ChatGPT answers, unedited

If the main issue is keeping the bill as close to $0 as possible, I’d prioritize a dentist that accepts Medicaid/CHIP or a community clinic with sliding-scale fees.

My top choices in Austin

1. Mr. James Lloyd / CommUnityCare–Carousel Pediatrics — my first call if your child is uninsured or has a limited income. Their pediatric dental program accepts Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and offers a sliding-fee scale based on income. They provide fillings and other basic pediatric dental care. www.hhs.texas.govwww.insurekidsnow.gov

7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin, TX 78723 · (512) 744-6000

2. Kidz Dental — especially worth calling if you're in South Austin. They specifically advertise care for Medicaid and PPO families, accept state-funded Medicaid plans, and offer flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

500 W. William Cannon Dr. #516 · (512) 326-3473

3. Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin — a pediatric-only practice in North Austin that accepts Texas Medicaid/CHIP and handles fillings and more involved children's dental treatment. www.dentaquest.com

1139 W. Braker Ln. #201 · (512) 502-5432

4. Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry — another option if you're in North Austin/Avery Ranch; its practice information indicates it accepts Medicaid and CHIP. I'd confirm your specific plan before scheduling.

One important thing

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP, a cavity filling is generally a covered dental service, so you may not need to pay a large private-dentist bill. www.hhs.texas.govwww.insurekidsnow.gov

If you don't have insurance, tell me your ZIP code, your child's age, and whether your household income is roughly under $30k / $50k / $75k / over $75k (you don't need to give me your exact income). I can narrow this down to the cheapest realistic options near you, including community clinics and programs that may reduce the filling cost substantially.

If the main issue is keeping the bill as low as possible, I’d start with CommUnityCare/Carousel Pediatric Dental Services rather than a traditional private pediatric dentist. They specifically offer cavity fillings, accept Medicaid/CHIP, and have a sliding-fee scale based on income. communitycaretx.orgaustinpearlsdental.com

My top options in Austin

1. Dr. Terry Lee, DDS — Carousel Pediatrics/CommUnityCare, Springdale
   • 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd.
   • 512-744-6000
   • Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee options are available through CommUnityCare. communitycaretx.orgaustinpearlsdental.com
   • My first choice if you don't have much money or don't have insurance.

2. Kidz Dental — South Austin
   • 500 W. William Cannon Dr.
   • 512-326-3473
   • Their office specifically says it works with all state-funded Medicaid plans and offers flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

3. Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces - South Austin
   • 2700 S. 1st St.
   • 737-510-4556
   • Offers pediatric fillings and says it accepts Medicaid along with other plans.

4. Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry — East/Central Austin
   • 3607 Manor Rd.
   • They emphasize getting you a detailed out-of-pocket estimate before treatment, which is useful if you're paying cash or have limited coverage. austinpearlsdental.com

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP

A cavity filling is generally a covered children's dental service under Medicaid/CHIP. www.insurekidsnow.gov I would not pay a private dentist cash before checking your child's dental plan.

If you tell me your child's age, whether you have Medicaid/CHIP or no insurance, and what part of Austin you're in (or ZIP code), I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest realistic options and check which ones specifically take your coverage.

• Carousel Pediatrics-Springdale - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin - 1139 W Braker Ln Ste 201, Austin, TX 78758, United States
• Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry - 11149 Research Blvd #270, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry - 1005 W 38th St #200, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Tiny Texans Pediatric Dentistry - 11200 Menchaca Rd Bldg 4 Ste 1, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Kidz Dental - 500 W William Cannon Dr #516, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry - 3607 Manor Rd #103, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry - 10510 W Parmer Ln #100, Austin, TX 78717, United States
• High Point Dentistry Kids & Braces - 8901 Vertex Blvd Ste 130, Austin, TX 78747, United States
• Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces - South Austin - 2700 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Kids Tooth Team - 1217 W Slaughter Ln Ste 140, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry - 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd #1430, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Toothbud Pediatric Dentistry - 12005 Bee Caves Rd #1B, Bee Cave, TX 78738, United States

If the main issue is keeping the bill low, I’d prioritize dentists that accept Medicaid/CHIP or offer sliding-scale fees, rather than choosing solely by reviews.

