The Medi-Cal Dental Program
Do you have Medi-Cal? The Medi‑Cal Dental Program provides free or low-cost dental services.
What's Covered?
Kids (4-12)
To ensure the optimal oral health of your child, it is essential to schedule regular dental appointments every six months. These biannual visits are included in your child’s Medi-Cal dental plan. The Medi-Cal Dental Program offers a range of cost-effective services for children, providing them with access to free or low-cost treatments, including:
- Dental exams (every 6 months)
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning (every 6 months)
- Fluoride varnish (every 6 months)
- Molar sealants
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
- Outpatient services
- Sedation (if medically necessary)
Protect Your Child Against Cavities With Molar Sealants
As early as the age of five, children begin to experience the natural loss of their baby teeth, making way for the growth of their permanent teeth. To safeguard your child’s molars, which are their back teeth, from cavities, you can opt for sealants. These protective coatings are transparent, painless, and applied swiftly. It’s important to note that sealants differ from fluoride varnish, which is a pale-yellow gel. Sealants are covered by your child’s Medi-Cal dental benefits and offer several years of protection for their back teeth.
Teens (13-20)
During the early teenage years, the emergence of wisdom teeth typically occurs, completing the set of permanent teeth. To maintain optimal oral health into adulthood, it is crucial to maintain regular dental check-ups throughout the teen years. As a responsible parent or legal guardian, you play a vital role in establishing good oral health habits and ensuring that your teenager receives consistent dental examinations. The Medi-Cal Dental Program offers a variety of free or low-cost services specifically tailored for teenagers including:
- Dental exams (every 6 months)
- X-rays
- Fluoride varnish (every 6 months)
- Molar sealants
- Teeth cleaning (every 6 months)
- Orthodontics (braces) for those who qualify
- Fillings
- Crowns*
- Root canals
- Partial and full dentures
- Scaling and root planing
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
- Outpatient services
- Sedation (if medically necessary)
*Crowns on molars or premolars (back teeth) may be covered in some cases.
During this phase, your Dr. Mand may suggest additional services such as thorough cleanings or orthodontic treatment. It is important to promote healthy routines to ensure your teen’s teeth remain clean and strong. Consuming sugary foods like fast food and soda can lead to cavities and tooth enamel erosion. Encourage your teen to adopt habits like carrying a travel-size toothbrush in their locker or backpack to brush after meals. This practice not only reduces the risk of cavities but also helps maintain bright teeth, boosting your teen’s self-esteem.
Adults (21-54)
As we age, prioritizing our overall health becomes increasingly important. Maintaining good oral health is crucial as it can prevent tooth loss, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illnesses. If you have any concerns regarding your teeth, it is recommended to promptly schedule an appointment with your dentist. Medi-Cal covers up to $1,800 for covered dental services in a year. However, if you are pregnant, you may qualify for no yearly limit. In cases where dental services are deemed medically necessary, they may exceed the $1,800 limit. The program offers a range of free or low-cost services for adults including:
- Dental exams (every 12 months)
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning (every 12 months)
- Scaling and root planing
- Fluoride varnish (every 12 months)
- Fillings
- Crowns*
- Root canals
- Partial and full dentures
- Denture relines
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
- Sedation (if medically necessary)
*Crowns on molars or premolars (back teeth) may be covered in some cases.
Your mouth changes as you age, but there is plenty you can do to keep it in great shape, such as:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco, which stains your teeth, gives you bad breath, and can cause cancer
- Use your Medi-Cal dental benefits and see a Dr. Mand at Upland Laser Dental Center every 12 months for regular check-ups and cleanings
Seniors (55+)
Irrespective of your age, maintaining healthy, strong, and pain-free gums and teeth is essential. As an older adult, you may be more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health issues. However, by adhering to a routine of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental check-ups, you can reduce your risk. Medi-Cal covers up to $1,800 for covered dental services within a year. You may even qualify for no yearly limit. Even if you have Medicare or Medicare Advantage, Medi-Cal can provide dental benefits not covered by Medicare. The program offers a range of free or low-cost services tailored specifically for seniors including:
- Dental exams (every 12 months)
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning (every 12 months)
- Scaling and root planing
- Fluoride varnish (every 12 months)
- Fillings
- Crowns*
- Root canals
- Partial and full dentures
- Denture relines
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
*Crowns on molars or premolars (back teeth) may be covered in some cases.
Pregnancy
Receiving oral health care, including procedures like X-rays, pain medication, and local anesthesia, is completely safe during pregnancy. As a Medi-Cal member, you are covered for dental care throughout your pregnancy and up to 12 months after giving birth. Regardless of the type of Medi-Cal coverage you have, you can avail yourself of all covered dental procedures as long as you meet the necessary criteria and requirements. Medi-Cal provides coverage of up to $1,800 for covered dental services within a year. However, if you have a medical need, you may qualify for additional coverage beyond the $1,800 yearly limit. The program offers a range of free or low-cost services specifically designed for individuals during pregnancy including:
- Dental exams *
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning *
- Scaling and root planing
- Fluoride varnish *
- Fillings
- Crowns**
- Root canals
- Partial and full dentures
- Denture relines
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
*Every 12 months if over 21 years of age or every 6 months if under 21 years of age.
**Crowns on molars or premolars (back teeth) may be covered in some cases.
Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is crucial for overall well-being, and it becomes even more significant during pregnancy. Taking care of your oral health is not only important for yourself but also for the well-being of your baby. Pregnancy requires special attention to your gums and teeth. By consistently brushing and flossing, following a balanced diet, and scheduling regular dental visits, you can minimize dental issues commonly associated with pregnancy, including:
- Cavities and tooth decay: vomiting exposes your teeth to stomach acids that can weaken your tooth enamel
- Periodontal disease: evidence suggests tooth infections can be a major risk factor for babies born too soon or with low birth weight
- Gingivitis: due to decreased immune response and hormonal fluctuations