Dentists Who Accept Medi-Cal

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Editor note: Prior to 2013, when children became eligible for Medi-Cal, the Healthy Families program provided health insurance for children in California. 

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Medi cal dentist for my toddler?

May 2012

I have medi cal for myself and my two year old son. I think medi cal will cover dentistry for my son. Does anyone have experience with this? Amy recommendations for a dentist in Oakland and Berkeley? I only want his teeth examined and cleaned. I am also looking for a dentist to clean my teeth, any suggestions for high quality care for a small budget would be much appreciated. Thank you!

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We recently took my daughter to the La Raza Dental Clinic at Childrens Hospital Oakland. They were very, nice, did a thorough job and my daughter was comfortable. Making the appt was easy. They had the ability to look up her Medi Cal infor right on the spot and were very helpful. I highly recommend them. I tried Longlife Dental and it was a nightmare. VERY long phone wait and then the person was unable to do anything efficiently.
fan of La Raza Dental

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Try Dr. Robert Aubuchon, pediatric dentist (510) 452-4466. He is near Summit Medical Center in Oakland. I took my kids to him for several years and was very happy with his care. I just looked up a list of DentiCal providers (the dental coverage for MediCal) and he is on it. anon

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April 2012

Hello, My son is signed up for Healthy Families Delta Dental, and is ready for his first dentist visit. He is four, but with great dental genes and always agreeable to brushing his teeth everyday since he first grew teeth, so we and the doctor felt we didn't need to rush his first visit. However, he hates going to the doctor, so I'm a bit nervous about his visit going well. We live in Berkeley, but unfortunately there are no local dentist that accept HFDD. There are a few in Oakland and the suburbs, but I'd love a recommendation. As this is his first visit, I'd rather it go smoothly and not be too far a commute. Thanks! Mother of Pearly Whites

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Not sure if Healthy Families have updated there Dental practices. I had to go to East Oakland to have my daughter seen. It was in the worst neighborhood ever, and the building was dilapidated. On top of that, the dentist did all the checking you in etc. The worst was that he would not let me go in with my daughter. She was 4 at the time. I had my 9 year old with me, and I had to go back and forth with him to let my older daughter go in with the younger one. She took photos of what happened in the room for me. If I didn't have my older daughter I would have walked out. There would have been no way over my dead body that a male dentist check my daughter's teeth without my presence. I did not report him, as there was nothing to report. It was definitely weird how he did things. I never went back, and my children haven't had dental screenings because he was the only dentist close to Berkeley under Healthy Families. I will keep an eye on this post to see what everyone else is saying?? I wanted to share my experience so if you ended going to the Oakland you know what to expect! HB

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Hi, My kids have been using healthy families delta dental for about 3years now. I take them to Western Dental in downtown Berkeley. It has been a really good experience for the kids. I am allowed in the room with them, there customer service is good, and I am able to schedule both my kids at the same time. Sometimes the wait can be a little long to be seen, but other then that it has been a great experience. You should give them a call. Fellow HF member

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We have Healthy families- Safeguard Dental and have been very happy with our dentist, located in downtown Oakland. My children see Dr. Bastiani at Oakland Dental Care, 510-444-6300 Best of luck

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March 2012

My son recently qualified for Healthy Families and I chose DeltaCare because I had previously had DeltaDental and the doctor I had was great. Unfortunately there is some new policy that requires me to be with Healthy Families for 2-1/2 years before my son can qualify for DeltaDental, so we have lost our great dentist. ALL the Oakland providers that take DeltaCare have horrid online reviews! Even worse, I cannot choose a pediatric dentist directly. I must chose a generalist who would then refer me to a pediatric dentist, but not always. IF I were to go ahead and choose a DeltaCare provider, it would likely be Dental Care of Walnut Creek, who have almost all great reviews (on yelp.com). The dentists there are Dr. Wu and Dr. Yi.

