Affordable Dentists in Nashville Without Insurance: FQHCs, Meharry Dental School, and 8+ Membership-Plan Practices

📋 21 verified options 🏥 3 FQHC / Community Health networks 🕐 Updated April 2026

Nashville is one of America’s fastest-growing metros — over 2.1 million residents across 14 counties — and its safety-net dental infrastructure is unusually strong for a non-Medicaid-expansion state. The city’s anchor is Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, one of only four historically Black dental schools in the United States, which has trained an estimated 41% of all Black dentists currently practicing in America. Alongside Meharry, Nashville hosts a dense network of FQHCs, nonprofit clinics, and university dental programs serving the city’s estimated 150,000–165,000 uninsured adults in the 8-county metro area.

Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, leaving an estimated 81,000–95,000 Tennesseans in the coverage gap — adults who earn too little for ACA marketplace subsidies but do not qualify for TennCare. Since January 1, 2023, TennCare provides comprehensive dental for enrolled adults at no cost, but non-disabled childless adults cannot qualify for TennCare at any income level. Nashville’s large refugee and immigrant communities (Kurdish, Somali, Arabic-speaking, and Hispanic populations concentrated along the Nolensville Pike corridor and in Antioch) face additional barriers, making multilingual dental access a critical factor.

This directory covers all verified affordable dental options in the Nashville metro as of April 2026, including FQHCs, nonprofit clinics, teaching clinics, and membership-plan practices across Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson, Sumner, Wilson, Robertson, Cheatham, and Maury counties. For immediate emergency care, Meharry’s GPR Clinic accepts walk-ins starting at 7:15 AM weekdays, and Aspen Dental accepts same-day walk-in emergencies at 8+ metro locations.

At a Glance
Total Providers
21 verified options
FQHCs / Community Health
Neighborhood Health (3 Nashville sites + Lebanon, sliding scale, ~$25 min); Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (North Nashville, sliding scale, Saturday hours)
Nonprofit Safety-Net Clinics
Interfaith Dental Clinic (Nashville + Murfreesboro, sliding scale, waitlist); Primary Care & Hope Clinic (Murfreesboro, FQHC, sliding scale)
Teaching / Training Clinics
Meharry School of Dentistry ($60 initial eval, 50% below private rates); TSU Dental Hygiene Clinic (very low-cost cleanings only); South College Nashville ($20 cleaning + exam + X-rays)
Practices with Membership Plans
8+ practices/chains; plans from $89/year (Sonrisas+) to $525/year (Nashville Dentistry Co.)
Avg Entry-Level Cost (no insurance)
$20 (South College cleaning/exam/X-rays); $25 min (Neighborhood Health FQHC); $60 (Meharry initial eval); $20 new patient exam (All Smiles Nashville)
TennCare Adult Dental
Comprehensive dental since Jan 1, 2023 — but you must be enrolled. Non-disabled childless adults CANNOT qualify for TennCare at any income. Coverage gap: ~81,000–95,000 Tennesseans.
Provider Access Challenge
Fewer than one-third of Tennessee dentists accept TennCare. Interfaith Dental and Neighborhood Health report wait times of up to 3 months for new comprehensive-care patients.
Emergency Walk-In Access
Meharry GPR Clinic (walk-ins from 7:15 AM weekdays); Aspen Dental (same-day, 8+ locations); All Smiles Nashville (same-day, Saturday); Nashville General Hospital ER — (615) 341-4357 (actual dental treatment 24/7)
Free Dental Events
Meharry Oral Health Day (bi-annual, spring & fall; 650+ adults served March 2026, free, no ID required); Meharry Salt Wagon Free Clinic (Thursdays 6–8:30 PM, (615) 378-7585)
How to Find Help Fast
Call Neighborhood Health (615) 227-3000 or dial 2-1-1 (United Way); text zip code to 898211
Last Verified
April 2026

Verified Affordable Dental Options in Nashville

Neighborhood Health — Cleveland Park Dental

FQHCVerify on HRSA →Sliding Scale
Sliding Scale
Six income tiers based on household size and FPL. Minimum ~$25 per visit (lowest-income patients). No one turned away for inability to pay.
Services
Emergency same-day care, pain assessments, X-rays, cleanings, extractions, fillings, partial dentures, full dentures, sealants, fluoride, specialty referrals. Pediatric dental starts at age 2. Root canals, crowns, and bridges referred out.
Hours
Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Walk-ins
Walk-in patients accepted and worked in as soon as possible. Appointments recommended. New patient scheduled wait: up to 3 months; walk-ins provide faster urgent access.
Address
1223 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
New Patient
Photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs or tax return), insurance card if applicable. Accepts TennCare, Medicare Advantage, most dental insurance. Cash and major credit/debit accepted; flexible payment plans available.
Languages
Phone and video interpretation available for Spanish, Arabic, Kurdish, Somali, Amharic, and other languages. Website available in English and Spanish.

Neighborhood Health is Nashville’s largest FQHC, serving approximately 31,000 patients annually across 12 clinic locations, with an estimated 68% uninsured and 89% living below the poverty level. The Cleveland Park location on Dickerson Pike serves the North Nashville corridor and is one of three Nashville dental sites. As a federally qualified health center, Neighborhood Health charges on a sliding fee scale with six discount tiers — the minimum fee is approximately $25 per visit for the lowest-income patients, with no one turned away for inability to pay. Patient navigators on-site assist with TennCare and CoverKids enrollment at no cost.

Neighborhood Health — Napier Place Dental

FQHCVerify on HRSA →Sliding Scale
Sliding Scale
Same six-tier sliding fee as all Neighborhood Health sites. Minimum ~$25 per visit. No one turned away for inability to pay.
Services
Medical, dental, behavioral health, and pediatrics. Same dental scope as other Neighborhood Health sites.
Hours
Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Address
107 Charles E. Davis Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37210
Community Served
Napier/Sudekum public housing area, South Nashville

The Napier Place site is Neighborhood Health’s earliest-opening dental location (doors at 7:00 AM), serving the Napier and Sudekum public housing community in South Nashville. Same sliding-fee scale and walk-in policy as other Neighborhood Health sites. For scheduling and eligibility, call the main Neighborhood Health line at (615) 227-3000.

