Texas CHIP Dentist in North Houston
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive dental coverage for kids ages 0–18 in income-eligible Texas families.¹ We're in-network through DentaQuest and MCNA — and our office is set up to make visits calm and comfortable for children.
832-779-5522Have your child's CHIP dental ID card (DentaQuest or MCNA) ready.
What CHIP Is (and Isn't)
CHIP is a joint federal-state program providing health and dental coverage for uninsured children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private coverage.¹ In Texas, it covers children from birth through age 18 (through the month of 19th birthday). Families pay small copays or an annual enrollment fee depending on income — significantly lower than private insurance premiums.
If you qualify for Medicaid, that's a separate program — see our Medicaid dentist page. Not sure which you qualify for? Apply once at yourtexasbenefits.hhs.texas.gov and the state determines which program fits.
What CHIP Dental Covers
Comprehensive dental care for children, similar to Medicaid STAR children's benefits:
Preventive (covered, no copay)
- Checkups every 6 months
- Cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants on permanent molars
- Bitewing and panoramic X-rays per guidelines
Basic & Restorative (covered)
- Fillings
- Simple extractions
- Space maintainers
- Stainless-steel crowns on baby molars when needed
Major & Specialty (when medically necessary)
- Root canals when medically necessary
- Crowns when medically necessary
- Oral surgery
- Medically necessary orthodontics (separate prior authorization)
Copays & annual maximums
Some CHIP families pay small copays per service based on income. CHIP dental has an annual benefit limit set by the state — most children with typical preventive and basic care don't reach it. We verify your family's specific copay and remaining annual benefit before any treatment.
Enrolling Your Child in CHIP
Apply online at yourtexasbenefits.hhs.texas.gov, by phone at 2-1-1, or by mail. You'll need proof of income, household members, citizenship or immigration status, and Texas residency. Coverage starts the month after enrollment is approved. You'll be assigned a dental MCO (DentaQuest or MCNA) — the card tells us which one when you call.
How We Make CHIP Visits Easy
Call with your child's CHIP card
832-779-5522. We verify your child's MCO, any copays, remaining annual benefit, and prior authorization requirements.
Kid-appropriate pace and explanation
Exams and cleanings at a pace that works for your child's age and comfort level. We show tools, explain what we're doing, and don't rush.
Prior authorization for major services
Crowns, root canals, orthodontics require pre-approval. We submit documentation and track responses so you don't have to.
Honest conversation if something isn't covered
If CHIP doesn't cover something your child's dentist recommends, we explain costs upfront and options — including CareCredit or Sunbit financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
General information only. When in doubt about the severity of your situation, err on the side of caution and call us or go to the ER.
Call to Schedule Your Child's CHIP Visit.
Same-day slots are limited. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.
Call 832-779-5522What Patients Say
Real, verified reviews from Google.
I love the staff and the dentist — they are so nice. I used to come here as a kid and now I have a kid of my own. So patient with babies. With insurance or without, they work with you.
Dr. Maddipati was awesome — she explained everything clearly and always made sure I was comfortable. Her team was kind throughout. I will definitely be back.
Service is amazing — very welcoming and friendly. Every concern I had was answered and explained thoroughly.
Dr. Maddipati is an exceptionally caring, compassionate, and talented dentist. Highly recommend.
You're in Experienced, Caring Hands
Every patient sees the same doctor — Dr. Maddipati. No rotating associates.
A dentist who chose public health first
Dr. Maddipati earned her Master of Public Health before her dental degree — an unusual path that shapes how she practices. Accessible, honest, kind. She accepts Medicaid because she means it.
Patients often tell her she's the first dentist who made them feel truly at ease. That's not an accident — it's the whole point.
References
- Texas Health and Human Services. CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/childrens-medicaid-chip
- Texas Medicaid/CHIP dental plans: DentaQuest (dentaquest.com) and MCNA Dental (mcnatx.net).
- Apply for CHIP: yourtexasbenefits.hhs.texas.gov
Last reviewed: 2026. Mi Smile Family Dental does not guarantee coverage by any plan; the insurer's final benefit determination controls. General information only; specific coverage determined by your child's CHIP plan, not by Mi Smile Family Dental.