Proposed funding cuts to the Medi-Cal Dental program, which covers 15 million Californians, will decimate access to dental care in California. ACT NOW before $1 billion is cut.

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Unless Governor Newsom and the Legislature act, a&nbsp;$1 billion cut — one-third of the program’s funding — will take effect July 1, 2026, putting dental care out of reach for millions.&nbsp;Medi-Cal Dental serves&nbsp;15 million Californians, yet these cuts would roll funding back to&nbsp;1990s levels, forcing patients to forgo basic care, worsening overall health, and driving preventable dental emergencies into already strained ERs.The proposed cut is short-sighted, disproportionate and harmful to the state’s most vulnerable residents.

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/b0abc0a1-91cb-4a1b-a981-7af0585e5c58/37e40c92-5253-4734-807a-48d3c02fd508/37e40c92-5253-4734-807a-48d3c02fd508.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C6000%2C4000&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="27" variant="framed"><h5>Dental funding makes up just 1.5% of Medi-Cal program funding but would take 15% of the Medi-Cal budget cuts.</h5><ul><li>While cutting $311 million in state funding, the proposed cuts leave federal matching funds on the table, including the highest 9:1 match for the ACA expansion population, costing California approximately $517 million in federal funds.</li><li>These cuts would slash the Medi-Cal Dental program to funding levels from 30+ years ago.</li><li>Reimbursement rate cuts would take dentists back to rate levels enacted in 1992. The reimbursement rate for even a basic dental cleaning would be $40, less than the cost of providing the service.</li><li>California would drop from 35th to the 48th lowest Medicaid dental rates for children in the country, ahead of only Florida and Illinois.</li><li>In a <a href="https://www.cda.org/newsroom/access-to-care/poll-nearly-half-of-medi-cal-dentists-said-they-would-disenroll-if-medi-cal-rate-cuts-take-effect-1-in-3-said-they-would-see-fewer-medi-cal-members/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">recent survey</a> of more than 1,500 Medi-Cal dentists, 49% say these cuts will force them to leave the program. Another 30% will be forced to see fewer Medi-Cal patients.</li><li>These short-term savings come with long-term costs. When adult Medi-Cal Dental coverage was eliminated in 2009, there was a 32% increase in emergency dental visits by Medi-Cal patients.</li><li>Voters overwhelmingly approved this funding by passing Proposition 56 (2016) with 64% support. These cuts defy the will of the voters.</li><li>Proposition 56 funding worked. It led to historic improvements in patient access to care and dentist participation in Medi-Cal:<ul><li>37% increase in new dental office visits by Medi-Cal patients since 2020, according to the most recent data.</li><li>34% increase in the number of Medi-Cal dental providers across the state.</li><li>40% of California dentists are now enrolled in Medi-Cal.</li></ul></li></ul>

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<h2>Poll: Nearly half of Medi-Cal dentists said they would disenroll if Medi-Cal rate cuts take effect; 1 in 3 said they would see fewer Medi-Cal members</h2>

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The final budget will delay harmful cuts to Medi-Cal Dental; long term solution to protect access is still needed The <a href="https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text);">Save Our Dental Care Coalition</a>, a group of more than 150 dental organizations, doctors, social justice groups and patient advocates applaud the Legislature and Governor Newsom for preserving essential access to dental care for Medi-Cal patients in the 2026-2027 budget. The coalition looks forward to ongoing discussions with stakeholders in coming months to ensure a long term solution is in place for continuous access to Medi-Cal Dental for years to come. Dr. Robert Hanlon, DDS, President of the California Dental Association, a member of the Save Our Dental Care Coalition, issued the following statement following the announcement:&nbsp; “We thank the legislature and governor for approving a budget that protects Medi-Cal Dental funding for another year,” said Dr. Robert Hanlon, President of the California Dental Association. “They made the right decision and avoided what would be a devastating collapse of the program that would leave millions of our most vulnerable without basic dental care. At the same time, we must recognize that the uncertainty caused by short-term delays of massive proposed cuts is already reducing access. There is difficult budget work ahead of us, but California must have longer term stability in the Medi-Cal budget to ensure adequate access to essential health care.”###

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<h4>Save Our Dental Care Coalition Applauds Legislature and Governor Newsom for Short-Term Delay in Medi-Cal Dental Funding</h4>

