If you have Medi-Cal, you already have dental coverage. The hard part is usually not the coverage itself. It is finding a dentist who takes Medi-Cal, has room for new patients, and will actually pick up the phone and explain how things work.
That search can eat up an afternoon. You find a list online, call three offices, and hear three different answers.
This guide is here to make the search shorter. We will walk through how Medi-Cal dental coverage works in plain terms, where to look, the exact questions to ask when you call, what to bring to your first visit, and what happens at our Sherman Oaks office when you book with Medi-Cal. If you would rather skip the research, you can call us at (818) 784-5889. Riverside Dental accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal for new and existing patients.
TL;DR
Riverside Dental in Sherman Oaks accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal for new and existing patients. To find a Medi-Cal dentist anywhere in the Valley, use the state’s Find a Dentist tool or call the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center, then call the office directly and confirm they are taking new Medi-Cal patients for your age group. Bring your Benefits Identification Card and a photo ID, and ask the office to explain what is covered before any treatment starts.
Key Takeaways
- Medi-Cal includes dental benefits for children and adults. Many people still call it Denti-Cal; the state’s own materials call it the Medi-Cal Dental Program.
- Online lists can be out of date, so always call the office and ask whether they are accepting new Medi-Cal patients right now.
- Bring your Benefits Identification Card (BIC) and a photo ID to your first appointment.
- A good office checks your coverage and explains what is covered before treatment, so there are no surprises.
- Riverside Dental accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal. Same office, same doctors, same care as every other patient.
Why Finding A Medi-Cal Dentist Can Feel So Hard
Most of the frustration comes from mismatched information rather than from the program itself. A few common snags:
- Lists that are out of date. A directory might show an office that has changed its policies, moved, or stopped taking new patients since the list was last updated.
- “We take it, but not for you.” Some offices accept Medi-Cal only for children, or only for existing patients, or only for certain treatments.
- Two names for one program. You might hear Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal Dental, or just Medi-Cal. If the person on the phone and the person calling are using different words, it is easy to get a wrong “no.”
- Not knowing what to ask. “Do you take Medi-Cal?” is a yes or no question. The answers you actually need are more specific, and we list them below.
None of this means you should wait until a tooth hurts. It just helps to go in with a short script, which the rest of this guide gives you.
Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, And Medi-Cal Dental: Same Program
If you are covered by Medi-Cal in California, your benefits include dental care. The state’s Smile, California site describes it simply: Medi-Cal provides free and low-cost dental services for children and adults.
The program used to be widely known as Denti-Cal, and plenty of people (and plenty of dental offices) still use that name. Today the state calls it the Medi-Cal Dental Program. When you call an office, it is worth saying all of it in one breath: “I have Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, the Medi-Cal dental benefit.” That one sentence clears up a lot of confusion.
Exactly what is covered depends on your age, your plan, and the treatment you need, and the state updates benefits from time to time. The official Smile, California site (smilecalifornia.org) lists covered services by age group and posts upcoming benefit changes, so it is the best place to check the current rules. Some treatments also need approval from the program before they can be scheduled, which is one more reason to ask the office to walk you through the plan before you start.
Where To Look For A Medi-Cal Dentist In The Valley
There are two official starting points, and both are free.
1. The state’s Find a Dentist tool
The Medi-Cal Dental Program runs a Find a Dentist tool that lets you search for providers and clinics by location. It is a good way to build a short list of offices close to home or work.
2. The Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center
If you prefer to talk to a person, the Telephone Service Center can help you find a dentist. The number is 1-800-322-6384, the call is free, and agents are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
3. Then call the office yourself
Whichever list you use, treat it as a starting point and call the office before you book. That call is where you find out whether they are taking new Medi-Cal patients today, and whether they see adults, kids, or both.
Looking in Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Valley Village, Van Nuys or North Hollywood? You can skip the list. Riverside Dental accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal for new patients.
Call (818) 784-5889Book onlineSeven Questions To Ask When You Call
- Are you accepting new patients with Medi-Cal dental coverage right now?
- Do you see adults, children, or both on Medi-Cal?
- What do I need to bring to my first visit?
- Will you check my coverage before my appointment and tell me what is covered?
- If I need treatment, will you explain what is covered and what is not before you start?