My 2nd choice by a wide margin would be Gentle Dental on Franklin Street in Oakland. The main dentists there are Dr. Dadvand and Dr. Maoik. The Pediatric Specialist they refer to is Dr. Pearline Chang. If you have experience with taking your small child to any of these dentists, please let me know!

My other option is to choose another dental insurance provider that covers a well-recommended dentist. The other insurance options are Western Dental, Access Dental, Safeguard Dental, and Healthnet Dental. All of these plans also require that the main dentist be a generalist, who may not chose to refer out to a pediatric specialist, so I am seeking recommendations for a GENERAL dentist who is great with small children (my child is 3 years old) as well as suggestions for a great Pediatric Specialist. PLEASE do not give me random references - I need a dentist who is covered under one of the above Healthy Families insurance carriers only.

Thank you! seeking decent dentist

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I took my kids to a random dentist on the list for Healthy Families Delta Dental. Horrible experience. The office was actually dirty! Then I did my homework for the entire East Bay and found the reviews went from bad to worse for the limited number of dentist who take it. Finally I got the idea to look out of the area a bit and we found Dr. Kao in Sunnyvale. It's a one hour drive but he is a very top-notch pediatric dentist and his facility and staff are incredible. He is kind and only works with kids. The office is beautiful - totally set up for kids only. It's not easy to get an appt. but he is a true gem and well worth the extra travel time for us. His number is (408) 746-3770. Satisfied with Dr. Kao in Sunnyvale

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The pediatric dentists at La Clinica de La Raza are truly excellent. My son started off at a fancy pediatric dentist but when we discovered he had multiple cavities we applied for Healthy Families! La Clinica has facilities in Fruitvale and at Children's Hospital; we've gone to the Fruitvale clinic for the past couple years because a client of mine was a dentist there, but now we're thinking of transferring over to Children's Hospital because it's more convenient. La Clinica is strictly no frills but they have really dedicated and superlative practitioners. I don't think it matters who you see; they're all wonderful. My son has had five fillings, cleanings, flouride treatments, and sealant put on his molars there. Hopefully now we can avoid more dental work in the future (except preventative)! Anna

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Dec 2011

My son is currently a patient of Discovery Pediatric Dentistry in San Francisco. We had seen Dr. Fred Haberlin--who we loved--however he is not practicing regularly anymore, and we are seeking a pediatric dentist or dentist who sees children (my son is 5) in the East Bay that accepts Healthy Families Delta Dental plan. Thanks for your input! Peace, Erin

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We are also on Healthy Families and it took a while to find a great dentist for our kids. We are very happy with Dr. Bastani at 1700 Broadway in Oakland. Phone: (510) 444-6300. Best of luck. Really happy with this dentist for my kids

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Dec 2011

I have recently moved to the East Bay (Kensington) and my kids receive health insurance through Healthy Families. I need to select a new dental insurance carrier (covered by Healthy Families) as well as a new dentist. My insurance options are: Access Dental .. Delta Dental .. Deltacare .. Safeguard Dental .. Western Dental ..
I am looking for a recommendation for both insurance and a dentist that will see Healthy Families patients. Thanks! Cindi

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Hi, For dental offices that see healthy families insurance holders and children you can try Brookside Community Health Center in San Pablo, Eastmont Wellness Center in Oakland and you can also dial 211 on your phone and ask them for resources. Good luck, Vanessa

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Denti-cal dentist near Richmond

Oct 2011

Hi - I'm looking for a verrry gentle and non-judgmental dentist for my two sons, who are fearful of dentists after some bad experiences. We've avoided going for a while so the trauma could subside...but now it's been long enough that they're even more worried about what the dentist will find! They're both on Denti-cal, which limits the choices a bit, and we're in Richmond, so north of Berkeley would be preferable. THanks so much! Terri

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Dr. Yu , a very gentle Burmese dentist at El Cerrito Dental, helped my two extremely dental-phobic children. I am sure he accepts Denti-Cal. His office is calm, without any of the bells and whistles at pediatric dentists (no germy toys, no Hawaiian print on the walls, no treasure chest of plastic trinkets after the visit). He has very kid-friendly assistants as well, who (refreshingly) do not use falsely cheerful baby talk during dental procedures (that always creeped my kids out!). 510-527-5944 Dental Phobic Family

