Last Updated: August 29, 2026
Medi-Cal Dental Benefits in California: What Is Covered and How to Find a Dentist (2026)
If you have Medi-Cal, you may also have dental benefits through the Medi-Cal Dental Program.
Medi-Cal Dental covers many preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and emergency dental services for eligible children and adults in California.
However, the way you receive dental care can depend on where you live, your Medi-Cal eligibility, your age, and in some situations your immigration status.
This guide explains what Medi-Cal Dental covers in 2026, how to find a dentist, how Dental Fee-for-Service and Dental Managed Care work, and an important dental benefit change that has been delayed until July 1, 2027.
Medi-Cal Dental covers many dental services, including exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, crowns, periodontal services, dentures, emergency dental care, and certain other medically necessary dental services. Some services have specific eligibility or authorization requirements.
1. What Is Medi-Cal Dental?
Medi-Cal Dental is the dental benefit available to eligible Medi-Cal members in California.
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers the program and provides dental benefits through Medi-Cal Dental providers and, in certain counties, Dental Managed Care plans.
If you are approved for Medi-Cal and eligible for dental benefits, you generally do not need to submit a completely separate application just to receive Medi-Cal Dental.
2. When Can You Start Using Medi-Cal Dental?
DHCS states that eligible Medi-Cal members can receive dental benefits once they are approved for Medi-Cal.
If you receive dental care through Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service, bring your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) and make sure the dental provider accepts Medi-Cal Dental.
If you are enrolled in a Dental Managed Care plan, you should also use your dental plan information and follow that plan's provider network rules.
3. What Dental Services Does Medi-Cal Cover?
Medi-Cal Dental covers a wide range of dental services when medically necessary and when program requirements are met.
Covered services may include:
- Dental exams
- X-rays
- Teeth cleanings
- Preventive dental services
- Emergency services for pain control
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Root canal treatment
- Crowns
- Scaling and root planing
- Periodontal maintenance
- Complete dentures
- Partial dentures
- Sedation for qualifying dental services
- Orthodontic treatment for children who qualify
Not every dental procedure is automatically covered in every situation. Some services are covered only when specific clinical requirements are met, and some treatments may require prior authorization. Ask your Medi-Cal dental provider whether a recommended treatment is covered before receiving the service.
4. Does Medi-Cal Cover Dental Exams and Cleanings?
Yes. Medi-Cal Dental covers diagnostic and preventive dental services for eligible members.
These services can include dental examinations, X-rays, teeth cleanings, and other preventive services when program requirements are met.
Regular preventive dental care can help identify cavities, gum disease, infections, and other oral health problems before they become more serious.
5. Does Medi-Cal Cover Fillings?
Yes. Fillings are among the dental services covered by Medi-Cal Dental when medically necessary and program requirements are met.
Your dentist should evaluate the tooth and determine the appropriate treatment.
6. Does Medi-Cal Cover Root Canals?
Medi-Cal Dental includes root canal treatment as a covered dental benefit when the treatment meets Medi-Cal requirements.
Coverage can depend on the condition of the tooth and other clinical requirements, so your dentist should determine whether the treatment qualifies.
7. Does Medi-Cal Cover Crowns?
Yes, crowns can be covered by Medi-Cal Dental under qualifying circumstances.
DHCS lists both prefabricated and laboratory crowns among Medi-Cal Dental benefits.
Coverage is subject to Medi-Cal clinical requirements, so ask your dental provider whether the crown being recommended is covered.
8. Does Medi-Cal Cover Dentures?
Medi-Cal Dental includes both complete and partial dentures as covered benefits when eligibility and clinical requirements are met.
Your dentist can determine whether dentures are appropriate and whether prior authorization or additional documentation is required.
9. Does Medi-Cal Cover Braces?
Medi-Cal Dental may cover orthodontic treatment for children who meet specific eligibility and clinical requirements.
Braces are not automatically covered simply because a dentist or orthodontist recommends them.
The child's condition must meet Medi-Cal's orthodontic coverage requirements.
10. Does Medi-Cal Cover Gum Disease Treatment?
Yes. Medi-Cal Dental includes certain periodontal services.
Covered services can include scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance when medically necessary and when Medi-Cal requirements are met.
11. What About Emergency Dental Care?
Medi-Cal Dental covers emergency dental services for eligible members.
