Free dental visits — Dental visits are free (dentures carry an additional charge); eligibility requires St. Joseph County residence, income at or below 200% of poverty, and no Medicare/Medicaid/private insurance ✓
St. Joseph County residents at or below 200% federal poverty level who do not qualify for government healthcare and cannot afford private insurance (no Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance)
Indiana's Medicaid program for low-income adults (ages 19-64) is the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). HIP Plus — for members who make their monthly POWER account contributions — covers dental, vision, and chiropractic services. HIP Basic — for members who do not make POWER account contributions — generally does NOT cover adult dental for most members. (Verified from the Indiana FSSA HIP provider information page.)
Emergency dental care
HealthLinc after-hours: call (888) 580-1060. For dental emergencies during business hours, call HealthLinc IUSB Dental at (574) 231-7228. For life-threatening emergencies, go to the ER.
More ways to save
Sister Maura Brannick Health Center provides free medical and dental visits (dentures are an extra charge) to qualifying uninsured patients — call (574) 335-8222. The clinic is not walk-in; patients are assigned a primary care physician.
HealthLinc is a Federally Qualified Health Center with a sliding fee scale — toll free (888) 580-1060.
HealthLinc IUSB Dental and the IU South Bend Dental Hygiene Clinic are both located in the IUSB Education and Arts Building at 1002 S Esther St. Sister Maura Brannick Health Center (also known as the Chapin Street Clinic) was founded in 1986 and is staffed largely by volunteer physicians, dentists, and students.
Where can I get cheap dental care in South Bend, IN?
3 verified low-cost options are listed above, including HealthLinc IUSB Dental, IU South Bend Dental Hygiene Clinic, Sister Maura Brannick Health Center. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does IN Medicaid cover dental for adults?
Indiana's Medicaid program for low-income adults (ages 19-64) is the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). HIP Plus — for members who make their monthly POWER account contributions — covers dental, vision, and chiropractic services. HIP Basic — for members who do not make POWER account contributions — generally does NOT cover adult dental for most members. (Verified from the Indiana FSSA HIP provider information page.)
Where do I go for emergency dental care in South Bend?
HealthLinc after-hours: call (888) 580-1060. For dental emergencies during business hours, call HealthLinc IUSB Dental at (574) 231-7228. For life-threatening emergencies, go to the ER.
Are there free dental clinics in South Bend, IN?
Yes: Sister Maura Brannick Health Center. Eligibility rules apply — check each listing.
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