My first choice: CommUnityCare pediatric dental

Carousel Pediatrics-Springdale

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-978-9015)

This is probably where I’d call first if your child qualifies for Medicaid/CHIP or your income is limited. CommUnityCare specifically offers cavity fillings for children, accepts Medicaid/CHIP and MAP/MAP Basic, and has a sliding-fee scale based on income. CommunityCare Home

They have several Austin locations, including:

• Springdale: 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd — 512-744-6000
• North Lamar: 9411 N Lamar Blvd — 512-744-6000
• Riverside: 2237 E Riverside Dr — 512-744-6000
• North Central: 1210 W Braker Ln — 512-978-9880 CommunityCare

If you want a private pediatric dentist

Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-502-5432)

Kidz Dental says it partners with all state-funded Medicaid plans, accepts most insurance, and offers flexible payment options. Kidz Dental

Another good possibility is Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry, which states that it accepts Medicaid and CHIP in addition to PPO plans.

One important tip

If you don't have insurance, I'd call CommUnityCare before paying a private dentist. Texas DSHS specifically recommends 2-1-1 for finding free/low-cost dental programs, and children with Medicaid/CHIP can receive covered dental services including fillings. Insure Kids Now Texas Health Services

If you tell me (1) your child's age, (2) your ZIP code in Austin, and (3) whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, private insurance, or no insurance, I can narrow this down to the 3 cheapest realistic options near you and give you their phone numbers and what to ask when you call.

If the main concern is keeping the bill low, I’d start with a dentist that accepts Medicaid/CHIP rather than choosing solely by reviews.

My top picks in Austin

1. Kidz Dental — South Austin
   • Specifically focuses on children.
   • Says it partners with all state-funded Medicaid plans and offers flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com
   • 500 W. William Cannon Dr. #516 | 512-326-3473

2. Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin — North Austin
   • Pediatric-only practice.
   • Explicitly says it accepts Texas Medicaid and CHIP, including restorative treatment such as fillings. redballoondentistry.com
   • 1139 W Braker Ln #201 | 512-502-5432

3. Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry — North Austin
   • Pediatric specialists and accepts Medicaid/CHIP according to its practice information. www.westlakepediatricdentist.com
   • 11149 Research Blvd #270 | 512-346-1221

4. If you don't have Medicaid/CHIP: I'd also look at CommUnityCare dental clinics. People's Community Clinic lists several Austin locations as low-cost dental services, and Texas DSHS recommends 211 as a starting point for finding low-cost dental care. www.austinpcc.org

Important: Medicaid/CHIP covers children's dental services including fillings, but you need to make sure the dentist accepts your child's specific dental plan. www.insurekidsnow.gov

If you tell me your ZIP code, whether your child has Medicaid/CHIP (and which plan), and your child's age, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest/best options nearby and check which ones are actually pediatric dentists.

If the main concern is keeping the cost of a cavity filling down, I’d start with Kidz Dental. They specifically advertise care for Medicaid families, say they work with all state-funded Medicaid plans, and offer flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

Kidz Dental
Kidz Dental
Web
Address: 500 W William Cannon Dr #516, Austin, TX 78745
Phone: +15123263473
500 W. William Cannon Dr. #516, Austin — (512) 326-3473
They’re a pediatric-focused practice, and their website specifically says they serve Medicaid families. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

Other good low-cost options

• Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry — 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd. — listed by People's Community Clinic as accepting Medicaid/CHIP. www.austinpcc.orgwww.dshs.texas.gov
• Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin — 1139 W. Braker Ln. — says it accepts Texas Medicaid and CHIP and performs tooth-colored fillings. redballoondentistry.com
• Park Lane Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics — 1900 Aldrich St. — says it accepts most insurance and Medicaid plans for pediatric dentistry and offers fillings. parklanedentalortho.com
• Dentalsaurus — 2500 W. William Cannon Dr. — also appears on People's Community Clinic's Austin Medicaid/CHIP dental list. www.austinpcc.orgwww.dshs.texas.gov

