ChatGPT answers, unedited

• Carousel Pediatrics-Springdale - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry - 1005 W 38th St #200, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Lucent Dentistry - 3909 N Interstate Hwy 35 Ste. A1, Austin, TX 78722, United States
• Slater Stephanie G - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Park Lane Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics - 1900 Aldrich St Ste 160, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Tiny Texans Pediatric Dentistry - 11200 Menchaca Rd Bldg 4 Ste 1, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Dr. Terry Lee, DDS - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #130, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Nicholas Bumacod - 2700 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Austin Kids Teeth - 6012 W William Cannon Dr Ste B102, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Mr. James Lloyd - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry - 11149 Research Blvd #270, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Kids Tooth Team - 1217 W Slaughter Ln Ste 140, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Kidz Dental - 500 W William Cannon Dr #516, Austin, TX 78745, United States

If by the UT campus area you mean around UT Austin, I’d start with CommUnityCare’s pediatric dental clinic at Springdale if keeping the cost down is the priority.

• Carousel Pediatrics-Springdale — 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, East Austin. Their pediatric dental program offers cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and preventive care, and is specifically geared toward Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee patients. DentaQuest
• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — 1005 W 38th St #200, very close to UT. This is probably the most convenient traditional pediatric dentist near campus. Importantly, the current Central Texas Medicaid directory lists it as accepting new patients ages 0–18, so I'd call and ask specifically about your child's dental plan and fluoride coverage. DentaQuest
• Lucent Dentistry — 3909 N I-35, near Hancock/UT. It treats children and reports accepting Medicaid and CHIP, making it another convenient option if your child has those benefits.

If you don't have Medicaid/CHIP, the ACC Dental Hygiene Clinic is worth knowing about: registration for new patients reopens August 24, 2026, and its $20 basic cleaning includes fluoride varnish, with dental screenings available at no charge. Guidelines and Technical Tutorials

For Medicaid/CHIP kids, dental benefits generally include checkups, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants and fillings, so you may be able to get the fluoride treatment with little or no out-of-pocket cost. InsureKidsNow

My pick: Call CommUnityCare/Springdale first if affordability is the biggest concern; call Central Park Pediatric Dentistry first if being close to UT is more important.

If you tell me your child's age and whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, private insurance, or no insurance, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 options and check which ones are taking new pediatric patients.

• Slater Stephanie G - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry - 1005 W 38th St #200, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry - 3607 Manor Rd #103, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry - 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd #1430, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces - North Austin - 8716 Research Blvd #125, Austin, TX 78758, United States
• Austin Pediatric Dentistry, PLLC - 6618 Sitio Del Rio Blvd Ste b102, Austin, TX 78730, United States
• Galaxia Dental - 8764 Research Blvd Ste d, Austin, TX 78758, United States
• Smiles of Austin - 1910 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Kidz Dental - 500 W William Cannon Dr #516, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Total Smile Management - 11149 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Pediatric Dental Professionals - 9015 Mountain Ridge Dr #320, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry - 13341 W U.S. 290 Bldg 1-106, Austin, TX 78737, United States
• New Roots Pediatric Dentistry - 102 Westlake Dr #104, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States
• Dr. Terry Lee, DDS - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #130, Austin, TX 78723, United States

If you mean the UT Austin / central campus area, I’d start with CommUnityCare’s pediatric dental clinic at Springdale. It’s not right on campus, but it’s one of the better fits for a single parent looking for affordable care: the clinic specifically offers pediatric dental services and lists Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee options. Slater Stephanie G

A couple of other nearby possibilities:

• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — 1005 W 38th St, quite convenient to UT. It is a pediatric-only practice, but I would call first to confirm whether they accept your child's specific Medicaid/CHIP dental plan and what fluoride would cost.
• Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry — 3607 Manor Rd, in the Mueller area. Another pediatric-focused option reasonably close to campus.
• Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry — 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd, next to Dell Children's; useful if you already use that medical system.

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP

This is probably your cheapest route. Texas says most children 20 and younger with Medicaid/CHIP receive dental services through a managed-care dental plan. Texas Health Services Dental coverage includes preventive services, and Dell Children's Health Plan specifically says its STAR/CHIP plans cover dental exams and services that prevent tooth decay. Dell Children's Health Plan

If you're unsure which dentist takes your child's plan, call the dental plan on the insurance card before booking. Dell Children's lists:

• DentaQuest: 1-800-516-0165 for STAR; 1-800-508-6775 for CHIP
• MCNA: 1-855-691-6262
• UnitedHealthcare Dental: 1-877-901-7321 Dell Children's Health Plan

My first call would be CommUnityCare/Springdale, especially if you need a sliding fee or have Medicaid/CHIP. When you call, say: “I'm looking for a low-cost pediatric exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment. We're a single-parent household. Do you accept our dental plan, and if not, do you have a sliding fee?”

