Posted on April 15, 2026 by Steve Shorr — No Comments ↓

Medi-Cal Dental Coverage — Quick Answer

Yes. Medi-Cal provides dental benefits to eligible California members.
- Most people who qualify for Medi-Cal are also eligible for Medi-Cal Dental benefits. You generally do not have to submit a separate application for dental coverage.
Depending on your eligibility, age, aid code and where you live, Medi-Cal Dental may cover services such as:
- Dental exams and X-rays
- Cleanings and preventive care
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Crowns when coverage requirements are met
- Tooth extractions
- Emergency dental treatment
- Partial and full dentures
- Scaling and root planing for gum disease
- Other medically necessary dental services
Already have Medi-Cal and need a dentist?
- Search the Medi-Cal Dental Provider Directory.
- If you cannot find a dentist accepting new Medi-Cal patients, call Medi-Cal Dental at 1-800-322-6384.
Resources:
- California Medi-Cal Dental Program
- Medi-Cal Dental Member Handbook

What Does Medi-Cal Cover for Dental Care?

Preventive and diagnostic dental care may include:
- Dental examinations
- X-rays
- Teeth cleanings
- Fluoride treatment
- Other preventive services when eligibility requirements are met
Treatment and restorative dental care may include:
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Crowns when Medi-Cal’s requirements are met
- Tooth removal and oral surgery
- Scaling and root planing for gum disease
- Emergency dental services
Replacement teeth and other services may include:
- Partial dentures
- Full dentures
- Denture relines
- Dental implants in limited circumstances when Medi-Cal’s medical-necessity and prior-authorization requirements are met
Children and young adults under age 21 have additional protections.
- Medi-Cal’s EPSDT benefit can cover medically necessary dental treatment needed to correct or improve a health condition, even in some situations where the service would not ordinarily be available under the regular dental benefit.
Important:
- Coverage depends on the member’s eligibility, age, aid code, medical necessity and the particular dental procedure. Your Medi-Cal dentist should verify coverage and obtain prior authorization when required before treatment is performed.
Resources:
- Medi-Cal Dental Member Handbook — Benefits & Covered Services
- DHCS — EPSDT Dental Benefits for Members Under Age 21

How Do I Find a Dentist Who Takes Medi-Cal?

Start with the California Medi-Cal Dental Provider Directory.
- Search for a Medi-Cal dentist near you.
The directory allows you to search by:
- Address, city or ZIP code
- Distance
- County
- Dental specialty
- Language
- Providers accepting new Medi-Cal patients
- Providers offering teledentistry
Finding a dentist listed in the directory does not guarantee that the office is currently accepting additional patients.
- Call the dental office before making an appointment and verify that it is accepting your Medi-Cal coverage and new patients.
Can’t find a dentist?
- Call the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center at 1-800-322-6384, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Find a Medi-Cal Dental Provider →

Does Medi-Cal Cover Dental Implants?

Yes, Medi-Cal can cover dental implants — but coverage is limited.
- Dental implants are not simply covered whenever someone would prefer an implant instead of a denture or other conventional treatment.
- Medi-Cal requires documentation of an exceptional medical condition, review for medical necessity and prior authorization.
According to Medi-Cal Dental’s current provider criteria, exceptional medical circumstances may include:
- Oral cancer treatment that has destroyed bone needed to support a conventional dental prosthesis
- Severe atrophy of the upper or lower jaw when conventional prostheses cannot function adequately
- Certain skeletal or developmental deformities that prevent the use of conventional prostheses
- Traumatic destruction of the jaw, face or head that leaves insufficient structure to support conventional prostheses
Prior authorization and documentation are important.
- The treating dentist or specialist may need to submit X-rays, scans, photographs, medical or operative reports and other documentation showing why the implant is medically necessary.
Thinking about an implant?
- Ask your Medi-Cal dentist whether your condition may meet Medi-Cal’s implant criteria before agreeing to pay privately for treatment.
Medi-Cal Dental Manual of Criteria — Current Coverage Requirements