Emergency dental care can include treatment for problems such as:
- Severe dental pain
- Dental infections
- Dental conditions requiring tooth extraction
- Other urgent dental problems that require immediate treatment
If you have severe swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, a serious facial injury, or another potentially life-threatening condition, seek emergency medical care immediately.
12. Do Children Get Medi-Cal Dental?
Yes. Eligible children with Medi-Cal receive dental benefits.
Children can receive preventive and medically necessary dental services, including exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, and other covered treatment.
Children who meet specific requirements may also qualify for orthodontic treatment.
Under the dental benefit changes currently scheduled for July 1, 2027, children under age 19 remain protected and continue to receive full Medi-Cal dental benefits regardless of immigration status when otherwise eligible.
13. Do Pregnant Medi-Cal Members Get Dental Benefits?
Yes. Eligible pregnant Medi-Cal members can receive dental benefits.
Dental care during pregnancy is important because untreated infections and other oral health problems can become more serious.
Under current DHCS rules, pregnant people and people within one year after the pregnancy ends are protected from the dental benefit reduction scheduled for July 1, 2027.
14. How Do You Find a Dentist Who Accepts Medi-Cal?
One of the easiest ways to start is through the official Medi-Cal Dental website.
You can search for dental providers or get assistance finding a dentist who participates in Medi-Cal Dental.
→ Medi-Cal Dental Official Website
You can also contact the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center:
- Phone: 1-800-322-6384
- TTY: 1-800-735-2922 or 711
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call the dental office and confirm that it currently accepts Medi-Cal Dental or your specific Dental Managed Care plan and that it is accepting new patients.
15. What Is Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service?
Dental Fee-for-Service (FFS) is one of the ways California provides Medi-Cal dental benefits.
With Dental FFS, you receive dental services from a dental provider who participates in the Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service program.
Before receiving treatment, show your Medi-Cal BIC and confirm that the dentist accepts Medi-Cal Dental FFS.
16. What Is Dental Managed Care?
Dental Managed Care (DMC) is another way that Medi-Cal dental services are delivered in certain California counties.
Members enrolled in a Dental Managed Care plan generally receive covered dental services from dentists who participate in that plan's provider network.
The covered dental benefits provided through Dental Managed Care are generally the same Medi-Cal dental benefits provided through Dental Fee-for-Service, although the way you access providers is different.
17. What If You Live in Sacramento County?
Sacramento County uses Medi-Cal Dental Managed Care.
For most eligible members, Dental Managed Care enrollment is mandatory, with limited exceptions.
As of 2026, DHCS lists the following Dental Managed Care plans for Sacramento County:
- Health Net Dental
- Liberty Dental Plan
- California Dental Network
If you do not know which dental plan you have or need help with dental plan enrollment, contact Medi-Cal Health Care Options at:
1-800-430-4263
18. What If You Live in Los Angeles County?
Los Angeles County also offers Dental Managed Care, but the system works differently from Sacramento County.
Eligible Los Angeles County members may receive dental care through Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service or may choose to enroll in a Dental Managed Care plan.
As of 2026, DHCS lists the following Dental Managed Care plans for Los Angeles County:
- Health Net Dental
- Liberty Dental Plan
- California Dental Network
Because plan availability and enrollment rules can change, verify the current options with DHCS or Medi-Cal Health Care Options before choosing a dental plan.
19. What If You Live in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County has an additional arrangement that members should be aware of.
According to DHCS, members enrolled in the Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) receive dental services through HPSM.
Members enrolled in Kaiser Permanente in San Mateo County receive dental services through Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service.
If you live in San Mateo County, check your current health plan information before scheduling dental care.
20. Is Your Medical Medi-Cal Plan the Same as Your Dental Plan?
Not necessarily.
Your regular Medi-Cal Managed Care health plan and the system used for your dental benefits can be different.
For example, you may have a Medi-Cal Managed Care plan for medical care but receive dental care through Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service.
This is why you should not assume that a dentist who appears in your medical health plan information is automatically a Medi-Cal Dental provider.
21. Important 2026 Update: Dental Benefit Changes Were Delayed
A reduction in routine Medi-Cal dental benefits for certain adult members was originally scheduled to begin in 2026. DHCS has delayed this change until July 1, 2027.
DHCS mailed notices to affected members in April 2026 about the planned dental benefit changes.
In July 2026, DHCS sent updated notices informing members that the dental benefit changes had been delayed until July 1, 2027.
Therefore, older notices, websites, or articles that say this particular reduction begins July 1, 2026 may now contain an outdated implementation date.