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

• Carousel Pediatrics-Springdale - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry - 1005 W 38th St #200, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry - 3607 Manor Rd #103, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Dr. Sarah Severson - 2410 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741, United States
• Slater Stephanie G - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Sunny Hills Pediatric Dentistry - 10510 W Parmer Ln #100, Austin, TX 78717, United States
• Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces - North Austin - 8716 Research Blvd #125, Austin, TX 78758, United States
• Dr. Terry Lee, DDS - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #130, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Wilson John C DDS - 2700 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Galaxia Dental - 8764 Research Blvd Ste d, Austin, TX 78758, United States
• Mr. James Lloyd - 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Lone Star Pediatric Dental & Braces - Bee Cave - 14058 Bee Cave Pkwy Bldg d suite b, Austin, TX 78738, United States
• Kidz Dental - 500 W William Cannon Dr #516, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry - 13341 W U.S. 290 Bldg 1-106, Austin, TX 78737, United States

If you mean near the UT Austin campus, I’d prioritize low-cost/Medicaid-friendly pediatric care over a regular private dentist, especially if you mainly need an exam, cleaning, and fluoride.

Best options I found

• Carousel Pediatrics-Springdale / CommUnityCare — 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd. This is probably my first call if cost is the biggest concern. Their pediatric dental program specifically offers cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, exams and fillings, and the clinic is set up for children. People's Community Clinic
• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — 1005 W. 38th St. This is one of the more convenient pediatric-only options close to UT. People's Community Clinic lists the practice among Austin offices accepting Medicaid/CHIP, though I'd confirm your child's specific dental plan before making the appointment. People's Community Clinic
• Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry — 3607 Manor Rd. Another nearby pediatric-only option in the Mueller area that offers cleanings, exams, sealants and fluoride treatments.
• Dr. Sarah Severson — 2410 E. Riverside Dr. Not as close to UT, but worth considering if you're paying cash: they currently advertise $79 for a new-patient cleaning, exam and X-rays for uninsured patients, and fluoride treatments are included among their preventive services. Super Kids Austin

If you don't have dental insurance

There's also a particularly inexpensive option through Austin Community College's Dental Hygiene Clinic. Their basic cleaning is currently $20 and includes fluoride varnish, although it requires 3–5 appointments and their Spring 2026 schedule is full; new-patient registration reopens August 24, 2026. It's at Eastview Campus, 3101 Webberville Rd. Guidelines and Technical Tutorials

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP, dental coverage generally includes checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, X-rays and necessary treatment. Texas DSHS recommends using the Medicaid/CHIP dentist locator or calling 2-1-1. Texas Health Services Insure Kids Now

My pick: If you're trying to minimize what you personally pay, I'd call CommUnityCare/Carousel Pediatrics first, then Central Park Pediatric Dentistry. If you tell me your child's age and whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, no insurance, or private insurance, I can narrow it down to the cheapest 2–3 options near UT and give you their phone numbers and addresses.

For a single parent looking for low-cost pediatric dental care and fluoride treatments near the UT Austin campus, I’d start with these options:

Best low-cost / sliding-scale options

1. CommUnityCare Health Centers — pediatric dental clinics

• Probably the first place I’d call if cost is the main concern.
• They offer children’s exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings.
• They accept Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee options based on income. communitycaretx.org
• Near central Austin, the Chalmers Courts location may be convenient from UT:
  • CommUnityCare Chalmers Courts Health Center communitycaretx.org

2. Manos de Cristo

• A nonprofit dental clinic that has historically served families with limited income.
• Good option to ask about reduced-cost children’s preventive care and fluoride. nursing.utexas.edu

3. Kids Tooth Team Outreach

• Provides free dental services for underserved children through outreach programs and community partnerships. Availability may depend on eligibility and current programs. sites.utexas.edu

If you have Medicaid/CHIP

Ask specifically for a pediatric dentist who takes your child’s dental plan (such as DentaQuest, MCNA, etc.). Texas DSHS also points families to Medicaid/CHIP dental resources and local low-cost options. www.dshs.texas.gov

If you’re paying cash and just need a fluoride visit

A private pediatric office may still be reasonable if they have specials. For example, Park Lane Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics advertises a new-patient package that includes an exam, cleaning, basic X-rays, and fluoride for self-pay patients. nursing.utexas.edusites.utexas.eduparklanedentalortho.com

A good first call script:

“I’m a single parent looking for the lowest-cost option for my child’s dental exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment. Do you accept Medicaid/CHIP or offer sliding-scale pricing?”

