Affordable Dental & Eye Care in New Orleans
Find low-cost and Medicaid-covered dental and vision services, including routine check-ups, emergency care, and sliding-scale clinics.
Why Dental & Eye Care Matter
Regular dental and vision care is essential for overall health, but many families face barriers to affordable care. Medicaid and community health clinics provide low-cost or free services, ensuring that individuals receive preventative and emergency care when needed.
Does Medicaid cover dental and vision services? Yes! Medicaid covers routine dental check-ups, fillings, extractions, and basic eye exams and glasses for eligible individuals.
Key Benefits of Routine Care:
Dental Health: Prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and painful dental emergencies.
Eye Health: Detects vision problems early and provides affordable glasses for clearer vision.
Children’s Health: Ensures healthy teeth and proper vision development for school readiness.
Where to Get Affordable Dental Care in New Orleans
Many dental clinics offer Medicaid-covered, sliding scale, and emergency services. Below are trusted providers offering affordable dental care for children, adults, and seniors.
CrescentCare Dental Services
📍 Location: 1631 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
📞 Phone: 504-821-2601
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
💡 Details: Sliding scale fees based on income; emergency same-day appointments may be available (call first). LGBTQ+ friendly.
🌍 Language Support: Spanish interpretation available
Dental & Optometry Programs at DePaul Community Health Centers
📍 Locations:
Carrollton: 3201 S. Carrollton, New Orleans, LA 70118
St. Cecilia: 1030 Lesseps St., New Orleans, LA 70117
Gentilly: 100 Warrington Dr., New Orleans, LA 70122
📞 Phone: 504-212-9550 (Carrollton), 504-941-6079 (St. Cecilia), 504-282-2146 (Gentilly)
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 1 PM & 2 PM - 5 PM
💡 Details: Accepts Medicaid, some private insurance, and offers sliding scale pricing. Appointment only.
🌍 Language Support: Spanish interpretation available
Excelth Family Dental Clinic
📍 Locations:
Algiers - 1111 Newton Street, Suite 207, New Orleans, LA 70114
New Orleans East - 9900 Lake Forest Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127
📞 Phone: (504) 620-0500 - for both locations
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
💡 Details: Adults and children seen. Sliding scale based on income (bring photo ID & proof of income), accepts Medicaid. Appointment only; Same day appointments for emergencies only (call first)
🌍 Language Support: Spanish interpretation available
Healthcare for the Homeless (Dental Program)
📍 Location: 2222 Simon Bolivar Ave., New Orleans, LA 70113
📞 Phone:(504) 658-2785
2222 Simon Bolivar Ave., New Orleans, LA 70113
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM
📍 Location: 1530 Gravier St., New Orleans, LA 70112
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
📍 Location:1111 Newton St., New Orleans, LA 70114
🕒 Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 8 AM - 4 PM
💡 Details: Services for the unhoused and community at large. Accepts Medicaid and offers "layaway" program to pay for services (cash only), sliding fee scale based on income (paperwork required).
🌍 Language Support: Spanish interpretation available
InclusivCare (Jefferson Community Health Centers) – Dental Services
📍 Locations:
7001 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072
3932 US Hwy. 90, Avondale, LA 70094
📞 Phone: (877) 302-4985
🕒 Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
💡 Details: Sliding scale based on income (proof required), accepts some private insurance and Medicaid (call for info).
🌍 Language Support: Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation available
🌐 Website: inclusivcare.com
LSU Dental School Clinic
📍 Location: 1100 Florida Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119
📞 Phone: (504) 619-8770 (specify age of patient when calling for appointment)
🕒 Hours: Appointment required (no walk-ins)
💡 Details: Reduced fee dental care for adults and children.
🌍 Language Support: Spanish interpretation available
Smiling Faces Family Dentistry
📍 Location: 4747 Earhart Blvd, Suite C, New Orleans, LA 70125
📞 Phone: (504) 483-7000
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
💡 Details: Dental clinic for children & adults with 30+ years of experience in New Orleans. Accepts Medicaid & private insurance. Payment plans and assistance available for the uninsured (determined on a case-by-case basis).
🌍 Language Support: Spanish not spoken
🌐 Website: Smiling Faces Family Dentistry
Where to Get Affordable Eye Care in New Orleans
Eye exams, prescription glasses, and specialty care are available at reduced costs for low-income individuals. Some clinics accept Medicaid and offer sliding-scale pricing based on income.
Crescent City Vision
📞 Phone: (504) 347-9988
🕒 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Closed 12 PM - 2 PM for lunch)
💡 Details: Sliding scale based on income; extra considerations for unhoused individuals (letter from shelter required). Appointment only.
🌍 Language Support: Spanish interpretation available
🌐 Website: Crescent City Vision
Rivertown Optical
📍 Location: 400 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062
📞 Phone: (504) 461-5500
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
💡 Details: $20 eye exam & $20 glasses for low-income individuals. Proof of income, household size, and expenses required.
Optometry at St. Thomas Community Health Center
📞 Phone: (504) 529-5558
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
💡 Details: Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and many other insurance plans; sliding scale based on income ($30 minimum fee). Appointment only.
🌍 Language Support: Spanish interpretation available
🌐 Website: St. Thomas Community Health Center
FAQs
Q: Does Medicaid cover dental and eye care in Louisiana?
Yes. Medicaid covers routine dental care (cleanings, fillings, extractions) for eligible children and some adults. It also covers eye exams and basic prescription glasses.
Q: Where can I get free or low-cost dental care in New Orleans?
Several clinics, including LSU Dental School, CrescentCare, and DePaul Community Health Centers, offer sliding-scale or Medicaid-covered dental services.
Q: How much does an eye exam cost for someone without insurance?
Some clinics offer free or low-cost eye exams based on income. Rivertown Optical provides $20 eye exams and glasses for low-income individuals.
Q: Can I walk into a clinic for dental or eye care?
Most providers require an appointment. Emergency same-day slots may be available for urgent dental issues — call ahead to check.
Q: What documents do I need for reduced-cost care?
Most clinics require photo ID, proof of income, Medicaid card (if applicable), and proof of residency. Call ahead to confirm what’s needed.