Maintaining a healthy smile is important for your family’s overall health. When balancing the costs of housing, groceries, and transportation, a trip to the dentist often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list until a toothache becomes unbearable. Many families in San Diego and Riverside counties feel forced to delay routine care due to these financial pressures.

TrueCare helps patients use their Medi-Cal dental benefits by treating oral health as a vital part of your whole-person health. Our goal is to simplify your life by offering high-quality dental services for both adults and children within the same health system where you receive your medical care.

How Medi-Cal Dental Coverage Works at TrueCare

Navigating the specifics of insurance can be difficult. Medi-Cal’s dental program is called Medi-Cal Dental; some patients may still know it by the older name, Denti-Cal. It covers a range of preventive and restorative services to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

At TrueCare, our team helps patients understand what their coverage includes by explaining benefits in a way that is easy to understand. By utilizing your benefits at our clinics, you ensure your care is managed by providers who understand the communities we serve and can help you access care in your preferred language.

Related Article: Navigating Changes to Medi-Cal Dental Coverage: TrueCare is Here for You

Pediatric Dental Care with Medi-Cal

Pediatric dental care is a cornerstone of a child’s development. Medi-Cal provides extensive benefits for children and teens up to age 21, ensuring they have access to the preventive care needed to avoid painful cavities and future oral health issues. TrueCare makes it convenient for parents to schedule dental cleanings on the same day as pediatric check-ups.

Commonly covered pediatric services include:

• Routine Exams and Cleanings: Regular check-ups to monitor growth and prevent decay.
• Fluoride Treatments: Applications to strengthen tooth enamel.
• Dental Sealants: Protective coatings for back teeth to prevent cavities.
• Diagnostic X-rays: Imaging to find hidden issues under the gumline.
• Fillings and Extractions: Essential restorative work to treat decay.

Starting these visits early helps children feel more comfortable with dental visits. Our staff works to ensure young patients feel safe and reassured in the dentist’s chair.

Related Article: Pediatric Dental Health

What Medi-Cal Dental Benefits are Available for Adults?

Adults have access to a variety of restorative and preventive services that are important for overall health. Coverage for adults depends on eligibility and benefit status, and we encourage patients to verify their specific benefits with our care team.

Adult benefits typically include:

• Cleanings and Exams: Preventive care to help stop gum disease.
• Restorative Fillings: Treating cavities to save natural teeth.
• Root Canal Treatment: Medi-Cal Dental covers many restorative services, including root canal treatment, when coverage requirements are met.
• Partial and Full Dentures: Restoring function for those who have lost teeth.
• Scaling and Root Planing: Deep cleanings for patients with gum disease.

Our team can help verify your specific eligibility and guide you through the process of scheduling your next visit.

Does Medi-Cal Cover Root Canals and Wisdom Teeth?

Patients frequently ask if their coverage includes complex procedures like root canals or wisdom teeth removal. Generally, Medi-Cal Dental covers many restorative services, including root canal treatment, when coverage requirements are met. Wisdom teeth extraction may also be a covered benefit when deemed clinically necessary.

Before treatment begins, our team can review the care plan, expected costs, and coverage information with the patient. Our team can help patients verify what applies to their specific case.

The Convenience of Integrated Medical and Dental Care

TrueCare utilizes a coordinated approach by integrating dental services into many of our health centers, allowing you to manage your family’s needs in one place. This ensures your medical and dental records are shared, providing your providers with a complete picture of your health.

By choosing a TrueCare dental provider, you gain access to:

• Coordinated Care: Your dentist and primary doctor can collaborate on your health goals.
• Language Assistance: Staff who can help patients access care in their preferred language.
• Financial Support: Information about payment options and eligibility for programs such as our Sliding Fee Scale, when applicable.
• Insurance Guidance: Help from our Health Insurance Assistance team to renew or apply for Medi-Cal.

Related Article: Dental Health and Impact on Overall Health

A Healthier Smile is Within Your Reach

If you are ready to reclaim your smile and simplify your family’s healthcare journey, our team is standing by to help. Start your journey today and reach out to a TrueCare location near you.

Disclaimer: 

The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.