you
• Accept your kind of plan (Medicaid or marketplace)
• Are taking new people

Ask Your Doctor or Local Health Clinic for a Referral

Family doctors and clinics sometimes have lists of trusted dentists. Community health centers almost always take Caresource and can point you in the right direction.

Call the Dentist’s Office to Make Sure

Never just assume a dentist still takes Caresource because they’re listed somewhere. Once you find a dental office, call and ask:

• Do you accept Caresource for my plan in my state?
• Are you taking new Caresource patients?
• What dental treatments are paid for with my plan?

Dentists like patients who want to know the facts!

For big dental jobs like crowns or implants, you can also read more at a crown and bridge lab or learn about different treatments at an implant dental laboratory.

6. What Services Does Caresource Dental Cover?

The services you can get depend on your age, if you’re on Medicaid, and your state. These are the common ones:

Covered Services (usually paid for)

• Checkups and exams
• Dental X-rays
• Teeth cleanings
• Fillings
• Pulling teeth
• Emergency tooth pain care

Sometimes Covered (check your plan)

• Root canals
• Crowns or bridges
• False teeth (dentures)
• Tooth sealants (for kids)
• Gum disease treatment

Usually Not Covered (or need special okay)

• Cosmetic care (like whitening or veneers—learn more about veneers and their uses)
• Braces/orthodontics (covered for some kids, not usually for adults)
• Implants (some plans may help—always ask)

Not sure about a treatment? Call Caresource or your dentist to make sure. For special dental appliances, a removable denture lab can give you more info too.

7. What Costs Will I Need to Pay Out of Pocket?

Caresource wants dental care to be cheap or free, but sometimes you do have to pay part. You might pay for:

• Copays: A small fee each visit. Medicaid plans often have no or very low copays, especially for kids.
• Deductibles: Some plans make you pay a certain amount before insurance pays the rest. Many Medicaid Caresource plans have no deductible at all.
• Coinsurance: After the deductible, you might pay a part of the total cost.
• Not covered: If you want things like whitening or fancy crowns, you pay yourself.

Tip: Always ask your dentist before doing a treatment, “Is this paid for by my Caresource plan? How much will it cost me?”

8. What If I Can’t Find Any Caresource Dentists Nearby?

If you can’t find a dentist on your first try, don’t give up. Here’s what to do next:

Try a Wider Search

Sometimes driving to the next city is worth it for help with your teeth. Use your zip code plus nearby areas in the search tool.

Try Community Dental Clinics or Dental Schools

Many local health clinics and dental schools take Caresource and even have sliding prices or free care for those in need.

Ask Caresource for More Help

Call member services and tell them your problem. They may put you in touch with someone who helps patients find care.

Ask State or Local Health Groups

Your state dental association or local health offices might have up-to-date lists of dentists who take Medicaid or Caresource.

For advice on new types of dentistry, a digital dental lab might share what’s new and which clinics are using the latest technology.

9. Your State-by-State Caresource Dental Guide

Caresource is different in each state. Here’s an easy list for some locations:

Ohio (Caresource Medicaid Dental)

• Lots of dentists in big cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
• Coverage includes basic and sometimes major care.
• Most care for kids and emergency tooth care is free.

Indiana (Caresource HIP)

• Part of the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP).
• Focus on regular checkups and cleanings.
• Some coverage for crowns, bridges, and dentures—check your plan first.

Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina

• Each has its own rules, but all cover checkups, basic cleaning, and fixing tooth pain.
• Some big jobs need a special “yes” from insurance first.

For more choices, check your state Medicaid website or call Caresource.

10. How Can You Make Sure You Get the Most from Your Plan?

Getting help for your teeth shouldn’t be a guessing game. Here’s what I suggest:

• Read Your Evidence of Coverage: This tells you what’s covered and what’s not—so you don’t get surprised.
• Stick With Your Dentist: If you find a good one, keep going there so they get to know you and your teeth.
• Go in for Regular Checkups: Don’t wait until it hurts! Cleanings and exams can save your teeth (and money).
• Ask Questions: Never be shy! Ask your dentist or Caresource about what’s paid for or how much things cost.
• Plan Big Dental Work Ahead: Crowns, bridges, and sometimes even fillings might need insurance to say “yes” before you get them.

Dr. Joe Dental, a dentist who’s helped Medicaid and Caresource patients for many years, says:

“Most tooth problems are easier and cheaper if you catch them early. Using your plan for regular cleanings is the smart way to stay healthy.”

11. Frequently Asked Questions About Caresource Dental Insurance

Does Caresource cover braces for adults?

Usually only for kids, and only when really needed.

How often can I get a cleaning?

Most plans pay for two cleanings per year. For kids, sometimes even more.

What if my dentist stops taking Caresource?

Call Caresource for a new dentist near you. You don’t have to delay care.

Is Caresource dental the same as Medicaid dental?

Caresource runs some Medicaid dental in a few states, but not all Medicaid plans are through Caresource.

Can I see just any dentist with Caresource?

No, you need an “in-network” dentist who agrees to Caresource payments.

12. Key Takeaways: What Should You Remember?

• Caresource pays for many dental services in several states, mostly for checkups and basic care.
• Finding a dentist takes patience and the right steps—use the search tool, call member services, and always check with the dental office.
• Not all services are paid for—always ask before you get a treatment.
• Try local health clinics and dental schools if you can’t find a dentist right away.
• Seeing the dentist regularly is your best move to avoid pain and big bills.

If you use these tips and ask questions, you’ll get the care you need and keep your smile bright.

This article was checked for accuracy and dental know-how by Dr. Joe Dental, who has over 20 years helping families with Caresource and Medicaid.

References:

• Caresource Member Handbook (Ohio edition)
• Ohio Department of Medicaid, Dental Program Guide
• Dr. Joe Dental, private interview, 2024

Related Topics:

• Want to see how new technology helps your smile? Check out what’s new at a 3D dental lab.
• Curious about dental care or want to search for a special dentist? Find a dentist who works with your insurance.