Los Angeles & Sacramento Medi-Cal Dental Plans

Most California counties use Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service.
- Los Angeles and Sacramento counties also have Medi-Cal Dental Managed Care arrangements.
Sacramento County:
- Dental Managed Care is generally mandatory for eligible Medi-Cal members.
- Members select a dental plan and receive care from providers participating in that plan’s network.
Los Angeles County:
- Dental Managed Care is voluntary.
- Eligible members can choose a Dental Managed Care plan or remain in Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service.
Current Dental Managed Care plans include:
- Health Net Dental
- Liberty Dental Plan
- California Dental Network
Want to check your plan or change Dental Managed Care plans?
- Call Medi-Cal Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263.
Resources:
- Medi-Cal Dental Managed Care Plan Directory
- DHCS Dental Managed Care Overview

Important Medi-Cal Dental Change Delayed Until July 1, 2027

California has delayed a scheduled change to dental benefits for certain adult Medi-Cal members until July 1, 2027.
Beginning July 1, 2027, some adults age 19 and older who do not qualify for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal will no longer receive regular Medi-Cal dental benefits and generally will have emergency dental coverage instead.
The change does not affect everyone.
- Children under age 19 continue to receive dental benefits.
- Pregnant members and members within one year after pregnancy continue to receive dental benefits.
- Qualifying foster youth and former foster youth under age 26 continue to receive dental benefits.
- People who qualify for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal continue to receive dental coverage.
If you received a notice saying your dental benefits were ending July 1, 2026:
- DHCS subsequently announced that the effective date was delayed until July 1, 2027.
Resources:
- DHCS — Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes
- DHCS — Dental Benefit Changes FAQs

Medi-Cal Dental Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Medical Dental” the same thing as Medi-Cal Dental?
- Usually, yes. People frequently search Google for terms such as “Medical Dental,” “Medical dental coverage” or “does Medical cover dental” when they are actually looking for California’s Medi-Cal Dental program. The correct name is Medi-Cal Dental.
Does Medi-Cal cover dental care for adults?
- Yes. Eligible adults can receive Medi-Cal Dental benefits including preventive, diagnostic and many restorative dental services. The exact services available depend on eligibility, medical necessity and Medi-Cal’s coverage requirements.
Does Medi-Cal cover dental implants for adults?
- Sometimes. Implant services require exceptional medical circumstances, documentation, medical-necessity review and prior authorization. They are not routinely covered simply because an implant is the patient’s preferred way to replace a missing tooth.
Is Denti-Cal the same as Medi-Cal Dental?
- “Denti-Cal” is the older name many Californians still use for the state’s Medi-Cal dental benefit. The program is now generally called Medi-Cal Dental.
Do I need to apply separately for Medi-Cal Dental?
- Most Medi-Cal members who are eligible for dental benefits do not need to submit a separate dental application. Your dental provider can verify your current eligibility.
How do I find a dentist who accepts Medi-Cal?
- Search the Medi-Cal Dental Provider Directory or call 1-800-322-6384 if you need help finding a participating dentist.

More Medi-Cal & Dental Help

Medi-Cal Eligibility — Main Guide
Lower or Eliminate Medi-Cal Share of Cost with Dental, Vision or Other Health Insurance Premiums
Medi-Cal Contact Information — County Offices, DHCS & Help Resources
Private Dental Insurance — Compare Coverage & Plans
Dental Implant Insurance Coverage — Private Dental Plans & Other Options
Already have Medi-Cal and need dental care?
- Find a Medi-Cal Dentist
- Call Medi-Cal Dental at 1-800-322-6384 if you cannot find a provider accepting new patients.
Questions about Medi-Cal eligibility or your individual case?
- Your county Medi-Cal office determines eligibility. See our Medi-Cal Contact & Help page for direct links and telephone numbers.

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Optional Deeper Details Below

The practical explanation is above. The section below includes supporting documents, background material, citations, examples, and technical details for readers who want more.