Neighborhood Health — Welshwood Dental (South Nashville)

FQHCVerify on HRSA →Sliding ScaleEspañol
Sliding Scale
Same six-tier sliding fee. Minimum ~$25 per visit. No one turned away for inability to pay.
Services
Medical, dental, behavioral health. Spanish-language services specifically highlighted at this location. Adjacent to NICE refugee resettlement offices.
Hours
Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (extended hours based on staff availability)
Address
419 Welshwood Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
Languages
Spanish (registration forms available in Spanish; “Español” services highlighted). Phone/video interpretation for Kurdish, Somali, Arabic, Amharic, and others.
Community Served
South Nashville / Nolensville Pike corridor; large Kurdish, Somali, and Hispanic refugee/immigrant communities

The Welshwood Drive location is Neighborhood Health’s most critical site for Nashville’s refugee and immigrant communities — it sits adjacent to the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE) refugee resettlement offices at 417 Welshwood Drive and explicitly highlights Spanish-language dental services. This is the best FQHC option for uninsured adults along the Nolensville Pike/Antioch corridor. Same HRSA-verified FQHC sliding scale as all Neighborhood Health sites.

Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center

FQHCVerify on HRSA →Sliding ScaleEspañol
Sliding Scale
Income-based sliding fee for uninsured patients. No one turned away for inability to pay (federal FQHC requirement). Call for current fee schedule.
Services
Full-range dental: exams, cleanings, teeth whitening, oral cancer screenings, dentures and partials, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, on-site X-rays. Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program provides additional capacity.
Hours
Mon–Tue 8:00 AM–7:00 PM; Wed–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Address
1035 14th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208
New Patient
Appointment-based preferred. Call (615) 327-9400 to schedule. Accepting new patients. Some waiting period for new dental patients reported.
Languages
Spanish confirmed (“Hablamos Español”). Accredited by JCAHO; NCQA PCMH recognized.
Insurance
Accepts TennCare, CoverKids, Medicare, marketplace plans, and most private insurance

Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center is an FQHC with longstanding ties to Tennessee State University, Fisk University, and Meharry Medical College, serving more than 15,000 individuals annually across Davidson, Rutherford, and Montgomery counties. Its Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program — a partnership with St. Thomas Health and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center — gives Matthew Walker one of the broadest dental service scopes of any FQHC in Nashville, including crowns and root canals that Neighborhood Health refers out. Saturday hours (9 AM–1 PM) are a rare FQHC benefit for working patients.

Interfaith Dental Clinic — Nashville

Nonprofit DentalSliding Scale
Sliding Scale
Fees based on income and family size. Every patient contributes financially. SMILE ON 65+ program: $25 facility fee per appointment for seniors at or below 200% FPL.
Services
Comprehensive dental: exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures and partials, periodontal treatment, emergency care, oral health education. Specialty referrals via Vanderbilt OMS and area specialists.
Hours
Mon–Wed 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; Thu 1:00 PM–7:30 PM (evening hours); Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM; Sat–Sun closed
Address
600 Hill Avenue, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37210
Eligibility
Must be dentally uninsured (no commercial dental insurance), low-income, and a Middle Tennessee resident. Bring TN driver’s license, current-year tax return, and two current pay stubs.
How to Apply
Complete online screening at interfaithdental.com/patients/, then placed on waitlist if eligible. Emergency appointments via “BOOK NOW” link with limited availability.
SMILE ON 65+
For adults 65+, Tennessee resident, below 200% FPL, dentally uninsured. $25 facility fee per appointment. Travel vouchers available. Hotline: 1-800-509-6055
Languages
Spanish reported (“Se Habla Español”). Confirm other language services by calling.

Founded in 1994 by Dr. Tom Underwood through the Nashville Dental Society and West End United Methodist Church, Interfaith Dental Clinic is Nashville’s primary safety-net dental provider for low-income uninsured adults, restoring approximately 300 patients per year to optimum oral health through a volunteer dentist model. The clinic provides comprehensive care — including root canals and crowns, which FQHCs often refer out — making it one of the most complete safety-net dental resources in Middle Tennessee. Thursday evening hours until 7:30 PM serve working patients. The SMILE ON 65+ statewide program for low-income seniors at $25 per appointment is a particularly valuable resource.

⚠ Significant wait times: Comprehensive care enrollment typically involves a wait of approximately 3 months. Emergency appointments have limited availability. Complete the online screening form at interfaithdental.com/patients/ first; do not visit without contacting the clinic. Medicaid-enrolled patients and patients with commercial dental insurance are not eligible.

Interfaith Dental Clinic — Murfreesboro (Rutherford County)

Nonprofit DentalSliding Scale
Sliding Scale
Same income-based sliding fee as Nashville location. SMILE ON 65+ program available.
Services
Emergency dental openings typically on Wednesdays (posted the Tuesday prior on clinic website/social media)
Address
210 Robert Rose Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Eligibility
Same as Nashville: dentally uninsured, low-income, Middle Tennessee resident

Interfaith Dental’s Murfreesboro location serves Rutherford County and surrounding communities. Emergency dental openings are typically available on Wednesdays, with availability posted the Tuesday prior. For comprehensive care enrollment at either location, complete the online screening at interfaithdental.com/patients/ first.

⚠ Emergency slots only on Wednesdays — check interfaithdental.com or call (615) 225-4141 for current availability. Waitlist for comprehensive care applies here as well as Nashville.

Primary Care & Hope Clinic (FQHC — Murfreesboro)

FQHCVerify on HRSA →Sliding Scale
Sliding Scale
Sliding fee discount for qualifying patients. No one turned away for inability to pay.
Services
Medical and dental care, behavioral health, pharmacy (340B), nutrition, lab, X-ray
Hours
Mon–Thu 7:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–6:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:30 PM; Sat 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Address
1453 Hope Way, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Insurance
Accepts TennCare, Medicare, most commercial insurance
Languages
Translation services available

Primary Care & Hope Clinic is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Murfreesboro serving Rutherford County residents since 1992. With Saturday hours (8 AM–4 PM) and a 340B pharmacy on-site, it provides comprehensive primary and dental care for uninsured and underinsured patients in the southern Nashville metro. Saturday availability makes it an important option for working uninsured patients in Rutherford County who cannot take weekday appointments.

Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry

Dental School50% Below Private RatesWalk-ins Welcome
Cost
$60 initial evaluation (uninsured patients). Subsequent treatment approximately 50–70% below private practice rates. Crowns/bridges/dentures require 50% deposit upfront. Payment due in full at each visit.
Services
X-rays, CT scans, oral cancer screenings, cleanings, deep cleanings, periodontics, fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, extractions, wisdom teeth, oral surgery, root canals, dentures, TMJ, sedation, special-needs dentistry. Pediatric dentistry (CODA-accredited residency). Assessment and referral for orthodontics.
Hours
Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. GPR Clinic walk-ins from 7:15 AM weekdays.
Walk-ins
Walk-ins welcome (scheduled patients seen first). GPR Clinic: (615) 327-6297. Emergency dental: (615) 341-4357 (Davidson County residents).
Phone
(615) 327-6900 (main) | (615) 327-6297 (GPR Clinic)
Address
1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard / 1801 Meharry Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208
Satellite — Antioch
Total Health Medical & Dental Clinic: 5352 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Antioch, TN 37013 | (615) 963-2866 | Walk-ins welcome | Se habla Español
Insurance
Accepts TennCare and most private insurance. Self-pay accepted. Sliding-scale options may be available; call (615) 327-5760.

Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry is Nashville’s marquee anchor for affordable dental care — one of only four historically Black dental schools in the United States, founded in 1886, and responsible for training an estimated 41% of all Black dentists currently practicing in America. The school delivers approximately $26 million in uncompensated care annually and serves patients through multiple clinic types: student clinics under licensed faculty supervision, a General Practice Residency (GPR) clinic staffed by residents and licensed faculty, and specialty clinics including oral surgery, periodontics, and The ABLE Clinic for patients with complex medical needs. The GPR Clinic accepts walk-in emergencies starting at 7:15 AM weekdays. Nashville General Hospital at Meharry (1818 Albion St) has GPR dental residents on 24-hour emergency on-call at the ER — the only Nashville ER that provides actual dental treatment — reachable at (615) 341-4357.

South College Nashville Dental Hygiene Clinic

Hygiene School Clinic$20 Adult Cleaning
Cost
Registration: FREE | Cleaning + exam + full-mouth X-rays: $20 adult / $12 child | Full-mouth X-rays: FREE | Panoramic X-ray: $15 | Scaling/deep cleaning: $20 per quadrant | Intraoral bleaching: $65 | Athletic mouthguard: $30/arch
Discounts
25% off for South College staff/employees, current military, first responders, and seniors 65+. FREE for all veterans and South College students.
Services
Cleanings, exams, X-rays, deep cleaning, fluoride, sealants, whitening, mouthguards. Does NOT provide: fillings, implants, crowns, extractions, root canals, orthodontics.
Hours
Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Friday)
Address
616 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Eligibility
Open to the general public, all ages. No income or insurance requirements.
Payment
Call to confirm accepted payment methods before visiting.

South College’s public dental hygiene clinic offers the most affordable cleaning, exam, and X-ray combination in the Nashville metro at $20 for adults (free for veterans). Students provide care as part of the Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program under faculty supervision. No income verification or insurance required — open to any member of the public. This is the best entry point for uninsured adults who primarily need preventive care and want to avoid the waitlists of FQHC and nonprofit clinics.

Preventive care only — fillings, extractions, crowns, and root canals are not available. For restorative work, use Meharry, Neighborhood Health, or Interfaith Dental after your South College cleaning and exam.

Tennessee State University Dental Hygiene Clinic

HBCU Hygiene ClinicVery Low Cost
Cost
Very low-cost. Fees vary by treatment and are communicated before treatment. Multiple appointments at no additional fee.
Services
Oral cancer screening, scaling and root planing, coronal polishing, fluoride, sealants, teeth whitening, digital X-rays (full mouth, bitewings, panoramic), tobacco cessation, local anesthesia, denture/prosthesis cleaning. Does NOT provide: fillings, crowns, extractions, root canals.
Hours
Generally Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:00 PM during semesters (closed holidays and breaks). Call to confirm current hours. Walk-ins welcome.
Email
DHClinic@tnstate.edu
Address
Clement Hall, 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37209
Eligibility
Open to TSU students, faculty, staff, and the general public. All ages, no income requirements.
Payment
Debit or credit cards ONLY (no cash, checks, or insurance billing)

Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public HBCU, and its Dental Hygiene Clinic serves approximately 600 patients per year at very low cost. Students provide care under direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. TSU’s clinic is particularly valuable for uninsured patients in West Nashville (near the TSU campus) who need routine hygiene care. Credit/debit only — no cash accepted. Hours vary by semester; call (615) 963-5791 before visiting.

Hygiene services only — no fillings, extractions, crowns, or root canals. Card payments only; no cash or insurance billing. Closed during semester breaks — call ahead.

Chrysalis Oral Health Care Alliance (Williamson County — Brentwood)

NonprofitSliding ScaleEspañol
Sliding Scale
Sliding scale for uninsured/underinsured patients. No published minimum fee — call for details.
Services
Full-service dental for uninsured/underinsured: cleanings, oral cancer screenings, periodontal therapy, radiography, fluoride, examinations, basic restorative, extractions, oral health education, tobacco cessation, nutritional counseling
Phone
(615) 435-3667 (English) | (615) 714-2963 (Spanish line)
Address
6980 Moores Lane, Brentwood, TN 37027 (Williamson County)
Languages
Dedicated Spanish phone line: (615) 714-2963
Impact
Provided dental care valued at $904,000 to 692 patients (per nonprofit filings)

Chrysalis Oral Health Care Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 82-1918365, founded 2017) in Brentwood serving Williamson County’s uninsured and underinsured residents. Williamson County has very limited affordable dental options despite being one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties, making Chrysalis the primary safety-net dental resource for Franklin, Brentwood, and surrounding communities. A dedicated Spanish-language phone line at (615) 714-2963 makes it one of the most accessible options for Spanish-speaking residents in the southern suburbs.

Giving Smiles (Maury County — Spring Hill / Mobile Dental)

NonprofitFree or Sliding ScaleMobile
Cost
Free or sliding scale based on income. CareCredit accepted for patients who can pay.
Services
Dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, extractions, oral cancer screening. Mobile dental van (2 dental chairs) + 3-chair office in Spring Hill.
Address
5226 Main Street, Suite C6, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Eligibility
Working poor, uninsured, homeless, limited-resource residents of Middle Tennessee
Model
Volunteer dentists; capacity dependent on donations and scheduling

Giving Smiles is described as the only non-profit, non-school-based mobile dental service in Middle Tennessee that travels to communities in need. With a 3-chair Spring Hill office and a 2-chair mobile dental van, Giving Smiles reaches uninsured patients across Maury County and surrounding areas who have no other affordable dental options nearby — the Maury County Health Department serves only pregnant women and children for dental. Volunteer dentists provide free or sliding-scale care including fillings and extractions, not just hygiene.

Capacity varies by volunteer availability and donations. Call (615) 714-3787 or check givingsmilestn.org for current scheduling and mobile clinic locations before making the trip.