If you tell me your child’s age, whether you have Medicaid/CHIP or no insurance, and whether you’re closer to UT campus, East Austin, or North Austin, I can narrow it down to the best few choices.

If you mean the UT Austin / central Austin area, I’d start with these options, especially if cost is the priority:

1. St David's Dental Program — potentially the best deal
   • Free dental care for qualifying children, with no fee at the point of care.
   • Primarily serves children ages 5–18 through participating school districts, including Austin ISD and several surrounding districts.
   • They provide preventive dental care, which can include fluoride. www.austinpcc.org
   • Call 512-879-6240 to ask about eligibility and current summer/community-site appointments.

2. Mr. James Lloyd / CommUnityCare Springdale
   • 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin
   • This is a pediatric-focused dental option within CommUnityCare, with cleanings, fluoride, cavity prevention and fillings.
   • CommUnityCare is a particularly good place to ask about Medicaid/CHIP and income-based/sliding-fee options.

3. Williams Jr Lindsey A DDS — CommUnityCare RBJ Dental
   • 15 Waller St., East Austin, fairly convenient from UT.
   • Community-clinic setting with exams, cleanings, sealants, fillings and emergency dental care; ask about the sliding-fee program if you're uninsured.

4. Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — closest conventional pediatric option
   • 1005 W 38th St., near UT/central Austin.
   • It's specifically a pediatric practice and offers preventive care including fluoride.
   • I'd call and ask for their self-pay price for exam + cleaning + fluoride before booking.

One especially cheap option to know about

The Austin Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic is reopening new-patient registration August 24, 2026. Its basic cleaning package is $20 and includes an exam, X-rays as needed, cleaning and fluoride varnish; sealants are also available at no additional cost when needed. sites.austincc.edu

It's at 3401 Webberville Rd., so it's not right next to UT, but for a single parent trying to keep costs down, it's worth considering.

If your child has Medicaid/CHIP, I'd prioritize finding a dentist who accepts your specific dental plan—Medicaid/CHIP generally covers children's checkups, fluoride, sealants and necessary treatment. www.insurekidsnow.gov

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

If you mean the UT Austin campus area, I’d start with CommUnityCare/Carousel Pediatric Dental Services. They specifically offer children’s exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments, and they accept Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-scale fees based on income. communitycaretx.org

Best low-cost options near UT

• CommUnityCare / Chalmers Courts Health Center — 314 Chicon St.; pediatric dental services and income-based/sliding-fee options. communitycaretx.org
• CommUnityCare / Carousel Pediatrics — Springdale — 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd.; pediatric care, fluoride, Medicaid/CHIP and sliding-scale options. communitycaretx.org
• Manos de Cristo Dental Clinic — 4611 Harmon Ave., close to the UT area and specifically listed among Austin's low-cost dental resources. www.austinpcc.org
• Austin Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic — potentially the cheapest option if you're mainly looking for preventive care. Their basic cleaning package is $20 and includes fluoride varnish, although the clinic says new-patient registration reopens August 24, 2026. sites.austincc.edu

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP, definitely use that first: children's Medicaid/CHIP dental coverage includes checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and fillings. www.insurekidsnow.gov The Texas DSHS locator can also help you find a participating dentist. www.dshs.texas.gov

My pick for a single parent: call CommUnityCare first and ask, “I’m looking for the lowest-cost pediatric exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment. We have [insurance/no insurance]. What would my out-of-pocket cost be?” That should quickly tell you whether you're eligible for their sliding fee or public coverage.

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

For a single parent near the UT Austin campus, I’d prioritize places that are affordable, accept Medicaid/CHIP or sliding-scale payments, and provide preventive care (cleanings + fluoride varnish). These are the options I’d look at first:

Best low-cost options

1. CommUnityCare Health Centers pediatric dental clinics — best first call for affordability

• Offers children’s dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings.
• Accepts Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee options based on income. communitycaretx.org
• A nearby option is Carousel Pediatrics: Springdale, which provides pediatric dental services.

Why I’d start here: if cost is the biggest concern, community health centers are often the most practical route.