If your child has Medicaid/CHIP: I'd call Kidz Dental first, then Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry. Medicaid/CHIP generally covers children's dental services including fillings, so you may owe little or nothing depending on the plan. www.insurekidsnow.gov

If you don't have insurance: Texas DSHS recommends calling 211 to locate free or low-cost dental programs. People's Community Clinic also lists low-cost dental services in Austin. www.austinpcc.orgwww.dshs.texas.gov

If you tell me your child's age, whether you have Medicaid/CHIP or no insurance, and what part of Austin you're in, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest/best options and give you their phone numbers and what to ask when you call.

If keeping the bill low is the priority, I’d start with CommUnityCare rather than a typical private pediatric office. They specifically provide children’s cavity fillings and offer Medicaid/CHIP plus a sliding-fee scale based on income. communitycaretx.org

A few good Austin options:

1. Kidz Dental — My first private-practice choice if you have Medicaid/CHIP. They say they work with all state-funded Medicaid plans, offer flexible payment options, and specialize in children's dentistry. www.kidzdentalaustin.com
2. Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry — A strong option if you have PPO insurance or need to pay cash. They provide a detailed estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before treatment and offer CareCredit. austinpearlsdental.com
3. Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry — Their office says it accepts Medicaid and CHIP as well as PPO plans.
4. Galaxia Dental — Another option advertising Medicaid/CHIP, cash, and financing. www.galaxiadentalaustin.com

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP, I would call CommUnityCare and Kidz Dental first. Medicaid/CHIP covers children's dental fillings, so you may have little or no out-of-pocket cost depending on the child's plan. www.insurekidsnow.gov

If you tell me your child's age, whether you have Medicaid/CHIP/private insurance (or no insurance), and roughly what part of Austin you're in, I can narrow this down to the 3 cheapest/best options and give you their phone numbers and addresses.

If the main concern is avoiding a large bill, I would start with offices that are more likely to work with Medicaid/CHIP, sliding-scale programs, or transparent payment options rather than a typical private pediatric dental office. For a single cavity filling, these are the Austin-area options I’d look at first:

Best low-cost starting points

1. CommUnityCare Health Centers / Carousel Pediatric Dental Services — my first call if money is tight
They specifically offer children’s dental care including cavity fillings, and accept Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee pricing based on income. communitycaretx.org
Locations include several Austin clinics, including Carousel sites on Ed Bluestein, Riverside, and North Lamar. communitycaretx.org

2. Kidz Dental
A pediatric-focused office that advertises acceptance of Medicaid and many insurance plans, with flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

3. Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry
A private pediatric office, but they publish payment options (including CareCredit and major payment methods) and emphasize giving families cost information before treatment. austinpearlsdental.com

4. Lucent Dentistry
Worth calling if you have Medicaid/CHIP or insurance; they state they accept Medicaid, CHIP, PPO plans, and offer financing options. www.kidzdentalaustin.comwww.lucentdentistryaustin.com

Before you schedule, ask these 5 questions

When you call, I’d say:

“My child needs a cavity filled, and we’re worried about cost. Do you accept Medicaid/CHIP or have a sliding scale? What is the estimated out-of-pocket price for the filling before we schedule?”

Also ask:

• Is the filling silver/amalgam or tooth-colored, and is there a price difference?
• Are X-rays required, and what do they cost?
• Do you offer a payment plan?
• Is there a lower-cost option like silver diamine fluoride (SDF) if appropriate for the cavity? (Not every cavity can use it, but it can sometimes delay or avoid more expensive treatment.)
• Can they provide a written estimate before treatment?