Dental Lifeline Network — Tennessee (Donated Dental Services)

Charitable Program
Cost
FREE comprehensive dental care through volunteer dentists statewide
Coordinator
Lindsay Harold | (615) 983-2601 | lharold@DentalLifeline.org
Eligibility
Restricted: Must have a permanent disability, OR be age 65+, OR have medically necessary dental care (physician documentation required). Must have no means to afford care. Must exhaust all dental insurance first. One-time program only.
Services
Comprehensive treatment: fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures. Not cosmetic.
Wait Time
Several months to over one year

Dental Lifeline Network’s Tennessee chapter, coordinated from Nashville by Lindsay Harold, provides free comprehensive dental treatment — fillings, crowns, dentures, root canals — for adults who are age 65+, permanently disabled, or medically fragile and cannot afford dental care. With Nashville-based coordination and participating volunteer dentists across Tennessee, this is the best option for elderly and disabled uninsured patients who don’t qualify for other safety-net programs. Meharry’s Adopt-A-Grandparent Program is an additional free dental resource for low-income Nashville-area seniors; ask at (615) 327-6900.

Restricted eligibility: This program is NOT available to general uninsured adults. You must be permanently disabled, age 65+, or have medically necessary dental needs with physician documentation. Patients go through the program one time only. Wait time: several months to over a year.

All Smiles Nashville / Sonrisas — 3 Locations

Sonrisas+ Plan — $89/yrFully Bilingual
Plan Cost
All Smiles+: ~$25/month (~$300/year) | Sonrisas+: $89/year
Plan Includes
Exams, X-rays, 2 cleanings/year, discounts on treatments. New patient special: $20 comprehensive exam + digital X-rays.
Published Prices
Simple extraction: $200 | Crown: $850 | Root canal (molar): ~$900
Hours
Monday–Friday + Saturday 8:00 AM–2:00 PM. Same-day walk-in emergencies accepted.
Locations
Lenox Village: 6900 Lenox Village Drive, Suite 20, Nashville 37211 | (615) 657-4199; Murfreesboro Pike: 1009 Murfreesboro Pike #101, Nashville 37217 | (615) 857-9596; Smyrna: 1033 Sgt Asbury Hawn Way, Smyrna 37167 | (615) 437-0469
Languages
Fully bilingual English & Spanish (“Completamente Bilingüe”). Price match guarantee.
Rating
4.9 stars (1,200+ Google reviews)

All Smiles Nashville / Sonrisas is Nashville’s highest-value membership-plan practice for uninsured adults, particularly in the Hispanic community — the $89/year Sonrisas+ plan includes two cleanings, exams, and X-rays with the lowest-cost new patient exam in Nashville at $20. Three locations span the Nolensville Pike/Lenox Village/Antioch corridor (the heart of Nashville’s immigrant community), Murfreesboro Pike, and Smyrna. Rated 4.9 stars with over 1,200 reviews. Saturday hours and same-day emergency walk-ins make this the most accessible private dental option for working uninsured adults in South Nashville.

East Nashville Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry

Membership Plan — $399/yr
Plan Cost
Adult: $399/year | Child: $299/year | Perio: $588/year
Plan Includes
2 cleanings, 2 exams, routine X-rays, 1 emergency exam, 15% off all other procedures
Hours
Monday–Thursday 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Address
815 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206
Special
Same-day emergency appointments; book online 24/7; financing for uninsured

East Nashville Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry serves the East Nashville neighborhood with a straightforward annual membership plan at $399/year covering all preventive care plus 15% off additional procedures. Same-day emergency appointments and after-hours online booking make it a practical option for working patients in East Nashville and the Gallatin Avenue corridor.

Vitality Dental (Donelson)

Membership Plan — $499/yr
Plan Cost
Adult: $499/year | Child: $319/year
Plan Includes
2 cleanings, 2 exams, periodontal evaluation, oral cancer screening, fluoride, hygiene X-rays, 15% off additional services, $500 off orthodontics
Financing
CareCredit, ProceedFinance
Address
2708 Old Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

Vitality Dental in Donelson offers a comprehensive membership plan including periodontal evaluation and oral cancer screening in addition to standard cleanings and exams. The $500 orthodontic discount is a rare membership benefit among Nashville independent practices. Located near Nashville International Airport on Old Elm Hill Pike.

Nashville Smiles

Membership Plan
New Patient Special
$99 cleaning + exam + X-rays
Emergency Exam
$79 same-day emergency exam
Plan
Membership plan available (call for pricing)
Walk-ins
Same-day walk-in emergencies accepted

Nashville Smiles offers one of the most accessible entry points for uninsured adults in the Nashville core — a $99 new patient bundle (cleaning, exam, and X-rays) and a $79 same-day emergency exam. Call for current membership plan pricing and availability.

Aspen Dental — 8+ Nashville Metro Locations

Aspen Dental Savings Plan — $49/yr
Plan Cost
$49/year individual; $29/year each additional family member
Plan Includes
Free exams and X-rays at any participating location
New Patient Offer
$29 exam + X-rays (uninsured, ages 21+)
Services
Full range: cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, dentures, implants
Financing
99% financing approval; CareCredit. Walk-in emergencies accepted same-day at all locations. Does NOT accept Medicaid.
Locations
West Nashville: 6702 Charlotte Pike, Ste 106, Nashville 37209 | (615) 354-8800; Madison/Rivergate: 2153 Gallatin Pike N, Madison | (615) 238-0003; Hermitage: 4054 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage 37076 | (615) 647-8432; Antioch: 5300 Hickory Hollow Lane S107, Antioch 37013 | (615) 340-6904; Murfreesboro: 2711 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro 37129 | (615) 617-6191; Lebanon: 604 S Cumberland St, Lebanon 37087 | (615) 444-5447; Springfield: 3495 Tom Austin Hwy, Springfield 37172 | (615) 667-3376; Columbia: 620 S James M Campbell Blvd, Columbia 38401 | (931) 548-3010

Aspen Dental’s $49/year Aspen Dental Savings Plan is the lowest-cost annual dental membership in the Nashville metro, making it the best entry-level option for uninsured patients who primarily need exams and X-rays plus occasional treatment discounts. With 8+ metro locations spanning West Nashville, Madison, Hermitage, Antioch, Murfreesboro, Lebanon, Springfield, and Columbia, Aspen Dental has the widest geographic coverage of any chain in the region. Same-day walk-in emergencies accepted at all locations. The $29 new patient exam (uninsured, 21+) is the most affordable private dentist entry point in Nashville after South College.