2. Austin Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic — cheapest preventive care option

• Provides supervised dental hygiene services, including exam, cleaning, and fluoride varnish. sites.austincc.edu
• Fees are very low compared with private offices (their listed basic cleaning package is $20 and includes fluoride varnish). sites.austincc.edu
• Catch: it requires multiple longer appointments and is generally for children age 6+. sites.austincc.edu

3. Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — convenient near UT

• Close to the UT/Central Austin area.
• Provides routine pediatric exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
• Ask about self-pay pricing, Medicaid/CHIP acceptance, and payment plans before booking.

4. Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry — another nearby pediatric option

• Located in the Mueller area, east of UT.
• Offers preventive visits including cleanings, exams, sealants, and fluoride treatments.

If your child has Medicaid/CHIP

Texas DSHS recommends using 2-1-1 Texas to locate low-cost dental services, and children with Medicaid/CHIP generally have dental coverage through a managed dental plan. www.dshs.texas.gov

When you call, I’d ask:

1. “Do you take my child’s Medicaid/CHIP dental plan (or do you offer sliding scale)?”
2. “How much is a cleaning and fluoride treatment if we pay cash?”
3. “Can you schedule just a preventive visit first?”

If you tell me your child’s age, whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, private insurance, or no insurance, and how far you’re willing to travel from UT (walking/bus vs. car), I can narrow this to the best 2–3 choices.

If you mean the UT Austin campus area, I’d start with CommUnityCare, especially if cost is the priority. They specifically offer pediatric dental care, including cleanings and fluoride treatments, and accept Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee pricing based on income. communitycaretx.org

Best options to try

1. CommUnityCare / Carousel Pediatrics — probably my first call

They have several Austin pediatric dental sites and explicitly list fluoride treatments. For a single-parent household with limited income, the sliding-fee scale or Medicaid/CHIP can make this substantially cheaper. communitycaretx.org
Call 512-744-6000 for Carousel Pediatrics or 512-978-9015 for CommUnityCare generally. communitycaretx.org

• Carousel Pediatrics–Springdale: 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Suite 100
• Chalmers Courts Health Center: 314 Chicon St.
• Carousel Pediatrics–Riverside: 2237 E. Riverside Dr.

These are generally more convenient to central/east Austin than the farther-north options. communitycaretx.org

2. CommUnityCare North Central Health Center — good option if north of campus works

It offers limited pediatric dentistry, and the dental line is 512-978-9880. communitycaretx.orgwww.lucentdentistryaustin.com

3. Lucent Dentistry — worth calling if you have Medicaid/CHIP but need a private pediatric dentist

It's at 3909 N IH-35, Suite A1, relatively close to UT, and says it accepts Medicaid and CHIP as well as private insurance. www.lucentdentistryaustin.com

4. ACC Dental Hygiene Clinic — extremely inexpensive, but not my first choice for a young child

Their Eastview clinic lists a $20 basic cleaning, including fluoride varnish, but they are currently booked and say new-patient registration reopens August 24, 2026. It's at 3101 Webberville Rd. sites.austincc.edu

One important thing

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP, tell the dental office that when you call. Texas DSHS says children with Medicaid/CHIP generally receive dental services through their managed-care dental plan. www.dshs.texas.gov

If you tell me your child's age, whether you have Medicaid/CHIP or no insurance, and roughly how far from UT you're willing to travel, I can narrow this to the 2–3 cheapest/best choices near campus and give you their phone numbers and locations.

If you mean the UT Austin campus area, I’d start with these options:

1. ACC Dental Hygiene Clinic — best low-cost option for preventive care
   • At Eastview Campus, about 10 minutes east of UT.
   • $20 basic cleaning, which includes a fluoride varnish; dental exam and X-rays are included as needed.
   • They also provide sealants at no additional charge when appropriate.
   • Important: new-patient registration reopens August 24, 2026. sites.austincc.edusites.utexas.edu
   • Call 512-223-5710.

2. CommUnityCare / Carousel Pediatric Dental Services — best if you need an actual pediatric dentist
   • They offer children's exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and fillings.
   • They accept Medicaid/CHIP and MAP/MAP Basic, and have a sliding-fee scale based on income. communitycaretx.org
   • This would be my first call if you're uninsured or your income makes regular private-practice dental care difficult.

3. Kids Tooth Team Outreach — potentially free
   • Their program provides free dental services to underserved children in Central Texas and works to connect kids with an ongoing dental home. sites.utexas.edu
   • Phone: 512-523-4774.

