MEDI-CAL DENTAL MAKE PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE EASIER FOR FAMILIES​​​​​

SACRAMENTO — The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is coordinating a statewide Smile, California bilingual outreach campaign to help children and families understand the importance of early and regular dental care and to encourage the use of free Medi-Cal Dental preventive services. The campaign includes easy-to-use English and Spanish-language materials that explain what families can expect during dental visits and how to access care under Medi-Cal. It aims to reduce barriers to care by helping children feel prepared and parents feel confident about scheduling preventive dental visits. 

“Dental problems don’t just cause pain—they interrupt learning, impact confidence, and widen achievement gaps,” said Dana Durham, Chief of DHCS’ Medi-Cal Dental Services Division. “The good news is that most of these issues are preventable, and Medi-Cal covers regular dental care for children at no cost to families.”  

Throughout National Children’s Dental Health Month, Smile, California is encouraging parents, schools, and community partners to help children build healthy habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating nutritious foods, and visiting the dentist regularly.  

To support families, Smile, California released a new digital storybook, Jasmín Goes to the Dentist, in English and Spanish. It walks children step-by-step through a regular check-up. From the bright light above the chair to the tools hygienists use to clean teeth, the story helps normalize the experience, showing children that dental visits can be comfortable, friendly, and even fun. 

The booklet also includes a special section for parents that encourages talking openly about dental care at home and reminds families that Medi-Cal covers preventive and restorative services for the whole family at no cost. 

WHY THIS MATTERS: Dental problems are one of the most common, yet preventable, health issues affecting children in California. When children receive preventive care early and regularly, families can avoid unnecessary dental pain, reduce missed school days, and decrease the need for emergency treatment later in life. The new bilingual campaign supports families in navigating dental care and understanding covered benefits through Medi-Cal Dental. 

Recent data show that more than 350,000 children and teens missed at least one school day because of dental issues, demonstrating the impact untreated dental problems can have on student well-being and their ability to learn, adding up to more than 869,000 lost school days and a cost of roughly $60 million to school districts.   

ABOUT MEDI-CAL DENTAL: All children and teens enrolled in Medi-Cal qualify for two free dental check-ups each year, along with cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and other preventive services. Adults age 21 and older can receive one free dental check-up each year, in addition to other covered services. Parents can find a Medi-Cal dentist and learn more at SmileCalifornia.org​.