Mon-Wed & Fri 8am-4:30pm; Friday walk-in urgent care 8-10:45am and 1-2:45pm (first-come first-served)
Eligibility
Lancaster County residents: uninsured low-income adults on sliding fee scale (proof of income, payment at time of service) and Medicaid-enrolled. No third-party insurance or dual Medicare/Medicaid. Interpretation services provided.
Open to patients of all ages and income levels; significantly reduced rates compared to private practice under faculty supervision. Urgent care clinic walk-in hours 8-10am.
Nebraska Medicaid (Heritage Health; dental benefits through MCNA) covers comprehensive adult dental care - exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, periodontal care, dentures - with NO annual dollar cap (the old $750 limit was eliminated January 1, 2024).
Emergency dental care
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Friday walk-in urgent dental clinic, 3131 O St, 8-10:45am and 1-2:45pm, first-come first-served, (402) 441-8015. UNMC urgent care dental clinic walk-ins 8-10am at 4000 E Campus Loop S, (402) 472-1333. For life-threatening emergencies, go to the nearest ER.
More ways to save
UNMC Lincoln clinic offers reduced dental-school rates for comprehensive care (crowns, implants, dentures) well below private-practice prices.
UNMC biannual SHARING Clinic provides free extractions, fillings, and cleanings to uninsured patients - watch unmc.edu for dates.
Dental Lifeline Network Nebraska Donated Dental Services (DDS): free comprehensive care from volunteer dentists for people who are elderly, disabled, or medically fragile and cannot afford treatment - see https://dentallifeline.org/nebraska/
Lincoln pairs a county health-department dental clinic (sliding fee + Friday walk-in urgent care) with the UNMC dental school in town - strong coverage for a city its size.
3 verified low-cost options are listed above, including Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department - Dental Health Services, UNMC College of Dentistry - Lincoln Clinic, People's City Mission - Free Dental Clinic. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does NE Medicaid cover dental for adults?
Nebraska Medicaid (Heritage Health; dental benefits through MCNA) covers comprehensive adult dental care - exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, periodontal care, dentures - with NO annual dollar cap (the old $750 limit was eliminated January 1, 2024).
Where do I go for emergency dental care in Lincoln?
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Friday walk-in urgent dental clinic, 3131 O St, 8-10:45am and 1-2:45pm, first-come first-served, (402) 441-8015. UNMC urgent care dental clinic walk-ins 8-10am at 4000 E Campus Loop S, (402) 472-1333. For life-threatening emergencies, go to the nearest ER.
Are there free dental clinics in Lincoln, NE?
Yes: People's City Mission - Free Dental Clinic. Eligibility rules apply — check each listing.
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
