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California governor’s budget cuts threaten dental care for low-income kids
- Feb 12
- 1 min read
Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a state budget that spared many vulnerable groups from punishing cuts. But the budget proposal failed to protect the state’s low-income children who depend on publicly funded dental care.
The governor is targeting $144 million in Medi-Cal Dental funding for kids, which some might consider “budget dust” in comparison to the state’s $350 billion budget. But in the Central Valley, that investment can determine whether students succeed or fall behind. Kids stay home when they are in pain, or if they do show up, they can’t concentrate.
I’ve spent four decades working with children in rural schools in the greater Fresno area. As a longtime employee and now current board member of the Selma Unified School District, I’ve met many of the young faces behind the numbers.
I’ve seen children walk in holding their cheeks in obvious pain from untreated dental issues. Working with our nursing staff, we moved quickly to get them care. We knew that a small problem can turn into a serious one if left untreated.
When care is delayed or neglected, emergency room visits for dental issues can cost more than $2,000. The state will likely end up paying more for ER visits than it will save by cutting children’s dental care.
Many of our students have hardworking, low-income parents who drop them off early and pick them up in the evening. Our Selma schools offer a haven for students. They get breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks — and occasional free dental care made possible through Medi-Cal Dental. This keeps children healthy and reduces strain on families and the health care system.
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