One thing to clarify: UT Dentistry's inexpensive student clinic is in San Antonio, not on the UT Austin campus, so I wouldn't send you there just because it has "UT" in the name. Its reduced-cost clinic is primarily for adults, although it lists some pediatric cleaning services. uthscsa.edu

My pick: If your child just needs a cleaning + fluoride and you can wait until Aug. 24, try ACC first. If you need a full pediatric dental home or your child has Medicaid/CHIP, call CommUnityCare first.

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

If you mean the UT Austin campus / central Austin area, I’d start with these options:

Best low-cost option

CommUnityCare / Carousel Pediatrics: Springdale — 7112 E. Springdale Rd.
This is probably the strongest fit if keeping the cost down is your priority. The clinic has pediatric dental care and is set up for families using Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, or sliding-fee assistance. Dental services include preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride. www.dentaquest.com

Closest pediatric-only option to UT

Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — 1005 W. 38th St., Suite 200
This is very convenient to campus and specifically provides children's exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants. I'd call before booking to ask about your child's insurance or their lowest self-pay price. www.myaustinpediatricdentist.com

Another nearby option

Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry — 3607 Manor Rd.
It's in the Mueller area and offers pediatric exams/cleanings, fluoride and sealants. Ask specifically whether they accept your child's Medicaid/CHIP dental plan if applicable.

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP: Texas says those programs cover children's dental preventive care, including fluoride treatments, and the state recommends using its dentist locator or 2-1-1 to find participating providers. www.insurekidsnow.gov

One important distinction: the UT Austin campus itself isn't where I'd send a child for low-cost dental care. UT's student dental clinic is for adults 18+, so it isn't appropriate for your kid. uthscsa.edu

If you tell me your child's age and whether they have Medicaid/CHIP, no insurance, or private insurance, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest choices near UT and give you the phone numbers and what to ask for when you call.

If you mean the UT Austin campus area, I’d start with these options:

1. Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — 1005 W 38th St
   • Probably the best combination of proximity to UT + pediatric specialization.
   • They provide exams, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants.
   • Call (512) 330-4624 and ask specifically for their self-pay/new-patient price for an exam, cleaning, and fluoride.

2. Carousel Pediatrics-Springdale / CommUnityCare — 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd
   • This is the one I'd investigate first if keeping the cost as low as possible is the priority.
   • Their pediatric dental program offers cleanings and fluoride, and accepts Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee arrangements. nursing.utexas.edu
   • It's farther from UT, but potentially much cheaper for an uninsured/low-income family.

3. ACC Dental Hygiene Clinic — Eastview Campus
   • Registration reopens August 24, 2026.
   • Their basic cleaning is only $20 and includes a dental exam, X-rays when needed, and fluoride varnish. sites.austincc.edu
   • This could be the cheapest option, although I'd call first to confirm that they can take your child's age and needs.

There's also a free possibility if your child qualifies: St. David's Foundation operates mobile dental clinics serving eligible children through participating schools/community sites.

My pick: If you're paying out of pocket and want someone close to UT, call Central Park first. If you qualify for Medicaid/CHIP/MAP or a sliding fee, CommUnityCare/Carousel is likely the better financial choice.

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 cheapest realistic option and check current prices.

If by the UT campus area you mean central Austin around UT–Austin, I’d start with these options:

1. Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — 1005 W. 38th St.

This is probably the best near-UT option if you want a pediatric-only dentist. They provide exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants. A local community-clinic directory also lists this office as accepting Medicaid/CHIP, but call first to confirm your child’s specific dental plan is currently accepted. www.austinpcc.org

2. Carousel Pediatrics: Springdale / CommUnityCare — 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd.

This is the option I'd investigate first if cost is the biggest concern. CommUnityCare specifically advertises children's cleanings and fluoride treatments and accepts Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee payments based on income. communitycaretx.org

3. ACC Dental Hygiene Clinic — Eastview Campus, 3101 Webberville Rd.

If you're willing to wait, this could be an exceptionally inexpensive option: $20 basic cleaning including fluoride varnish, with a free dental screening. However, registration for new patients reopens August 24, 2026. sites.austincc.edu

4. Central Texas Pediatric Dentistry — Mueller, 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

Another pediatric-focused choice relatively close to UT, and it lists several Medicaid dental plans among accepted insurance. www.austinpcc.org

If you have Medicaid/CHIP

I'd start with CommUnityCare and ask specifically:

“I’m looking for a low-cost pediatric exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment. Do you accept my child's Medicaid/CHIP dental plan, and what would our out-of-pocket cost be?”