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP, I would try CommUnityCare first because it is designed around affordable access. communitycaretx.org If you tell me your child’s age, whether you have Medicaid/CHIP/private insurance/no insurance, and what part of Austin you’re in (north/south/east/west), I can narrow it down to the best few options.

If cost is the biggest concern, I’d focus first on pediatric dentists who take Medicaid/CHIP, offer sliding-scale care, or are very transparent about self-pay prices rather than just picking the “fanciest” office.

My top picks in Austin for a child who needs a cavity filled:

Best low-cost options to check first

1. CommUnityCare Health Centers – Pediatric Dental Services

• My first call for families worried about a large bill.
• They provide children’s fillings and accept Medicaid/CHIP, plus MAP/MAP Basic and sliding-fee options based on income. communitycaretx.org
• They have multiple Austin-area locations, including pediatric clinics. communitycaretx.org

2. Kidz Dental

• Pediatric-focused office that advertises acceptance of Medicaid and flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com
• Good option if you want a private pediatric office but need affordability.

3. Central Park Pediatric Dentistry

• Pediatric-only practice with strong parent reviews and a focus on children’s care.
• They state they accept Medicaid and work with families on insurance/payment options. www.myaustinpediatricdentist.com

4. Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry

• Highly rated pediatric office; they offer payment options such as CareCredit and accept many insurance plans. austinpearlsdental.com
• Worth calling if you have some coverage but are worried about the out-of-pocket portion.

When you call, ask these exact questions:

1. “What is the total out-of-pocket price for a filling, including exam and X-rays?”
2. “Do you accept my child’s Medicaid/CHIP plan (if applicable)?”
3. “If we pay cash, do you have a discounted rate or payment plan?”
4. “Is a filling definitely needed, or are there lower-cost options like monitoring or silver diamine fluoride (SDF) if appropriate?”

If you tell me:

• your child’s age,
• whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, private insurance, or no insurance, and
• what part of Austin you’re near (north/south/east/west),

I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 offices to call first.

Absolutely. If the main concern is keeping the bill low, I’d prioritize dentists that accept Medicaid/CHIP or offer sliding-scale care rather than choosing based only on reviews.

My top choices in Austin

1. Kidz Dental — South Austin
   • Specifically focuses on children.
   • Their site says they accept all state-funded Medicaid plans and offer flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com
   • 500 W. William Cannon Dr., Suite 516
   • 512-326-3473

2. Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry — North Austin
   • Pediatric-only practice.
   • Business information indicates they accept Medicaid and CHIP; I'd call to verify your child's particular dental plan before scheduling.
   • 11149 Research Blvd #270
   • 512-346-1221

3. Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin — North Austin
   • Pediatric-focused and reports accepting Texas Medicaid and CHIP.
   • 1139 W Braker Ln #201
   • 512-502-5432

4. CommUnityCare / Carousel Pediatric Dental Services — probably my first call if you don't have insurance
   • They specifically advertise cavity fillings, Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and a sliding-fee scale based on income. communitycaretx.org
   • They have several Austin locations, including North Lamar, Riverside, and Springdale.

If you don't have Medicaid/CHIP

I'd call CommUnityCare first and ask specifically:

“My child needs one cavity filled, and we have very limited income. Do you offer a sliding fee for the filling, and what would our estimated out-of-pocket cost be?”

Texas DSHS also recommends 211 for finding free/low-cost dental services, and notes that dental schools and community health centers may provide lower-cost care. www.dshs.texas.gov

Also, if your child does have Medicaid or CHIP, fillings are generally covered dental services for children, so you may not need to pay a large private-dentist bill. www.insurekidsnow.gov

If you tell me (1) your child's age, (2) whether you have Medicaid/CHIP or no insurance, and (3) roughly what part of Austin you're in, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest/best options and give you their phone numbers and locations.

Yes. If the main concern is keeping the bill low for a cavity filling, I’d prioritize offices that take Medicaid/CHIP or offer income-based discounts rather than simply choosing the cheapest-looking private pediatric dentist.

