Child Health and Disability Prevention Program: CHDP

Dental Resources

Does the CHDP Program provide for dental care?
An important part of a CHDP Examination is an evaluation of his/her dental health. The examiner gives advice regarding dental hygiene and fluoride supplementation. Children three years and older are referred for routine dental care. However, the CHDP Program does not pay for dental care directly.

If the examiner observes cavities, he/she should refer the child to a dentist or dental program. When the CHDP Administrative Office reviews the reports of examinations, it will follow up with families to determine if dental care was received. Children with full scope Medi-Cal can receive care through the State Denti-Cal program. Click on Dental Disease Prevention Program to find a list of dentists who accept Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal. If a child has no insurance coverage, the CHDP office will offer other resources to families. At times there are funds to pay for dental care and sometimes a family is referred to dentists who offer services at special rates.

Examiners and the CHDP office do make referrals to California Children Service (CCS) when there are major orthodontic or craniofacial (skull and facial bone) problems. Click on CCS Orthodontia Clinic for details.

What if my child has special needs for extensive dental care?
This is one of the most difficult services to provide throughout California. Local resources change from time to time. If your child needs anesthesia or has a condition that makes dental care a challenge, please call the CHDP office (681-5130) and ask to speak with the CCS Social Worker.