Texas says Medicaid/CHIP dental coverage for children includes checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and necessary treatment, although the child's particular managed-care dental plan determines which dentist you can use. www.dshs.texas.gov

If you tell me your child's age and whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, MAP, private insurance, or no insurance, I can narrow this to the 2–3 cheapest choices near UT and give you their phone numbers and locations.

For a single parent looking for low-cost pediatric dental care + fluoride treatments near the UT Austin campus, I’d start with these options (prioritizing affordability over a typical private pediatric office):

Best low-cost options

1. CommUnityCare Health Centers — strongest fit if you need sliding-scale, Medicaid/CHIP, or low-cost care

• Offers children’s dental services including cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, cavity prevention, and fillings.
• Accepts Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic, and sliding-fee options based on income. communitycaretx.org
• A nearby pediatric dental location is:
  • Carousel Pediatrics: Springdale — 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 (east of UT, near Mueller/University Hills area).

2. Kids Tooth Team Outreach — worth calling if finances are very tight

• Provides free dental services for underserved children in Central Texas, including preventive care and help establishing a dental home. sites.utexas.edu
• Phone listed in their outreach materials: (512) 523-4774. sites.utexas.edu

3. Austin Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic — very low-cost preventive care

• Provides dental cleanings and fluoride varnish at very low prices (for example, a basic cleaning package is listed at $20). sites.utexas.edusites.utexas.edusites.austincc.edu
• This is more hygiene/prevention focused, so ask whether they can see your child’s age group and whether a dentist exam is needed first.

If you want a regular pediatric dentist close to UT (but ask about self-pay discounts)

• Central Park Pediatric Dentistry — 1005 W 38th St #200, Austin, TX 78705. This is one of the closest kid-focused practices to UT and offers preventive care including fluoride treatments.
• Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry — 3607 Manor Rd #103, Austin, TX 78723. Near Mueller; offers exams, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments.

My first call would be CommUnityCare if cost is the main issue. When you call, ask: “Do you have a pediatric dentist accepting new patients, and what would the out-of-pocket cost be for an exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment if I don’t have dental insurance?”

If you tell me your child’s age and whether you have Medicaid/CHIP, private insurance, or no insurance, I can narrow it down.

If you mean the UT Austin campus area, I’d prioritize these options for a single parent trying to keep costs down:

Best low-cost options

1. CommUnityCare / Carousel Pediatrics–Springdale — best fit if you have Medicaid/CHIP or limited income
Mr. James Lloyd
Mr. James Lloyd
Address: 7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78723, United States
Phone: +1 512-744-6000
7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin, TX 78723 • (512) 744-6000

This is a particularly good option to call first: the pediatric dental service offers cleanings, fluoride treatments and preventive care, and the clinic lists Medicaid/CHIP, MAP/MAP Basic and income-based sliding fees. It's also relatively close to the UT area. www.austinpcc.org

2. Williams Jr Lindsey A DDS at RBJ Dental Clinic — community-clinic pricing
15 Waller St., Austin, TX 78702 • (512) 978-9400

CommUnityCare's RBJ clinic accepts Medicaid patients under 18 and MAP, making it worth checking if you're uninsured or your income is limited. www.austinpcc.org

3. Dentist / Park Lane Pediatric Dentistry — good cash-pay alternative
Park Lane currently advertises $125 for a new pediatric patient, including exam, cleaning, basic X-rays and fluoride, for new self-pay patients. parklanedentalortho.com

4. Austin Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic — potentially the cheapest preventive option
ACC's Eastview clinic offers a $20 basic cleaning that includes fluoride varnish, plus a free dental screening. However, its next new-patient registration opens August 24, 2026, so this isn't the immediate option. sites.austincc.edu

If your child has Medicaid or CHIP

I'd start with CommUnityCare/Carousel Pediatrics and tell them specifically: “I'm looking for a pediatric exam, cleaning and fluoride treatment, and I need the lowest-cost option available.” Texas Medicaid/CHIP covers children's preventive dental services, including fluoride treatments. www.insurekidsnow.gov

You can also use Texas DSHS's low-cost dental resources; they specifically recommend 211 for locating affordable dental programs. sites.austincc.eduwww.dshs.texas.gov

If you tell me your child's age and whether they have Medicaid/CHIP, private insurance, or no insurance, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 cheapest places closest to UT campus and give you their phone numbers and what to ask when you call.