Sacramento, CA - Ahead of today’s Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 hearing, dozens of groups have coalesced around the <a href="https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/">Save our Dental Care Coalition</a>, urging legislators to reconsider cuts to the state’s Medi-Cal Dental Program.The cuts, which were approved last year and are set to go into effect in July, would have a devastating impact on access to dental care for millions of patients across California.“Millions of patients, including half of all kids in California, rely on Medi-Cal for their healthcare, including dental care, including my own son,” said Pat Hornbecker, President, Board of Directors, The Arc of California. “Unfortunately, access to appointments already have months long waits - stretching up to six months for an initial assessment. Treatment waitlists are prioritized by urgency, meaning “routine” care can be delayed for years. Preventive care becomes crisis care. Emergency rooms become the default dental provider."In a <a href="https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/oc/Pages/26-04-National-Childrens-Dental-Health-Month-2-12-26.aspx">news release issued</a> by the Department of Health Care Services during National Children’s Health Month, the department said,&nbsp; “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.”A new analysis from the <a href="https://hcai.ca.gov/visualizations/oral-health-provider-supply-and-non-traumatic-dental-emergency-department-visits/">California Department of Health Care Access and Information </a>reinforces why preventive dental care is so critical: when people can’t see a dentist for routine care, they often wait until the pain becomes unbearable and end up in the emergency room. But emergency rooms can only treat the symptoms—not the underlying dental problem—making this a more expensive and less effective form of care. The data also show that counties with the fewest Medi-Cal dental providers have the highest rates of emergency room visits for preventable dental conditions, highlighting clear gaps in access to care.Without action from the Legislature, these challenges are expected to worsen significantly, as proposed cuts to Proposition 56 dental rates—ranging from roughly 40 to 70 percent depending on the service—would further reduce provider participation and limit access to care across the state.“Forgoing routine care could lead to severe, advanced dental disease progression, and along with a lack of an alternative source of dental care, could result in patients seeking dental care in the emergency department. Although EDs could treat symptoms of these dental conditions, they are not equipped to provide ongoing dental care. Counties with higher rates of ED visits for non-traumatic dental conditions may indicate areas with inadequate access to outpatient dental care.,” the analysis read.And, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-02-28/lopez-column-dental-care-system-costs">Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez</a>, found that…”without insurance, a lot of people simply don’t go to the dentist until they have to, and that can be dangerous.”Save Our Dental Care Coalition urges lawmakers to stop the cuts to Medi-Cal Dental so that California's children, low income families, seniors and millions more have access to teh routine dental care they need and deserve.

Ahead of today’s Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 hearing, dozens of groups have coalesced around the Save our Dental Care Coalition, urging legislators to reconsider cuts to the state’s Medi-Cal Dental Program.

<h4>Ahead of Budget Hearing, Save Our Dental Coalition Urges Legislature to Stop Cuts to Medi-Cal Dental</h4>

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SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, in response to the 2026-2027 budget proposal that was unveiled this morning, the Save Our Dental Care Coalition, representing more than 50 organizations dedicated to the health and safety of children, families and communities, has issued the following response: “Today’s proposed budget, which slashes the Medi-Cal Dental program to funding levels from 30+ years ago, is not just a disappointment to the millions of Californians who rely on the program for their dental care, but a direct attack on low-income families, communities of color, children, veterans, seniors and persons with disabilities who the program is supposed to prioritize. When Medi-Cal Dental was established sixty years ago, it was to establish comprehensive health benefits for low-income residents, with the goal of giving more equitable access to health care for those who had previously gone without. These cuts signal that Californians in Medi-Cal are undeserving of core health care services that are essential to their overall health. In the coming weeks and months, as legislators consider important budget decisions, our coalition of dentists, physicians, children’s advocates, social justice organizations, civil rights groups and more will be urging restoration of the cuts that will undermine access to dental care for their constituents who need the most protections.”

“Today’s proposed budget, which slashes the Medi-Cal Dental program to funding levels from 30+ years ago, is not just a disappointment to the millions of Californians who rely on the program for their dental care, but a direct attack on low-income families, communities of color, children, veterans, seniors and persons with disabilities who the program is supposed to prioritize..."