My first choice for affordability

Dr. Terry Lee, DDS — at CommUnityCare/Carousel Pediatrics in East Austin.

This is the option I’d call first if you’re uninsured or your budget is very tight. The clinic lists Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and a sliding-fee scale based on income, which can make a major difference for a filling. www.austinpcc.orgwww.dshs.texas.gov

Phone: (512) 744-6000
Address: 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Suite 130, Austin, TX 78723

If you have Medicaid/CHIP

Kidz Dental — South Austin

They specifically say they partner with all state-funded Medicaid plans, accept other insurance, and offer flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

Phone: (512) 326-3473
Address: 500 W. William Cannon Dr. #516

Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin — North Austin

Another pediatric-only option that explicitly says it accepts Texas Medicaid and CHIP and performs tooth-colored fillings. redballoondentistry.com

Phone: (512) 502-5432
Address: 1139 W. Braker Ln. Ste. 201

If you don't have insurance

I'd also look at CommUnityCare's low-cost dental clinics. People's Community Clinic lists several Austin locations, including Ben White, North Central, and South Austin, as low-cost dental options. www.austinpcc.org Texas DSHS also recommends calling 2-1-1 to locate free or low-cost dental programs based on income and location. www.austinpcc.orgwww.dshs.texas.gov

One important tip: Before scheduling, tell them: “My child needs one cavity filled, and we have a very limited budget. Can you give me the total out-of-pocket price before treatment, including the exam and X-rays?” That can prevent a surprisingly large bill.

If you tell me (1) your child's age, (2) whether you have Medicaid/CHIP/private insurance/no insurance, and (3) roughly what part of Austin you're in, I can narrow this down to 2–3 offices most likely to give you the lowest total cost.

Yes. If keeping the bill as low as possible is the priority, I’d start with dentists that explicitly accept Texas Medicaid/CHIP rather than simply choosing the cheapest private pediatric dentist.

My first choices

1. Kidz Dental — South Austin
   • 500 W. William Cannon Dr. #516
   • They specifically say they partner with all state-funded Medicaid plans, accept most insurance, and offer flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com
   • This would be my first call if your child has Medicaid/CHIP.

2. Dr. Terry Lee, DDS / CommUnityCare — East Austin
   • 7112 E. (Ed) Bluestein Blvd.
   • CommUnityCare's dental services are particularly worth checking if money is very tight because they serve Medicaid/CHIP and offer sliding-fee options based on income. www.bcbstx.comwww.dshs.texas.gov

3. Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin — North Austin
   • 1139 W. Braker Ln.
   • Pediatric-focused, and the practice says it accepts Texas Medicaid and CHIP. They specifically provide fillings. redballoondentistry.com

4. Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces - South Austin
   • 2700 S. 1st St.
   • Offers pediatric fillings and says it accepts Medicaid along with other insurance.

If you don't have insurance

I'd look at CommUnityCare or another sliding-scale clinic before paying a private pediatric dentist out of pocket. Texas DSHS specifically recommends calling 211 to find free/low-cost dental services based on your ZIP code and income. www.bcbstx.comwww.dshs.texas.gov

Also, Medicaid/CHIP generally covers children's dental services including fillings, so if your child qualifies, you may be able to avoid a large bill altogether. www.insurekidsnow.gov

One important tip: When you call, say: “My child needs a cavity filled. We have a very limited budget. Do you accept our Medicaid/CHIP dental plan, and can you tell me our expected out-of-pocket cost before treatment?” Don't agree to treatment until they give you the expected cost.

If you tell me your ZIP code, whether your child has Medicaid/CHIP/private insurance or no insurance, and your child's age, I can narrow this down to the 3 most affordable options closest to you.

If the main priority is getting your child’s cavity filled without a big out-of-pocket bill, I’d start with Kidz Dental in South Austin.