Affordable Dentures & Implants — 3 Metro Locations

Best Price Guarantee
Specialty
Dentures and implants. Full-service dentistry also available.
Pricing
Economy dentures from $775/arch; replacement denture sets from $640/set. Free exam and X-ray for new denture patients.
Financing
CareCredit, Proceed Finance, ONEderful; cash, credit cards, FSA/HSA. Best Price Guarantee — will match competitor treatment plans.
Locations
Nashville/Donelson: 932 Allen Road, Nashville 37214 | (615) 871-9339; Smyrna: 111 Movie Row, Smyrna 37167 | (615) 610-3680; Spring Hill: 4816 Main Street, Suite A, Spring Hill 37174 | (629) 666-8093
Rating
Smyrna: 4.5 stars (453+ Google reviews)
Special
On-site dental lab for same-day dentures at select locations

Affordable Dentures & Implants is the best option for uninsured Nashville-area adults who specifically need dentures or implants — economy denture arches start at $775, significantly below the $1,500–$3,000+ private practice range. Free exam and X-ray for new denture patients. Three locations in Donelson, Smyrna, and Spring Hill serve the eastern and southern metro suburbs, with a Best Price Guarantee.

Salem Creek Family Dental (Murfreesboro)

Dental Savers Plan — $199/yr
Plan Cost
$199/year (1st member); $150/year each additional; Perio Plan $399/year
Plan Includes
Preventive cleanings, exams, X-rays, 20% off restorative work. No waiting periods, deductibles, maximums, or pre-existing condition limitations.
Address
2658 New Salem Highway, Suite A5, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Key Benefit
No pre-existing condition exclusions; coverage effective immediately

Salem Creek Family Dental in Murfreesboro offers one of the most cost-effective independent membership plans in the Nashville metro at $199/year, with no pre-existing condition exclusions, no waiting periods, and 20% off restorative work. A practical option for Rutherford County residents who want non-corporate dental care with predictable annual costs.

Nashville Dentistry Co.

Membership Plan — $525/yr
Plan Cost
Individual: $525/year; Spouse: $425/year; Child: $325/year
Plan Includes
2 cleanings, 2 exams/X-rays, fluoride (patients ≤16), 15% off all other treatments
Financing
Cherry, CareCredit

Nashville Dentistry Co. offers a family-oriented membership plan at $525/individual per year (with lower spouse and child rates), covering all preventive care plus 15% off additional treatments. Cherry and CareCredit financing available for larger treatment costs. A non-corporate independent practice option for uninsured families on the Nashville/Brentwood border.

TennCare Adult Dental: What’s Covered and Who’s Excluded

As of January 1, 2023, TennCare provides comprehensive dental benefits for all enrolled adults age 21+ at no cost to members — a major expansion from the previous emergency-only policy. Covered services now include:

  • Diagnostic exams and X-rays (all types)
  • Preventive cleanings (2 per year), fluoride treatments, caries-arresting medicament
  • Fillings (restorative)
  • Crowns (no benefit limitations)
  • Root canals / endodontics (no benefit limitations)
  • Scaling and root planing (periodontal)
  • Complete and partial dentures, relines
  • Extractions and oral surgery
  • Nitrous oxide sedation

NOT covered: Cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers), orthodontics/braces (covered only for children with handicapping malocclusion), and services deemed not medically necessary.

The critical caveat: You must be enrolled in TennCare to receive these benefits. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Non-disabled, non-pregnant, non-elderly adults without dependent children cannot qualify for TennCare at any income level. Parents with dependent children may qualify at up to 105% FPL (~$16,433/year for an individual in 2026). An estimated 81,000–95,000 Tennesseans are trapped in the coverage gap.

Even if enrolled, finding a dentist is hard: Fewer than one-third of Tennessee dentists accept TennCare, citing reimbursement below 50% of commercial rates. As of November 1, 2025, Renaissance manages all TennCare dental benefits (replacing DentaQuest). Contact Renaissance at (866) 864-2526 (Mon–Fri, 7 AM–5 PM CT) to find participating dentists or get a Dental Home assignment. Meharry Medical College and Neighborhood Health both accept TennCare.

Check TennCare eligibility at TennCareConnect.tn.gov or call 1-855-259-0701. Patient navigators at Neighborhood Health (615-227-3000) assist with TennCare enrollment at no cost.

Emergency Dental Options in Nashville

For dental emergencies without insurance in Nashville, options by time of day:

Weekdays during business hours:

  • Meharry GPR Clinic — Walk-ins accepted from 7:15 AM weekdays. Call (615) 327-6297 first. ~50% below private rates for uninsured.
  • Neighborhood Health — Walk-in patients worked in as soon as possible. Call (615) 227-3000. Sliding scale from ~$25.
  • All Smiles Nashville / Sonrisas — Same-day walk-in emergencies at all 3 locations; (615) 657-4199. $20 exam.
  • Aspen Dental — Same-day emergency walk-ins at all 8+ metro locations. $29 exam + X-rays (uninsured, 21+).

Evenings and weekends:

  • Emergency Dental of Nashville — emergencydentalofnashville.com | Sun 9 AM–9 PM, Mon 12–9 PM, Tue 9 AM–5 PM, Thu 12–8:30 PM, Fri 9 AM–8:30 PM, Sat 9 AM–9 PM. Walk-ins welcome; extractions, root canals, fillings. Accepts most insurance; does NOT accept Medicaid.
  • Matthew Walker FQHC — Saturday 9 AM–1 PM; sliding scale. Call (615) 327-9400.
  • All Smiles Nashville — Saturday 8 AM–2 PM at all locations.

24-hour emergency dental:

  • Nashville General Hospital at Meharry ER — 1818 Albion St, Nashville 37208. After-hours dental emergency line: (615) 341-4357 (Davidson County residents only). Meharry GPR dental residents staff 24-hour on-call — the only Nashville ER that can perform actual dental procedures (extractions and other dental treatment).
  • Emergency Dental Clinic PLLC — 3803 Hydes Ferry Rd, Nashville 37218; (615) 732-1097. Listed as open 24/7.
  • Referral hotlines: Dial 2-1-1 (United Way, 24/7; text zip to 898-211); Emergency Dentist 24/7: 1-855-352-6790.

Avoid the ER for dental pain unless there is severe facial swelling affecting breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, jaw fracture, or spreading infection with high fever. Standard hospital ERs (TriStar Centennial, Vanderbilt) can only prescribe antibiotics and pain medication for dental emergencies — no extractions or dental treatment — and will bill $500–$2,000+ for symptom management only. Nashville General Hospital at Meharry is the exception.