- If a treatment needs approval from the program first, will your office handle that request?
- What should I do if I have pain before my appointment date?
You are looking for clear, patient answers, not a rushed “yes, just come in.” At Riverside Dental, our front desk is happy to answer every one of them.
What To Bring To Your First Visit
Showing up prepared avoids a second trip.
- Your Benefits Identification Card (BIC). This is the card the office uses to confirm your Medi-Cal eligibility.
- A photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, or similar.
- A list of your medications. Include vitamins and supplements, since some affect bleeding, healing, or dry mouth.
- Your health history. Conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or pregnancy matter for dental care.
- Previous dental records, if you have them. Recent X-rays from another office can sometimes save you from repeating them. If you do not have them, that is fine; we can take digital X-rays here.
- Your questions. Write them down. It is easy to forget them once you are in the chair.
If you are bringing a child, bring their card too, and let us know when you book so we can plan the visit around them. Our family and kids dentistry page has more on how we see younger patients.
What Happens At Riverside Dental When You Book With Medi-Cal
We keep it the same for everyone. Medi-Cal patients see the same doctors, in the same office, and get the same care as every other patient.
Step 1: Call or book online
Call (818) 784-5889 or use our online booking and tell us you have Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal.
Step 2: We check your coverage
Bring your Benefits Identification Card and a photo ID. We check your coverage and explain what is covered before any treatment starts.
Step 3: An exam and a plan in plain language
One of our dentists examines your teeth and gums, reviews any X-rays, and explains what we see. If you need treatment, we tell you what it is, why it matters, and what your plan covers, so you can decide with all the information in front of you.
If you are nervous about the dentist, tell us. Both of our doctors are known for working with anxious patients, and our dental anxiety page explains the comfort options we offer.
You can read more about how we work with Medi-Cal on our Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal dentist page, and about other plans and payment options on our insurance and financing page.
Do Not Wait Until It Hurts
The state’s own message to Medi-Cal members is “Don’t wait until it hurts to see the dentist,” and we agree. Small problems are easier, faster, and more comfortable to fix while they are small. A cavity caught early is a filling. The same cavity left for a year can become a root canal or an extraction.
Regular checkups and cleanings are also where gum problems and early warning signs get noticed. If it has been a few years, nobody here will lecture you. The best time to come back is now.
If you already have pain, swelling, or a broken tooth, do not wait for a routine opening. Call us and say it is urgent, or see our dental emergency page. For general guidance on what to expect at a dental visit, the American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy site has a helpful page of common questions about going to the dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Riverside Dental take Medi-Cal?
Yes. Riverside Dental in Sherman Oaks accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal for new and existing patients, along with most insurance plans. Call (818) 784-5889 or book online and tell us you have Medi-Cal.
Is Denti-Cal the same as Medi-Cal dental?
Yes. Denti-Cal is the name many people still use for the dental benefit that comes with Medi-Cal. The state now calls it the Medi-Cal Dental Program.
What do I need to bring to my first Medi-Cal dental appointment?
Bring your Benefits Identification Card (BIC) and a photo ID. A list of your medications and any recent dental X-rays are helpful too.
Will I know what is covered before treatment?
At Riverside Dental, yes. We check your coverage and explain what is covered before any treatment starts, so you can decide with all the information in front of you.
How can I find other Medi-Cal dentists near me?
Use the state’s Find a Dentist tool on smilecalifornia.org, or call the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center at 1-800-322-6384, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Then call the office to confirm they are taking new Medi-Cal patients.
Can my kids and I be seen at the same office?
Many families prefer that. Riverside Dental sees adults and children. Let us know when you book that you are bringing family members so we can plan the visit.
Ready To Book? Here Is The Short Version
If you live or work anywhere around Sherman Oaks, including Studio City, Encino, Valley Village, Van Nuys, or North Hollywood, you do not need to keep calling down a list. Riverside Dental accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal, our doctors are USC trained, and our front desk will explain your coverage before anything starts.
We are at 12926 Riverside Dr, Suite D, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. Call (818) 784-5889 or book online, tell us you have Medi-Cal, and bring your card and a photo ID. Not on Medi-Cal? Our $75 New Patient Special includes a comprehensive exam and full X-rays.