<h4>Save Our Dental Care Coalition Responds to Release of Governor Newsom’s 2026-27 Proposed Budget</h4>

Millions of patients will lose access to dental care while the state risks driving patients into more costly emergency rooms&nbsp;Sacramento, CA - The <a href="https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Save Our Dental Care Coalition</a>, representing more than 100&nbsp;organizations, issued the following statement in response to the revised state budget, released today:&nbsp; “While we understand that the state is facing challenging economic times, one thing is certain: removing access to Medi-Cal Dental is not a cost saver, and in fact, will result in more expensive dental care that will cost the state more in the long run.&nbsp; For too long, California has balanced the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable. By slashing voter-approved funding, patients will be left without care and providers will have to reduce services and in some regions, close their doors.&nbsp; Proposition 56 provided critically important funding that allowed dental offices to open and patients to get the care they need and deserve. Gutting that funding will have a real impact on millions of Californians.&nbsp; Since the initial budget was released in January, the Department of Health Care Services has gone on the record saying that,&nbsp; “Dental problems don’t just cause pain—they interrupt learning, impact confidence, and widen achievement gaps…” And, an analysis from the<a href="https://hcai.ca.gov/visualizations/oral-health-provider-supply-and-non-traumatic-dental-emergency-department-visits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> California Department of Health Care Access and Information</a> shows that people who can’t see a dentist for routine care often wait until the pain becomes unbearable and end up in the emergency room. But emergency rooms can only treat the symptoms—not the underlying dental problem—making this a more expensive and less effective form of care.&nbsp; Our coalition appreciates the Senate and the Assembly’s commitment to prioritizing oral health in their respective budget blueprints and we look forward to continuing those talks to ensure that Medi-Cal Dental cuts are eliminated and access to care is preserved in the final state budget.”###

<h4>Save Our Dental Care Coalition Urges Governor Newsom and State Legislature to Preserve Access to Dental Care in State Budget</h4>

Proposed budget will delay harmful cuts to Medi-Cal Dental, but still requires Governor Newsom sign offSacramento, CA - After continued advocacy and collaboration, the <a href="https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Save Our Dental Care Coalition</a> praises the California State Legislature for passing a budget that protects access to Medi-Cal Dental for millions of patients by delaying sweeping cuts for one year. The legislature’s 2026-27 budget delays the cuts until July 1, 2027.&nbsp; “We are grateful to the legislature for fighting to prevent these cuts from taking effect. California must lead in protecting essential health care for the most vulnerable, not go back to funding levels from the 1990s,” said Dr. Robert Hanlon, President of the California Dental Association. “We appreciate the legislature standing up for the Medi-Cal Dental program as we continue working through difficult, uncertain budget circumstances.”“Our broad and diverse coalition urges Governor Newsom to honor the delay to these dangerous, short-sighted cuts that would leave millions of Californians without access to dental care," added Hanlon. Since the initial budget was released in January, the Department of Health Care Services has gone on the record saying that, “Dental problems don’t just cause pain—they interrupt learning, impact confidence, and widen achievement gaps…” And, an analysis from the<a href="https://hcai.ca.gov/visualizations/oral-health-provider-supply-and-non-traumatic-dental-emergency-department-visits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> California Department of Health Care Access and Information</a> shows that people who can’t see a dentist for routine care often wait until the pain becomes unbearable and end up in the emergency room. But emergency rooms can only treat the symptoms—not the underlying dental problem—making this a more expensive and less effective form of care.&nbsp; “Access to dental care has been saved today, but the reality of these cuts on the horizon remains a serious threat that will reduce provider services, increase wait times, and make it even harder for patients to access regular dental care before small issues turn into costly emergencies,” said Julie Schurman, Esq., Director of Public Policy, The Arc of California. “For people with disabilities, who already face significant barriers to finding dental providers who can meet their needs, these cuts would have an especially devastating impact. California cannot afford to move backwards when it comes to protecting access to care for those who rely on it the most. We thank the Legislature for recognizing the importance of Medi-Cal Dental and prioritizing care for patients across California, and we look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead.” The Coalition is now calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to sign the budget and continue to work alongside dentists, physicians, patient advocates and community health organizations to protect access to dental care across the state.&nbsp; For more information about the coalition, visit <a href="https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/">https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/</a>###