Price Reference — Nashville Dental Procedures

Prices below reflect verified data from Nashville-area providers as of March–April 2026. FQHC sliding scale fees represent the lowest income tier (≤100% FPL). Private practice prices reflect published Nashville-area data.

ProcedureFQHC / Nonprofit (Sliding Scale)Meharry Dental SchoolPrivate (No Plan)Private (Membership Plan)
New patient exam + X-rays$0–$25 / $35–$75~$60 (stated initial eval)$150–$300$20 (Sonrisas+ new patient); $0 (included in most annual plans)
Adult cleaning (prophylaxis)$0–$20 / $25–$60~$50–$100$100–$200$0 (included 2x/year in all plans)
Composite filling (1 surface)$0–$30 / $40–$80~$50–$120$150–$250$100–$175 (20% off via membership)
Simple extraction$0–$25 / $35–$75~$75–$150$200–$350$170–$280 (15–20% off); Sonrisas+: $200
Root canal (molar)$75–$200 / $150–$350~$400–$800$1,000–$1,800$700–$900 (Sonrisas+: ~$900)
Porcelain crown$100–$250 / $200–$450~$500–$1,000$1,000–$1,675$850 (Sonrisas+); $700–$1,100 w/ plan
Complete dentures (per arch)$100–$300 / $200–$500~$400–$700$1,500–$3,000+From $775/arch (Affordable Dentures)

Hygiene school cleanings (lowest-cost options in Nashville):

  • South College Nashville (616 Marriott Drive, 37214) — $20 adult for cleaning + exam + full-mouth X-rays. Call (629) 802-3221.
  • Tennessee State University (3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, 37209) — Very low-cost cleanings; call (615) 963-5791.
  • Remington College (441 Donelson Pike, Suite 150, 37214) — Adult cleaning approximately $23; call (615) 493-9398. Mon–Thu during school semesters by appointment.

FQHC notes: Neighborhood Health uses 6 sliding-scale discount tiers based on household size and FPL. Exact fees require income verification; call (615) 227-3000. Matthew Walker fees are income-based; call (615) 327-9400. 2026 Federal Poverty Level: $15,650 for an individual; $26,650 for a family of 3.

Free Dental Events in Nashville

Meharry Medical College Oral Health Day — Bi-annual (Spring and Fall)

Nashville’s largest recurring free dental event, held twice per year at Henry A. Moses Alumni Hall on the Meharry campus (1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd). The March 7, 2026 event registered 650+ adults and approximately 70 children, with 160 dental students, 20 residents, and ~70 faculty/alumni/community dentists — described as the “largest turnout in years.”

  • Services: Free cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays, and exams for adults
  • Eligibility: Anyone — no insurance or ID required. First-come, first-served.
  • Format: Doors open at 6:00 AM. Bring food, water, and patience — lines form early.
  • Partners: Remote Area Medical (RAM)
  • Check meharry.edu for the next event date

Meharry Salt Wagon Free Clinic — Student-run free clinic reportedly open Thursdays 6:00–8:30 PM; call (615) 378-7585. No cost; provides dental and primary care on the Meharry campus.

Meharry Adopt-A-Grandparent Program — Free dental care for low-income seniors, running for nearly 30 years; has served 2,000+ individuals. Ask about availability at (615) 327-6900.

RAM Events Near Nashville (2026): RAM does not currently hold standalone pop-up clinics in the Nashville metro. Nearest confirmed Tennessee events: Harriman, TN (April 11–12, 2026, ~170 miles east) and Chattanooga, TN (Oct 17–18, 2026, ~130 miles southeast). Free, no ID or income proof required. Check ramusa.org/schedule for updates.

Mercy Dental Missions — Provides free essential dental care to homeless, refugees, and struggling families in the Nashville area. Since 2023: 475+ procedures ($90,000+ in donated services) to 115+ individuals. Check mercydentalmissions.org/events.

Suburban County Dental Access: Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, and Maury

Nashville’s fast-growing suburbs have fewer safety-net dental options than Davidson County. Here are the best resources by county:

Williamson County (Franklin, Brentwood, ~250,000 residents):

  • Chrysalis Oral Health Care Alliance (6980 Moores Lane, Brentwood, (615) 435-3667) — Nonprofit sliding-scale dental for uninsured/underinsured; Spanish line (615) 714-2963.
  • East Franklin Dentistry (5030 Carothers Pkwy, Franklin, (615) 656-4091) — “Protect and Perfect” membership plan; new patient: $129 bundle.
  • Rachel Oates Family Dental (1345 West Main St, Franklin, (615) 593-9955) — In-house membership plan; Saturday appointments.
  • Williamson County Health Department (1324 West Main St, Franklin, (615) 794-1542) — Primarily pediatric; adults seen for emergencies only with limited availability. Call mornings for same-day slots.

Rutherford County (Murfreesboro, ~340,000 residents):

  • Interfaith Dental Clinic — Murfreesboro (210 Robert Rose Dr, (615) 225-4141) — Sliding-scale nonprofit; Wednesday emergency slots.
  • Primary Care & Hope Clinic (1453 Hope Way, (615) 893-9390) — FQHC; Saturday hours; sliding scale.
  • Rutherford County Health Dept Dental (100 West Burton St, Murfreesboro, (615) 898-7880) — Basic dental/emergency for uninsured and TennCare; sliding scale; forms in English and Spanish.
  • Salem Creek Family Dental (2658 New Salem Hwy, (615) call for number) — $199/year membership plan; 20% off restorative.
  • Aspen Dental Murfreesboro (2711 Medical Center Pkwy, (615) 617-6191) — $49/year plan; walk-in emergencies.

Sumner County (Gallatin, Hendersonville, ~200,000 residents):

  • Hope-Salvus Dental Clinic (556 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin, (615) 451-0038) — Volunteer dentists; sliding scale; must be employed, uninsured, live/work in Sumner County. Mon/Wed/Fri 7:30 AM–1:00 PM; Tue/Thu 12:30–7:30 PM.
  • Castle Dental Hendersonville — OneSmile plan saves 20–40% off all services; free exams and X-rays.

Maury County (Columbia, Spring Hill, ~100,000 residents):

  • Giving Smiles (5226 Main St, Spring Hill, (615) 714-3787) — Nonprofit mobile dental; free or sliding scale. The Maury County Health Department provides adult dental for pregnant women and children only.
  • Aspen Dental Columbia (620 S James M Campbell Blvd, (931) 548-3010) — $49/year plan; walk-in emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nashville have free dental clinics?

