Medi-Cal Is Welcome Here — Same Doctors, Same Care
Many San Diego families with Medi-Cal spend weeks calling offices that either don't take it or treat it like a second-class plan. At Coastal Kids, Medi-Cal dental coverage is accepted at all five of our locations — Carmel Valley, Eastlake (Chula Vista), Santee, San Diego (Kearny Mesa), and South Bay — and your child is seen by the same board-certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists as every other patient, in the same chairs, with the same appointment access.
If your child is enrolled in Medi-Cal, their preventive care — exams, cleanings, fluoride — and many treatments are covered at no out-of-pocket cost to your family.
Call any of our offices before your first visit and we'll check for you. Our front desk verifies Medi-Cal eligibility, handles pre-authorizations, and submits claims on your behalf — you never have to navigate the system alone.
What Medi-Cal Covers at the Dentist for Kids
For children and young adults under 21, Medi-Cal's dental benefit is broad. Covered services include:
- Dental checkups and exams — recommended every six months
- Teeth cleanings and preventive visits
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
- X-rays when clinically needed
- Sealants on back teeth to prevent cavities
- Fillings and other restorative care
- Medically necessary treatments beyond the basics, with pre-authorization
Coverage rules can change and some treatments need pre-authorization — which is exactly the paperwork our team handles for you. Before any treatment beyond a routine visit, we confirm what's covered and tell you clearly before any work is done.
How to Use Your Child's Medi-Cal Benefits — 3 Steps
- Book a visit and mention Medi-Cal. Call the office nearest you or book online, and let us know your child is covered by Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal / Smile California).
- We verify everything before you arrive. Our front desk confirms your child's eligibility and what their plan covers — no surprises at the desk, no forms homework for you.
- Bring your child's BIC card to the first visit. That's it. From there, checkups every six months keep your child covered, healthy, and comfortable at the dentist.
Medi-Cal vs. Denti-Cal vs. Smile California — What's the Difference?
Nothing to untangle: they're three names for the same benefit. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health coverage. Denti-Cal is the traditional name of its dental program, and Smile California is the state's current name and family-facing program for those same Medi-Cal dental services. If your child has Medi-Cal, they have dental coverage — you don't need to sign up for anything extra.
You can learn more about the state program at SmileCalifornia.org, or just call us and we'll sort it out with you. For all other plans we accept, see our insurance & financing page.
Book Your Child's Medi-Cal Dental Visit
Board-certified pediatric specialists at 5 San Diego locations. Medi-Cal, Smile California, and most major plans accepted — verified for you before the first visit. Se habla español.
Book a Visit →Medi-Cal Accepted at All 5 San Diego Locations
Choose whichever office is easiest for your family — every one accepts Medi-Cal and offers the full range of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics:
- Carmel Valley / Del Mar — North County coastal families
- San Diego (Kearny Mesa) — central San Diego, Clairemont, Tierrasanta
- Santee — East County, including El Cajon and Lakeside
- Eastlake (Chula Vista) — Eastlake, Otay Ranch, eastern Chula Vista
- South Bay — National City, western Chula Vista, San Ysidro
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Coastal Kids accept Medi-Cal for children's dental care?
Yes. Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics accepts Medi-Cal dental coverage — also known as Denti-Cal — through the Smile California program at all five of our San Diego locations: Carmel Valley, Eastlake (Chula Vista), Santee, San Diego (Kearny Mesa), and South Bay. Your child sees the same board-certified pediatric specialists as every other patient.
What does Medi-Cal cover at the dentist for kids?
For children and young adults under 21, Medi-Cal covers dental checkups and exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, X-rays, sealants on back teeth, fillings, and many other medically necessary treatments — for most services at no out-of-pocket cost to your family. Coverage details can change, so our team confirms exactly what your child's plan covers before their visit.
What is the difference between Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, and Smile California?
They are three names for the same benefit. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health coverage program. Denti-Cal is the traditional name for its dental benefit, and Smile California is the state's current name and outreach program for Medi-Cal dental services. If your child has Medi-Cal, they have dental coverage.
How do I use my child's Medi-Cal dental benefits at Coastal Kids?
Just call any of our five San Diego offices or book online, and let us know your child has Medi-Cal. Our front desk team verifies eligibility, handles pre-authorizations, and submits claims on your behalf — you don't need to figure any of it out yourself. Bring your child's Medi-Cal (BIC) card to the first visit.
Is there a cost for dental visits with Medi-Cal?
For most covered services for children under 21 — including checkups, cleanings, fluoride, X-rays, and fillings — there is no out-of-pocket cost to your family. If a recommended treatment ever falls outside your child's coverage, we tell you before any work is done, never after.
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff for Medi-Cal patients?
Yes — se habla español. Coastal Kids offers bilingual English/Spanish service from the front desk to the dental chair, and our core website pages are available in Spanish, including our insurance information page in Spanish.