<h4>Save Our Dental Care Coalition Applauds Legislature for Protecting Patients and Prioritizing Access to Dental Care for Millions of Californians and Urges The Governor to Sign</h4>

Senate Budget Subcommittee vote comes as the Assembly looks to vote on funding Medi-Cal Dental&nbsp;Sacramento, CA - Upon conclusion of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #3, the <a href="https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/">Save Our Dental Care Coalition</a> issued the following statement applauding Senators for their bold move to save access to care for their most vulnerable constituents:&nbsp;“While Governor Newsom’s revised state budget earlier this month upheld sweeping cuts to the state’s Medi-Cal Dental program, today’s action by the California State Senate shows just how important access to regular, routine dental care is for the health and safety of communities across the state.&nbsp;We cannot continue to balance the budget on the backs of those in need, which is exactly what this state budget would do. A decade ago, thousands of people stood in line for free dental clinics, because they could not access the care they needed. If we don’t take action to protect Medi-Cal Dental, offices will close and those same patients will be put in harm’s way.&nbsp;Today’s action by the Senate is laudable, and we thank them for the courage to stand up for those in need. We look forward to working with the Assembly and ask that Governor Newsom do the same, and sign a budget that protects access to care for everyone.”&nbsp;For more information about the coalition, visit: <a href="https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/">https://www.saveourdentalcare.org/</a>###

<h4>Save Our Dental Care Coalition Applauds California State Senate for Working to Protect Access to Dental Care for Millions of Californians</h4>

Coalition to Save Our Dental Care brings dozens of providers, labor and workforce advocates, and children’s advocacy organizations together urging lawmakers to stop the cuts that will impact millions of CaliforniansSACRAMENTO, CA - Ahead of the unveiling of the 2026-2027 state budget, more than 50 groups have joined together in support of preserving essential dental care across the state. Last year, lawmakers stayed a $1 billion cut to the program for one year, but one third of funding for the Medi-Cal Dental program is set to be eliminated on July 1, 2026, which would bring the program to 1990s funding levels and would have catastrophic impacts on millions of patients. Dental funding makes up just 1.5% of Medi-Cal program funding, but is facing 15% of Medi-Cal budget cuts. These cuts also leave federal matching funds on the table, costing California approximately $576 million. California would drop to the 48th lowest Medicaid dental reimbursement rates for children in the country. “In 2016, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 56, which increased funding for Medi-Cal Dental and led to a historic expansion in access to care for millions of patients,” said Dr. Robert Hanlon, president of the California Dental Association. “These cuts are deeply harmful, incredibly disproportionate and defy the will of the voters. Lawmakers must treat dental care as essential health care and prevent these cuts from taking effect in the next budget.” “Western Dental has been able to open dozens of offices and provide care to millions of patients since the enactment of Prop 56. That funding has translated to real care for those who need it most,” said Peter Truong, DDS, Chief Dental Officer, Western Dental. “If the funding is eliminated as planned, many offices would be forced to evaluate their capacity, or even close, putting a strain on the state’s entire health care system.” “More than half of the state’s children rely on Medi-Cal Dental for their care, which is considered essential primary care for school-aged children. Eliminating that care for the most vulnerable children puts them at risk for more school absences, increased illness and poor health outcomes that will lead to future disadvantages,” said Eileen Espejo, Senior Managing Director, Health, Children Now. “Cuts to dental care access for kids should never have been part of budget negotiations. Lawmakers should take action to preserve dental care for children.” A full list of the coalition is here:<ul><li>Alta CA Regional Center</li><li>Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO)</li><li>Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers</li><li>Brite Smile Family Dentistry</li><li>California Association of Dental Plans (CADP)</li><li>California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CALOAMS)</li><li>California Association of Orthodontists (CAO)</li><li>California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF)</li><li>California Dental Assistants Association</li><li>California Dental Association (CDA)</li><li>California Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA)</li><li>California Hospital Association (CHA)</li><li>California Medical Association (CMA)</li><li>California Primary Care Association (CPCA)</li><li>California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD)</li><li>California School-Based Health Alliance (CSHA)</li><li>CalPACE</li><li>Cavity Free SF</li><li>Children Now</li><li>Children’s Specialty Care Coalition</li><li>Dental Dreams</li><li>Dientes Community Dental Care</li><li>DentaQuest</li><li>Family Voices of California</li><li>First 5 Sacramento</li><li>Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center</li><li>Golden Age Dental Care</li><li>Golden Gate Regional Center</li><li>HealthNet</li><li>HealthRIGHT 360</li><li>Indio Surgery Center</li><li>Jewish Vocational Services (JVS)</li><li>LeadingAge California</li><li>Liberty Dental Plan</li><li>North LA County Regional Center</li><li>North East Medical Services</li><li>North Los Angeles County Regional Center</li><li>Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC)</li><li>Sacramento District Dental Society</li><li>San Andreas Regional Center</li><li>San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center</li><li>San Francisco Children’s Dental</li><li>SmileBuilders Children’s Dentistry</li><li>The ARC of California</li><li>Tri-Counties Regional Center</li><li>Union of American Physician and Dentists (UADP)</li><li>University of California, Office of the President (UCOP)</li><li>University of the Pacific, Public Health Care Collaborative</li><li>Valley Mountain Regional Center</li><li>Western Dental</li><li>Westside Regional Center</li></ul>Contact: Molly Weedn <a href="mailto:molly@weednpa.com">molly@weednpa.com</a>###