Yes, though truly free dental care in Nashville is limited and partially event-based. The most reliable sources of free dental care are:

  • Meharry Medical College Oral Health Day — Held twice per year (spring and fall). Free cleanings, fillings, extractions, and X-rays for anyone — no insurance or ID required, first-come, first-served. The March 2026 event served 650+ adults. Check meharry.edu for next date.
  • Meharry Salt Wagon Free Clinic — Student-run free clinic reportedly open Thursdays 6:00–8:30 PM; call (615) 378-7585.
  • Meharry Adopt-A-Grandparent Program — Free dental for low-income seniors; call (615) 327-6900.
  • Dental Lifeline Network Tennessee — Free comprehensive dental (fillings, crowns, dentures) for adults 65+, permanently disabled, or medically fragile. Contact Lindsay Harold at (615) 983-2601 or dentallifeline.org/tennessee.
  • Giving Smiles (Spring Hill) — Free or sliding-scale dental including fillings and extractions via mobile van and clinic; (615) 714-3787.
  • Mercy Dental Missions — Periodic free events for Nashville’s homeless, refugee, and low-income communities; mercydentalmissions.org/events.

For ongoing affordable (not free) care, Interfaith Dental Clinic and Neighborhood Health offer sliding-scale fees that can be reduced to near-zero for the lowest-income patients.

How much does Meharry dental school charge?

Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry charges approximately 50% less than private dental offices in the Nashville area. The initial evaluation for uninsured patients is a flat $60. Estimated fees based on this discount structure: cleanings ~$50–$100, fillings ~$50–$120, simple extractions ~$75–$150, root canals ~$400–$800, crowns ~$500–$1,000, and complete dentures ~$400–$700 per arch. Services are significantly discounted but not free. For lab work (crowns, bridges, dentures), a 50% deposit is required upfront, with balance due at completion. Payment due in full at each visit.

Call (615) 327-6900 for exact pricing. Meharry accepts TennCare and most private insurance. Financial assistance and sliding-scale options may be available through Meharry Medical Group; call (615) 327-5760. Walk-in emergencies are accepted at the GPR Clinic starting at 7:15 AM weekdays. For after-hours dental emergencies (Davidson County residents), call (615) 341-4357.

What is the Interfaith Dental Clinic in Nashville?

The Interfaith Dental Clinic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dental clinic founded in 1994 by Dr. Tom Underwood, serving uninsured, low-income adults and seniors in Middle Tennessee. It operates two locations:

  • Nashville: 600 Hill Avenue, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37210 — (615) 329-4790
  • Murfreesboro: 210 Robert Rose Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 — (615) 225-4141
  • Website: interfaithdental.com

Eligibility: Dentally uninsured (no commercial dental insurance), low-income, and a Middle Tennessee resident. Bring a TN driver’s license, current-year tax return, and two current pay stubs.

Services: Comprehensive care including cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures, periodontal treatment, and emergency dental. Specialty care available through partnerships with Vanderbilt OMS residents and area specialists.

How to become a patient: Complete the online screening form at interfaithdental.com/patients/. If eligible, you’re placed on a waitlist — estimated approximately 3 months for comprehensive care enrollment. Emergency appointments have limited availability; check the “BOOK NOW” link online.

SMILE ON 65+: For adults 65+, Tennessee resident, below 200% FPL, dentally uninsured: $25 facility fee per appointment for covered services. Hotline: 1-800-509-6055.

Does TennCare cover dental for adults?

Yes — if you are enrolled in TennCare. As of January 1, 2023, TennCare covers comprehensive dental care for enrolled adults at no cost to members. Covered services include cleanings (2/year), fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures (partial and complete), scaling and root planing, extractions, and nitrous oxide sedation. Cosmetic procedures and orthodontics are not covered.

The catch: Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid, so non-disabled, non-pregnant, non-elderly childless adults cannot qualify for TennCare regardless of income. Even with $0 income, childless adults do not qualify. Parents with dependent children may qualify at up to 105% FPL (~$16,433/year). Check eligibility at TennCareConnect.tn.gov or call 1-855-259-0701.

Even if enrolled, finding a dentist is difficult: Fewer than one-third of Tennessee dentists accept TennCare. As of November 2025, Renaissance manages all TennCare dental benefits (replacing DentaQuest). Call Renaissance at (866) 864-2526 to find a participating dentist. Meharry Medical College and Neighborhood Health both accept TennCare.

Where can I get a tooth pulled in Nashville without insurance?

Several options for uninsured adults needing an extraction in Nashville, from lowest to highest cost:

  • Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry — Estimated $75–$150 for a simple extraction. Call (615) 327-6900 or walk in to the GPR Clinic from 7:15 AM weekdays.
  • Neighborhood Health — Sliding-scale fees ($0–$75 depending on income). Cleveland Park: (615) 227-3000; walk-ins accepted.
  • Interfaith Dental Clinic — Sliding scale; emergency extractions available on select days. Nashville: (615) 329-4790; Murfreesboro Wednesdays: (615) 225-4141.
  • Aspen Dental — Published simple extraction prices from approximately $104–$279; 8+ metro locations; same-day walk-in emergencies. Membership plan ($49/yr) gives 15% off. West Nashville: (615) 354-8800.
  • Matthew Walker FQHC — Full-service dental including extractions; sliding scale; (615) 327-9400.

For dental emergencies after hours, call Nashville General Hospital at Meharry at (615) 341-4357 — the only Nashville ER staffed with dental residents who can perform actual extractions.

What is the cheapest dental cleaning in Nashville?

The most affordable dental cleaning options in Nashville, ranked by cost:

  • $0 (free): Meharry Oral Health Day (bi-annual event, spring/fall; no ID or income required). Meharry Salt Wagon Free Clinic (Thursdays 6–8:30 PM; (615) 378-7585).
  • ~$20 adult: South College Nashville Dental Clinic — $20 for cleaning + exam + full-mouth X-rays. 616 Marriott Drive; (629) 802-3221. Open to the general public. FREE for veterans.
  • ~$23: Remington College Dental Hygiene Clinic — 441 Donelson Pike, Suite 150; (615) 493-9398. During school semesters, by appointment.
  • Very low cost: Tennessee State University Dental Hygiene Clinic — 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd; (615) 963-5791. Credit/debit only.
  • ~$25 minimum (sliding scale): Neighborhood Health FQHC — (615) 227-3000. For patients at or below 100% FPL ($15,650/year for one person).
Are there bilingual Spanish or Kurdish dental options in Nashville?

