What Is CHIP — and Does My Child Qualify?
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost or no-cost health and dental coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for full Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Texas Medicaid (STAR program) covers children in families with lower incomes who qualify for full Medicaid.
Who is covered: Children from birth through age 20 may receive dental benefits under Texas Medicaid (STAR) or CHIP, depending on their family's income.
Private insurance? Still eligible: Children with existing private dental insurance can still qualify for CHIP dental benefits.
12-month enrollment period: CHIP dental benefits run on a 12-month enrollment period. Benefits renew at the end of each period.
Texas dental plans: CHIP and Medicaid dental is managed through state-contracted plans — primarily MCNA Dental and UnitedHealthcare Dental Texas. Your child's plan name is on their ID card.
What Does CHIP Dental Cover for My Child?
Based on official information from UHC Dental Texas and MCNA Dental — the two state-contracted dental plans for Texas CHIP and Medicaid — the following services are covered for children:
- Dental exams — routine oral evaluations
- Professional cleanings (prophylaxis)
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants — protective coating on back molars
- Diagnostic X-rays
- Fillings — cavity treatment
- Dental crowns — for severely damaged teeth
- Root canals — to save an infected tooth
- Tooth extractions when necessary
- Other medically necessary dental treatments
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Orthodontics (braces) — not in standard CHIP
- General anesthesia / IV sedation (unless medically necessary with prior authorization)
- Treatments not needed for dental health
- Services after the annual maximum is reached (prior authorization required beyond the cap)
How Often Can My Child Visit the Dentist?
Based on the Texas Health Steps dental checkup schedule from Texas HHS and official plan guidelines:
6 Mo.
First Dental Visit
Texas Health Steps recommends dental checkups beginning at 6 months of age — when the first tooth appears or by the child's first birthday.
6 Mo.
Routine Cleanings & Exams
Preventive cleanings and exams are generally available twice per year under CHIP and Medicaid, per plan guidelines.
Year
Annual Enrollment Reset
CHIP dental benefits run on a 12-month enrollment period. Some services have annual maximums — your plan will notify you when approaching the cap.
Needed
Restorative & Emergency Care
Fillings, crowns, extractions, and emergency care are covered when medically necessary, subject to the annual maximum and prior authorization.
What Does My Child's CHIP Visit Cost?
Texas Medicaid (STAR) — Children Pay Nothing
Children enrolled in Texas Medicaid (STAR) pay $0 out-of-pocket for covered dental services. No co-pays apply.
CHIP — Preventive Care Has No Co-pay
Under CHIP, preventive services — exams, cleanings, X-rays, and sealants — do not require a co-pay. Only non-preventive services may carry a small income-based co-pay. According to MCNA Dental and Texas HHS, the total your family pays in co-pays cannot exceed 5% of your annual household income during any 12-month enrollment period.
| Service Type | Medicaid (STAR) | CHIP |
|---|---|---|
| Exams, cleanings, X-rays, sealants | $0 | $0 (no co-pay) |
| Non-preventive services (fillings, crowns, etc.) | $0 | Small income-based co-pay* |
| Annual household co-pay maximum | None | 5% of family income** |
* Co-pay amount depends on family income relative to the Federal Poverty Level. Current amounts are published by Texas HHS and are printed on your child's MCNA or UHC member ID card.
** Per 12-month enrollment period. Source: MCNA Dental / Texas HHS.
How to Book Your Child's CHIP Dental Appointment
- Call us or request online. Call 832-779-5522 or tap "Request Appointment." Tell us your child's plan name — CHIP or STAR/Medicaid — and whether they are with MCNA Dental or UHC Dental Texas.
- We verify your child's benefits at no charge. Our team contacts your child's dental plan to confirm active coverage, eligible services, any prior authorization needed, and applicable co-pays — before your visit.
- Bring your child's member ID card. Bring their CHIP or Medicaid ID card and a photo ID for the parent or guardian. You'll know exactly what's covered before you arrive — no surprises.
- We handle prior authorizations. If your child's treatment requires pre-approval, we submit the authorization request and follow up with the plan on your behalf.
Common Questions from Parents
When should my child's first dental visit happen?
Texas Health Steps recommends dental visits starting at 6 months of age — when the first tooth appears, or by the child's first birthday. Early visits help catch problems before they become serious. See Texas Health Steps →
My child already has private dental insurance. Can they still use CHIP?
Yes. According to Texas HHS, children with existing private dental insurance can still qualify for CHIP dental benefits. CHIP may cover costs that private insurance does not. See Texas HHS policy →
Does CHIP cover braces for my child?
Standard CHIP dental does not cover orthodontics (braces). They are considered a non-covered service. If your child needs orthodontic treatment, we can discuss other options during their visit.
How do I know if my child is with MCNA Dental or UHC Dental Texas?
Your child's dental plan name is printed on their CHIP or Medicaid ID card. You can also visit MCNA Dental → or UHC Dental Texas →. We can also look this up when you call us.
What happens when my child reaches their annual dental maximum?
Once the annual cap is reached, additional non-preventive services require prior authorization from the dental plan. We will always review your child's remaining benefits and discuss options transparently before any further treatment. We also offer Sunbit financing for uncovered costs.
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
Yes. Our team includes bilingual, Spanish-speaking staff. Call us at 832-779-5522 — we'll assist you in English or Spanish.
Ready to Book Your Child's Visit?
We accept CHIP and Texas Medicaid dental for children. We verify your child's benefits before you arrive — at no charge to you.
Request Appointment Call 832-779-5522Our Patients Come From Across North Houston
Mi Smile Family Dental is located on Airline Drive in Aldine — right in the heart of the communities we serve. Families bring their children to us from neighborhoods across North and Northwest Houston, and many have been with us for years. If your family lives anywhere in this part of the city, you're likely just a short drive away.
We regularly see children and families from:
Greenspoint & North Belt
- Greenspoint · 77060
- Greenspoint North / North Belt · 77067
- Near IAH / Greenspoint East · 77032
Aldine & East Aldine
- Aldine — our neighborhood · 77037 · 77038
- East Aldine · 77039
Acres Homes & Inwood Forest
- Acres Homes / Inwood Forest · 77088 · 77086
- Acres Homes / Northside · 77091
Northside & Northline
- Northside / Hardy Toll Road · 77093
- Northside / Northline · 77076
Champions & Willowbrook
- Champions / Houston Northwest · 77014
- Champions / Spring · 77066
- Willowbrook / Spring · 77073 · 77090
We're on Airline Drive in 77037 — easy to reach from I-45 North, Beltway 8, Hardy Toll Road, and I-69/US-59. Most families from the neighborhoods above are within a 10–15 minute drive.
Official Sources — Verify Directly
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