Kidz Dental — They specifically advertise care for Medicaid families, say they partner with all state-funded Medicaid plans, and offer flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

A few other good options:

• Red Balloon Dentistry for Children- Austin — Their site says they accept Texas Medicaid and CHIP, including fillings. redballoondentistry.com
• Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry — They emphasize upfront cost estimates and will tell you the expected out-of-pocket amount before treatment. austinpearlsdental.com
• Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry — People's Community Clinic lists them among Austin practices that accept Medicaid/CHIP; call first to verify your child's specific plan. www.austinpcc.org
• Community Care dental clinics can also be worth checking if money is extremely tight; Texas DSHS specifically recommends 2-1-1 for locating low-cost dental services. www.dshs.texas.gov

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP: fillings are covered dental services, so I would not pay cash for a filling until you've checked whether the dentist accepts your child's particular dental plan. www.insurekidsnow.gov

If you tell me your child's age and whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, private insurance, or no insurance, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest options in Austin and give you the phone numbers to call.

If the main concern is keeping the bill as low as possible, I’d start with CommUnityCare/Carousel Pediatric Dental Services rather than a traditional private pediatric dentist. They specifically offer cavity fillings and accept Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and a sliding-fee scale based on income. communitycaretx.org

My first choices in Austin

1. Dr. Terry Lee, DDS / Carousel Pediatrics–Springdale

7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin — 512-744-6000. This is part of CommUnityCare's pediatric dental program, so it's particularly worth calling if you're uninsured or your income makes a sliding fee important. communitycaretx.org

2. Kidz Dental

500 W. William Cannon Dr., Suite 516 — 512-326-3473. Their practice specifically says it serves Medicaid & PPO families and partners with state-funded Medicaid plans. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

3. Galaxia Dental

8764 Research Blvd., Suite D — 737-802-3822. They advertise Medicaid/CHIP, cash, credit and financing, and provide pediatric fillings. www.galaxiadentalaustin.com

4. Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry

10510 W. Parmer Ln. — 512-265-5900. They state that they accept Medicaid and CHIP as well as PPO plans. www.dshs.texas.gov

One important tip: Before agreeing to the filling, tell the office: “We need the lowest possible out-of-pocket cost. Can you verify exactly what our plan covers and give us the estimated cost before treatment?” Medicaid/CHIP generally covers children's fillings, so if your child has one of those plans, you may be able to avoid a large bill. www.insurekidsnow.gov

If you tell me your child's age, your ZIP code, and whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, private insurance, or no insurance, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest realistic options and check their current information.

If the main concern is keeping the bill as low as possible, I’d start with CommUnityCare/Carousel Pediatric Dental Services rather than a typical private pediatric dentist. They specifically offer cavity fillings for children and accept Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee pricing based on income. communitycaretx.org

My top choices in Austin

1. Kidz Dental — Good private-office option if you have Medicaid/CHIP. They say they partner with all state-funded Medicaid plans and offer flexible payment options. www.kidzdentalaustin.com

2. CommUnityCare / Carousel Pediatric Dental Services — Best option if money is extremely tight. They explicitly offer fillings and a sliding fee scale, as well as Medicaid/CHIP and MAP. They have several Austin locations. communitycaretx.org

3. Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — A highly rated pediatric-only practice, and People's Community Clinic lists it among Austin providers accepting Medicaid/CHIP. Call first to confirm your specific plan and what you'd owe for the filling. www.austinpcc.org

4. Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces - South Austin — Another pediatric-focused option that lists Medicaid among accepted coverage.

One important thing

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP, fillings are generally covered, so you may owe little or nothing depending on the plan. Texas DSHS says children with Medicaid/CHIP receive dental benefits through dental plans such as DentaQuest, MCNA, or UnitedHealthcare Dental. www.dshs.texas.gov

If you don't have insurance, Texas DSHS recommends 2-1-1 for locating low-cost dental care, and Austin-area resources also list Manos de Cristo and CommUnityCare as reduced-cost options. www.dshs.texas.gov

If you tell me your child's age, whether you have Medicaid/CHIP or no insurance, and roughly what part of Austin you're in, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest options and give you their phone numbers. communitycaretx.org