Coalition to Save Our Dental Care brings dozens of providers, labor and workforce advocates, and children’s advocacy organizations together urging lawmakers to stop the cuts that will impact millions of Californians

<h4>Broad and Diverse Coalition of 50+ Groups Call on State Legislature and Newsom Administration to Stop Devastating $1B Cuts to Medi-Cal Dental</h4>

Millions of patients stand to lose essential dental care if the cuts continueSacramento, CA - Dozens of health care advocates urged the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health to stop the dangerous cuts to Medi-Cal Dental that ensure millions of Californians - including nearly half of all kids in the state - have access to dental care.&nbsp; Before the Assembly Budget Subcommittee, a panel of experts outlined the dire outcomes that lay ahead if cuts passed last year are allowed to move forward.&nbsp; Dr. Jon Hollister, President of the Tolosa Children’s Dental Center (TCDC) of Paso Robles shared that the Prop 56 reimbursement increases have supported not just the survival of TCDC, but their ability to expand care and provide a dental home to thousands of children. “The proposed cuts to Medi-Cal Dental would undo this progress, there is no feasible combination of cost-cutting or fundraising that can absorb a loss of that magnitude,” said Dr. Hollister. “The result is predictable and deeply troubling: more children in pain, more untreated infections, more emergency room visits, more missed school days, and long-term consequences for both health and academic success. Ultimately, these cuts will lead to far higher costs for the state.”This funding was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2016 through Proposition 56 and has been an instrumental funding source in ensuring more people have had access to dental care over the last decade.&nbsp;During the hearing, Assemblymember Bonta said: “I’d like to highlight the report that 50% of Medi-Cal Dental providers would leave the program entirely if the $300 million general fund obligation for supplemental payments is cut. That strikes me as a complete annihilation of our dental care infrastructure, both in the short and long term.”Last month, in a <a href="https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/oc/Pages/26-04-National-Childrens-Dental-Health-Month-2-12-26.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary);">news release issued</a> by the Department of Health Care Services, the department shared,&nbsp; “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.&nbsp;And, an analysis from the <a href="https://hcai.ca.gov/visualizations/oral-health-provider-supply-and-non-traumatic-dental-emergency-department-visits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">California Department of Health Care Access and Information </a>&nbsp;shows that when people can’t see a dentist for routine care, they often wait until the pain becomes unbearable and end up in the emergency room. But emergency rooms can only treat the symptoms—not the underlying dental problem—making this a more expensive and less effective form of care.&nbsp;“Cutting Medi-Cal Dental is not a budget solution, it’s the making of a budget crisis,” added Dr. Hollister. “More costly care with less access is bad for patients, bad for providers and bad for entire communities across the state. The legislature has the power to stop these cuts and we heard today loud and clear that would be in the best interest of people everywhere.”&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information, visit: <a href="http://saveourdentalcare.org">saveourdentalcare.org</a>###

<h4>Legislative Hearing Confirms: Cuts to Medi-Cal Dental Should be Stopped</h4>

Save Our Dental Insurance