22. What Is Scheduled to Change on July 1, 2027?
Starting July 1, 2027, Medi-Cal is scheduled to stop covering routine dental services for certain adult members based on their eligibility and immigration status, except for emergency dental services.
The change generally applies to members age 19 and older who do not qualify for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal and who do not fall within one of the protected groups.
For affected members who applied for Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026 and maintained their qualifying coverage, DHCS states that full dental benefits can continue through June 30, 2027.
Starting July 1, 2027, affected members will no longer have routine dental coverage, but emergency dental services will remain available.
23. Who Is Protected From the 2027 Dental Benefit Reduction?
According to current DHCS guidance, the scheduled July 1, 2027 dental benefit reduction does not apply in the same way to several protected groups.
Full dental benefits continue for eligible members who are:
- Children ages 0–18
- Pregnant, including during pregnancy and up to one year after the pregnancy ends
- Under age 26 and were in foster care on their 18th birthday
These groups can continue to receive full Medi-Cal dental benefits when otherwise eligible under current rules.
24. What Dental Care Will Still Be Available to Affected Adults?
Even after the scheduled July 1, 2027 change, affected adults can still receive emergency dental services through restricted-scope Medi-Cal when eligible.
DHCS gives examples of emergency dental services such as treatment for:
- Severe tooth pain
- Dental infections
- Tooth extraction when required for an emergency dental condition
The exact services provided depend on the member's condition and Medi-Cal coverage rules.
25. What If a Dentist Says Medi-Cal Will Not Pay?
Before agreeing to pay for a dental service yourself, ask why the service is not being covered.
Possible reasons can include:
- The dentist does not participate in your Medi-Cal dental program or dental plan.
- The treatment requires prior authorization.
- The service does not meet Medi-Cal's coverage requirements.
- Your eligibility information needs to be updated.
- The dentist is recommending a service or material that is not covered in your particular situation.
If you are unsure, contact Medi-Cal Dental or your Dental Managed Care plan before paying for non-emergency treatment.
26. What If You Cannot Find a Medi-Cal Dentist?
If you are having difficulty finding a dentist who accepts Medi-Cal Dental, contact the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center.
- Phone: 1-800-322-6384
- TTY: 1-800-735-2922 or 711
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you are enrolled in Dental Managed Care, contact your dental plan for help finding an in-network dentist.
If you live in Los Angeles or Sacramento County and do not know which Dental Managed Care plan you have, you can contact Medi-Cal Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263.
27. Medi-Cal Dental Checklist
Before getting dental care:
- ✓ Confirm that your Medi-Cal is active.
- ✓ Find out whether you use Dental Fee-for-Service or Dental Managed Care.
- ✓ Find a dentist who accepts your Medi-Cal dental coverage.
- ✓ Ask whether the dentist is accepting new Medi-Cal patients.
- ✓ Bring your Medi-Cal BIC to the appointment.
- ✓ Bring your Dental Managed Care card if you have one.
- ✓ Ask whether the recommended treatment is covered.
- ✓ Ask whether prior authorization is required.
- ✓ Do not assume your medical health plan and dental plan are the same.
- ✓ Keep copies of important dental notices and treatment information.
28. Key Takeaway
Medi-Cal Dental provides important dental benefits to eligible children and adults in California.
Covered services can include exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, periodontal treatment, dentures, emergency dental care, and other qualifying services.
How you receive those benefits depends partly on where you live. Most members use Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service, while Dental Managed Care operates in certain counties and special arrangements may apply in places such as San Mateo County.
One of the most important 2026 updates is that the scheduled reduction of routine dental benefits for certain adult Medi-Cal members has been delayed until July 1, 2027.
Because Medi-Cal rules and dental provider networks can change, always verify your current coverage with DHCS, Medi-Cal Dental, or your Dental Managed Care plan before beginning major dental treatment.
Official Sources & Resources
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Dental
- Medi-Cal Dental Official Website
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Dental Managed Care
- Medi-Cal Dental Managed Care Plan Directory
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes FAQs
Disclaimer: California Benefits Guide is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Medi-Cal Dental, Medi-Cal Health Care Options, any Medi-Cal Dental Managed Care plan, or any other government agency.
Medi-Cal Dental eligibility, covered services, prior authorization requirements, provider networks, Dental Managed Care enrollment, and future benefit changes may change. This article provides general information only. Always verify your current dental benefits with DHCS, Medi-Cal Dental, or your Dental Managed Care plan before receiving treatment.