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Dentist for special needs child who accepts medicare

Oct 2011

Hi, I am looking for a dentist who works with children with special needs who takes Med-i-cal. Thank You anon

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Please go to La Clinica Dental at Childrens Hospital Oakland. They happily take MediCal, have excellent dentists (Dr. Rothman is the head dentist and very experienced and kind, if you want to specifically ask for him), and take care of kids with a variety of special needs. I think you will be happy with the services you receive. Call 510-428-3316

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July 2011

I am looking for a great dentist that accepts Healthy Families Dental Insurance for an 8yr. old! In Berkeley or Oakland preferably. There are some postings regarding this but they are from 2009! Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks!

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I believe the dental clinic that is held at Oakland's Children's Hospital takes Healthy Family clients http://www.laclinica.org/ChildrensHospitalDental/ The clinic is lovely too. Cathey

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June 2009

I am looking for a good children's dentist who accepts Healthy Families. J.

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When we had Healthy Families, we went to Dr. Marienella Carter , 400 30th St., Oakland, 625-0600. She's not just a pediatric dentist, takes all ages. We still use her although we no longer have Healthy Families. anon

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April 2009

We are hoping to get insurance coverage for our daughter through the Healthy Families program and want to know if anyone has any recommendations for dentists who take the following insurance plans: Access Dental. Premier Access Dental, or the SafeGuard Dental plans?? (preferably if possible in West CCCounty). Thanks.....

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My kids have done very well with Dr. Lopez , office on Telegraph near Ashby. She has great assistants and other dentists to complete her practice. My daughter, now 12, went thru maybe 4 other scary dentists before Vivian when her teeth became broken and all -- and both my kids have stayed with Dr. Vivian Lopez all these years. I think she even sees some college students who haven't yet left home.

Point being: she is smart, observant, socially savvy, and talked me thru an emergency one Sunday nite even before she was our actual doctor. She was so patient and thorough and asked all the right questions. I cannot say enough good things about her!!! I wish I had her phone number handy, but look her up online or in the phone book. Or call me and by tomorrow I will find her number!

You'll be pleased. Plus her office waiting room has a bunch of old typewriters, which kids find fascinating! And books and journals. And balloons and prizes after all those scary procedures. She and her whole practice are just terrific.

FR ( mother of a 12 and 9 year old)

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Pediatric dentist that accepts Medi-Cal

April 2009

I wonder if anyone can recommend a good pediatric DDS that accepts Medi-Cal? Thanks Oakland Mom

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I love Dr. Phillip Saddler on Alcatraz at San Pablo--a wonderful, family-run dental office that takes Medi-Cal. I always feel great after an appointment (and during, too!) Happy to support an excellent dentist

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Dentist for 3-year-old who accepts MediCal

Nov 2008

My family and I just moved to Oakland and are looking for a dentist for my 3 yr old that is good with children and accepts MediCal. Thanks for any suggestions! :) Joy

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Medi-Cal has a dentist referral service. I don't know the number, but it is named something like Denti-Cal and is an 800 number. I believe our pediatric dentist takes Medi-Cal, Dr. Vivian Lopez on Telegraph in Berkeley at Stuart. - social worker

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Try 208-5910 Healthy Kids, Healthy Teeth; Denti-Cal for MC members 1800 952 5253 and Dr. Aubuchon 452-4466. He's by Pill Hill. I've sent several children to the office. Youthful Tooth in Hayward or by Hegenberger as well. anon

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Medi-Cal Dentist for 17-year-old niece

Sept 2008

I am foster parenting my niece, who has Medi-Cal, and who needs a good deal of dental work. She is 17, which is over the age limit for many pediatric dentists who take Medi-Cal. The only referral we've received is for Western Dental, and based on friends' experiences, that is not an acceptable option. Can anyone recommend a decent dentist who accepts Medi-Cal? Anna

