Dental Fees in Texas: How Much Do Common Procedures Cost?

Dental pricing in Texas has experienced notable shifts over the past two decades, with inflationary pressures, operational cost increases, and Medicaid reimbursement challenges playing pivotal roles in shaping the landscape. This article highlights key pricing data for common dental procedures in Texas and compares it to national and regional trends, offering a clearer understanding of how costs are distributed across different sectors.

Key Dental Pricing Data in Texas

Here are some key pricing points based on recent data:

• $54.58 for Medicaid oral evaluation (D0145) in 2025.
• $242.48 for composite filling (D2391) in the private sector (2024).
• $1,838 for dentures in Texas (2024 average).
• $75–$200 for a routine cleaning in Houston (2023 average).

These figures reveal some of the pricing disparities between Medicaid reimbursements and private sector costs, highlighting the significant challenges faced by Medicaid-dependent practices.

Medicaid vs. Private Sector Pricing

Medicaid reimbursement rates in Texas have long been a source of concern for dental providers, especially given how much they fall short of covering actual procedural costs. Here's a comparison of Medicaid fees and average private sector costs for several dental procedures in Texas:

These numbers indicate that Medicaid reimbursement rates are typically 40–60% lower than private fees, which can discourage dentists from participating in the Medicaid program, leading to reduced access for patients who rely on it.

Dental Procedure Costs in Texas

Here's a closer look at pricing for specific dental procedures in Texas, including how they compare to neighboring states in the region:

• $75–$200 for a routine cleaning in Houston, a 33% increase since 2015.
• $1,838 for dentures in Texas, slightly higher than nearby states like Louisiana ($1,811) and New Mexico ($1,773).
• $1,676 for dentures in Oklahoma, slightly below the Texas average.

These figures help paint a picture of how prices vary within Texas and the broader region, influenced by factors such as demand in urban versus rural areas and the financial pressures facing dental practices.

Inflation and Supply Costs Impacting Dental Fees

Inflation and rising supply costs have been significant factors in dental pricing increases. Key data points from Texas' dental industry include:

• 98.1% increase in the cost of dental supplies (e.g., flowable composite materials) from 2010–2024.
• 50% increase in staffing salaries since 2010, outpacing national wage growth.
• 44% increase in lease costs for dental offices since 2010, driven by urban demand.

These surges in operational costs have been a major contributor to the rising dental fees in Texas, especially in the private sector, and further strain practices that rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements.

Teledentistry: A Cost-Saving Option with Limitations

Teledentistry has been legalized in Texas under recent regulations, offering a potential solution for expanding access to care in rural areas. However, the requirements for in-person exams limit some of the cost-saving benefits:

• $54.58 added to the cost of a Medicaid patient’s annual exam due to the requirement for in-person visits despite teledentistry's cost-saving potential.
• $7–$54/month premiums for stand-alone dental plans in 2025, with pediatric out-of-pocket maximums reaching $425 per child.

While teledentistry shows promise, the combined cost of physical exams and the restrictions on scalability may limit its impact on reducing overall dental costs for underserved populations.

Regional Dental Price Comparisons

The costs of dental procedures in Texas align closely with its neighboring states, but there are notable differences in pricing that reflect regional variations:

As seen in this table, Texas' denture costs are slightly higher than its neighboring states, reflecting urban-rural divides and Medicaid's lagging reimbursement rates, which contribute to these price disparities.

Key Dental Pricing Summary

Here are the most important pricing findings to keep in mind when considering dental costs in Texas:

• $54.58 for Medicaid oral evaluation (D0145) in 2025, significantly lower than private sector costs.
• $242.48 for composite fillings (D2391) in the private sector, highlighting the gap between Medicaid and private reimbursements.
• $1,838 for dentures in Texas, reflecting a price slightly higher than nearby states.
• 98.1% increase in dental supply costs from 2010–2024, contributing to rising dental fees across the state.

The pricing data shows how inflation, Medicaid reimbursement gaps, and regional variations all contribute to the cost of dental care in Texas. Understanding these price trends is essential for both consumers and dental professionals navigating the state's dental landscape.