Hands Off Kids Health Launches Campaign to Preserve Medi-Cal Dental Funding

SACRAMENTO—In the face of looming reductions to Medi-Cal Dental funding for children, a growing coalition of dentists, educators, farmworkers, community leaders, and local elected officials has mobilized to call for strong and stable support for Medi-Cal Dental for children. While dentists have made meaningful gains in reaching more California kids in recent years, a significant cut in 2026 would shatter the system and dismantle a fragile Medi-Cal network that providers have worked hard to build. Low-income communities across the Central Valley, Central Coast, and rural Northern California would be hit the hardest.

Families enrolled in Medi-Cal Dental already face limited choices, and many must travel long distances or wait months for an appointment. California already ranks among the worst states for pediatric dental disease, behind Alabama and Florida. Reductions to Medi-Cal Dental are projected to lower funding rates by upwards of 40% below current levels, which would force dentists out of the program and leave families with even fewer dental options.

At the same time, preventive and restorative child dental care protects education, saves public dollars, and lays the foundation for lifelong health.

“Medi-Cal Dental is one of the most important tools we have to reduce health disparities for children — and one of the smartest investments the state can make,” said Dr. Jeff Jacobson, a Sacramento-based dentist. “As someone who cares deeply about these kids, I want to remain a Medi-Cal provider. We want to make sure every child, regardless of income, has access to high-quality, preventive dental care that keeps them healthy and thriving.”

Dental pain is one of the most common yet preventable health care needs among California’s children. More than half of third-graders in California have experienced tooth decay by age nine, and nearly a quarter have untreated cavities. Untreated decay causes pain and infections, which in children leads to lasting developmental harm. Children without regular dental visits are far more likely to require urgent care. Emergency room visits for dental issues commonly cost more than $2,400 per visit, placing a preventable strain on families and the health care system.

The impact is not limited to children’s health. Dental issues remain the most common reason children miss school. Pain from untreated cavities affects eating, sleeping, concentration, and learning. An estimated 351,000 children and teens in California missed at least one school day in 2022 because of dental problems. Most missed more than one day. Combined, these absences totaled about 900,000 days last year due to dental problems, costing California school districts approximately $60 million. Low-income children of color are most affected, and advocates say the long-term academic consequences are often overlooked.

“State cuts often hit the most vulnerable Californians. My school district is in a small town. Our students face many challenges, let alone having to worry about having a toothache. We can’t leave the next generation of students behind because they couldn't get proper care and missed out on their education,” said Estella Kessler, a board member for the Selma Unified School District and a member of the Central Valley Latino Mayors and Elected Officials Coalition. “We see the difference when families can get consistent care. Medi-Cal dental is essential to student success.”

Community leaders in the Central Valley say reductions would undermine the stability of families who already struggle with access, widening disparities in communities where dentists who accept Medi-Cal are already scarce.

“Medi-Cal dental plays a vital role in the health of our communities and the future of the families who live in them,” said Dr. Kuldip Thusu, District 4 Member of the Dinuba City Council. “When children lose access to care, it affects the well-being of the entire household. Investments in preventive care strengthen our region and support the future of our community.”

Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and organizations involved with Hands Off Kids’ Health, with more joining every day.

Dental Providers:

Smile America

Altura Centers for Health

Kids2Dentist

Kids Dental Place

Big Smiles

Children Primary Dental

Family Health Centers of San Diego

Community Advocacy Groups:

Si Se Puede, Kern Kings Fresno Tulare

California Farmworker Foundation

Central Valley Latino Mayors & Elected Officials Coalition

Latin Business Association

The Cambodian Family Community Center

Orange County Asian & Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA)

El Concilio

Parenting Network, Inc.

Central Valley Yemen Society

Northern Valley Yemen Society

Visalia Democratic Club

Local Elected Officials and Community Leaders:

Kenneth DeJonge, Board Member, Visalia Unified School District

Anna Ramirez, Board Member, Turlock Unified School District

Estella Kessler, Board Member, Selma Unified School District

Joel Fedor, Board Member, Selma Unified School District

Maria Cantu, Board Member, Kerman Unified School District

Ben Prado, Vice Mayor, City of Dinuba

Dr. Kuldip Thusu, Councilmember, City of Dinuba

John Trujillo, Councilmember, City of Selma

Diego Garza, Councilmember, City of Parlier

Daniel Martinez, Councilmember, City of Sanger

Learn more at www.handsoffkidshealth.com