Must first be an established InterFaith medical patient (serves working uninsured adults at or below 250% of poverty); dental fees on sliding scale by household size and income
Mon 8am-4pm (literally homeless only); Fri 8am-3pm (all eligible patients); other weekdays when a volunteer provider is available — call to confirm
Eligibility
Free care for uninsured Knox County residents over 18 who are literally homeless per HUD standards OR in HUD's 'Extremely Low' income range (0-30% AMI)
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) covers dental for all adults 21 and older since January 2023: exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, extractions, and root canals — at no cost for medically necessary covered services. Benefits are managed statewide by Renaissance (866-864-2526).
Emergency dental care
InterFaith Health Clinic runs walk-in dental hours Mon-Thu 5pm-8pm (no appointment needed). For severe, after-hours dental emergencies, go to the nearest ER.
More ways to save
TennCare now covers dental for ALL adults 21+ (exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, extractions) at no cost for medically necessary care — call Renaissance at 866-864-2526 to find a dentist.
VMC's Dental Clinic is Knoxville/Knox County's only fully free dental clinic; it recently partnered with LMU's dental school to expand care.
LMU (Lincoln Memorial University) also operates a reduced-cost dental clinic in north Knoxville.
InterFaith Dental operates on a sliding scale but you must first establish as a medical patient; dental demand is high so expect a wait. Cherokee Health Systems (FQHC, 1-866-231-4477) also serves Knoxville, but its in-city dental locations could not be confirmed at check time.
Where can I get cheap dental care in Knoxville, TN?
2 verified low-cost options are listed above, including InterFaith Health Clinic - Dental, Volunteer Ministry Center - Dental Clinic. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does TN Medicaid cover dental for adults?
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) covers dental for all adults 21 and older since January 2023: exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, extractions, and root canals — at no cost for medically necessary covered services. Benefits are managed statewide by Renaissance (866-864-2526).
Where do I go for emergency dental care in Knoxville?
InterFaith Health Clinic runs walk-in dental hours Mon-Thu 5pm-8pm (no appointment needed). For severe, after-hours dental emergencies, go to the nearest ER.
Are there free dental clinics in Knoxville, TN?
Yes: Volunteer Ministry Center - Dental Clinic. Eligibility rules apply — check each listing.
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