Nashville has unusually strong multilingual dental access reflecting its large refugee and immigrant communities:

Spanish:

  • All Smiles Nashville / Sonrisas — Fully bilingual English/Spanish. 3 locations: Lenox Village (615-657-4199), Murfreesboro Pike (615-857-9596), Smyrna (615-437-0469). Sonrisas+ plan $89/year.
  • Mi Plaza Dental — 3991 Nolensville Pike, Nashville; (615) 750-5088. Fully bilingual; open 6 days/week; walk-in emergencies.
  • Smilodon Dental — Bilingual (Dr. Ormaza, born in Ecuador); smilodondental.com.
  • Neighborhood Health — Spanish interpreters at most sites; Welshwood location specifically highlights “Español” services; (615) 227-3000.
  • Chrysalis OHCA (Brentwood) — Dedicated Spanish phone line: (615) 714-2963.
  • Meharry Total Health Antioch — 5352 Hickory Hollow Pkwy; (615) 963-2866; “Se habla Español.”

Kurdish:

  • Stein Dental Care — sylvan Park, Nashville; stein.dental. English, Spanish, and Kurdish — one of very few practices in Nashville with confirmed Kurdish language services. Critical resource for Antioch’s large Kurdish refugee community.
  • Neighborhood Health — Historically employed Kurdish interpreters; phone/video interpretation in Kurdish available; (615) 227-3000.

Arabic and other languages: Neighborhood Health offers phone and video interpretation “in the language of your choice” at all locations, including Arabic, Somali, and Amharic. Siloam Health (820 Gale Lane, (615) 298-5406) provides medical referrals and navigation with ~300 volunteer interpreters in 50+ languages — they can direct dental patients to appropriate bilingual providers.

What if I need dental care but can't afford it and don't qualify for Medicaid in Nashville?

This is the situation for most of the estimated 81,000–95,000 Tennesseans in the Medicaid coverage gap. A step-by-step approach:

  1. Call Neighborhood Health at (615) 227-3000 for sliding-scale FQHC dental care. Bring proof of income and ID. At or below 100% FPL ($15,650/year), you’ll pay ~$25 or less per visit.
  2. Apply to Interfaith Dental Clinic at interfaithdental.com/patients/ for comprehensive sliding-scale care including root canals and crowns. Expect a waitlist of approximately 3 months.
  3. For cleanings only, visit South College Nashville at (629) 802-3221 — $20 for cleaning, exam, and X-rays. No waitlist, no income verification required.
  4. For reduced-rate comprehensive care, contact Meharry School of Dentistry at (615) 327-6900. Initial evaluation is $60; subsequent treatment is ~50% below private rates.
  5. For immediate emergency care, walk in to the Meharry GPR Clinic from 7:15 AM weekdays, or go to any Aspen Dental location for a $29 exam + X-rays same-day.
  6. If you are age 65+ or permanently disabled, apply to Dental Lifeline Network Tennessee at dentallifeline.org/help/ or call (615) 983-2601 for free comprehensive treatment.
  7. Consider a private practice membership plan from $49/year (Aspen Dental) or $89/year (Sonrisas+) — covers preventive care and discounts on treatment with no waiting periods or pre-existing exclusions.
Methodology & Data Sources

FQHCs and community health centers: Neighborhood Health (United Neighborhood Health Services, Inc., HRSA Grant H80CS00309, 340B ID 18418) verified as an active FQHC via HRSA Health Center Finder (findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov) and neighborhoodhealthtn.org. Three confirmed Nashville dental locations plus Lebanon verified from provider website and RISS Resources. Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center verified via mwchc.org and HRSA filings as an active FQHC with AEGD residency program. Primary Care & Hope Clinic (NPI 1114973237) verified via hopeclnc.org as an FQHC in Murfreesboro.

Nonprofit dental clinics: Interfaith Dental Clinic verified via interfaithdental.com and GreatNonprofits listings. Two confirmed locations (Nashville and Murfreesboro). SMILE ON 65+ program verified via clinic website and 1-800-509-6055 hotline. Chrysalis Oral Health Care Alliance (EIN 82-1918365) verified via chrysalisohca.org and IRS 990 filings. Giving Smiles verified via givingsmilestn.org as the only non-profit non-school-based mobile dental service in Middle Tennessee. Dental Lifeline Network Tennessee verified via dentallifeline.org/tennessee with Nashville-based coordinator Lindsay Harold at (615) 983-2601.

Teaching and training clinics: Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry verified via meharry.edu/meharry-clinics/dental-clinic/ and home.mmc.edu. Pricing ($60 initial evaluation; 50% below private rates) per published clinic pages. GPR Clinic location and walk-in policy verified. Total Health Antioch satellite verified via Meharry website. Tennessee State University Dental Hygiene Clinic verified via tnstate.edu/dentalhygiene/clinic.aspx. South College Nashville Dental Clinic verified via south.edu/department/nashville-public-dental-clinic/ including published price table.

Private practices: Included only if a documented in-house membership or discount plan was verifiable on the practice website or published marketing as of April 2026. All Smiles Nashville / Sonrisas verified via myallsmiles.com and sonrisasnashville.com including Sonrisas+ plan at $89/year and $20 new patient special. East Nashville Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry plan verified via provider site. Vitality Dental plan verified via provider site. Aspen Dental verified via aspendental.com — 8 metro locations confirmed including $49/year plan and $29 new patient special (uninsured, 21+). Affordable Dentures & Implants pricing verified via affordabledentures.com. Salem Creek Family Dental plan verified via provider site. DSO chain details current as of April 2026.

TennCare dental information: Comprehensive dental expansion (January 1, 2023) verified via Tennessee Division of TennCare official communications. Renaissance as dental benefits manager (replacing DentaQuest effective November 1, 2025) verified via TennCare member notices. Coverage gap estimates (81,000–95,000 Tennesseans) from KFF 2024–2025 data.

  • HRSA Health Center Finder — findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
  • Neighborhood Health — neighborhoodhealthtn.org
  • Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center — mwchc.org
  • Interfaith Dental Clinic — interfaithdental.com
  • Primary Care & Hope Clinic — hopeclnc.org
  • Meharry Medical College — meharry.edu
  • Tennessee State University Dental Hygiene — tnstate.edu/dentalhygiene
  • South College Nashville — south.edu
  • Chrysalis Oral Health Care Alliance — chrysalisohca.org
  • Giving Smiles — givingsmilestn.org
  • Dental Lifeline Network Tennessee — dentallifeline.org/tennessee
  • Tennessee Division of TennCare — tn.gov/tenncare
  • KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) — kff.org
  • United Way Tennessee — Dial 2-1-1