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La Clinica de La Raza has two great Dental clinics in Oakland, both in the Fruitvale neighborhood. Their dentists and staff are well trained and well equipped. They certainly take MediCal, and they treat people of all ages, so there are no problems with treating teens. There are also clinics available in Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg and Vallejo. Call (510 )535-4200 for the clinic on Fruitvale Ave or (510) 535-4000 for the clinic at Fruitvale Village (right by the BART station). If she's going to age out of MediCal on her 18th birthday, be sure to tell the people making appointments, so they can get her in quickly. love La Clinica

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August 2008

My daughter is insured through Healthy Families, which has been really great for doctors, but I have struggled to find her a good dentist. I was recently notified that the dentist I had found her has stopped accepting her insurance. Could anyone recommend a dentist that accepts Delta Dental Healthy Families Insurance that they like? Unfortunately for us, this is different from just Delta Dental alone. Thanks. john

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My daughter has Healthy Families Delta Dental too. I looked everywhere, had an unpleasant experience with the only dentist I could find in Oakland/ Berkeley and finally found a great practice in San Francisco. Haeberlein, Fred DDS-Pediatric Dentistry - (415) 441-7766 1700 California St #200 San Francisco, CA 94109 All of the docs my daughter have seen there are sweet and wonderful. They sing to her while they work on her teeth! They have seen it all and have so much patience. They let me hold her hand and explain everything really well. The place is clean and nice, lots of toys and a TV in both the outer and inner waiting areas. Its not that bad of a drive if you go right after rush hour, I make my appointments for 11/11:30.( I live in North Berkeley) We often go to the Whole Foods across the street for a treat after her appointment. A Fan of Dr. Haeberlein (August and November, 2008)

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Dentist who takes Medi-Cal

June 2008

Does anyone have any experience with dentist Dr. James Lin, DDS, who is at 2844 Summit, #207 in Oakland? And, if you know of a dentist who takes Medi-Cal, please let me know. Thank you. anon

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Children's hospital and UCSF will take Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal. My son goes to UCSF, there's free parking in the back. We saw the same dentist for each visit this past 2 years. She's great and has gentle touch with children. Their staff is very supportive, as well.

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Jan 2008

My kids are covered under the Healthy Families Delta Dental program. Does anyone have a recommendation of a dentist that is good with kids and takes Delta Dental through Healthy Families? Thank you. Emily

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i take my daughter to dr haberlein's office in sf. i originally looked for a dentist in the east bay since we live in berkeley but i had a disappointing experience with the one healthy families dentist here. dr haberlein is so amazing. we have also seen dr parea who i love. she sings to my daughter while she works on her.! they are very used to dealing with scared kids and do everything to help calm them. the office is very kid friendly with toys and books in the waiting areas. all of the hygienists are sweet and work quickly and as gently as possible. they are at 1700 california at van ness. phone number is 415-441-7766

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Sept 2007

We've just been approved for Healthy Families and got the Delta Dental coverage-unfortunately not all Delta Dental Dentists take the Healthy Families Coverage. So, we're looking for a great dentist out there for our son who liked going to see the dentist we had. Do you have any great kids dentists that take Healthy Families Delta Dental? Thanks! Celana

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My son sees Dr. Marinella Carter in Oakland, and she's just fine. It's not a fun and games office like some pediatric dentists', but she's good and nice. anon

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My daughter has Healthy Families too. I first took her to Dr Laston...the only ped dentist that takes Healthy Families that I could find in Berkeley or Oakland but we did not have a great time there. Now I take her to the city to Dr Fred Haeberlien 's office. we see Dr Parea (sp?) She is amazing. She sings to my daughter while she's working on her and stops to help her calm down if she gets scared. They're at 1700 California at Van Ness. A bit of a schlepp but worth it...and not that bad of a commute if you go after rush hour. Their number is 415-441-7766. Take Care Stacia

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Friendly dentist who takes Medi-Cal for 3-year-old

April 2007

I am looking for a good and friendly pediatric dentist in Oakland/Berkeley who accepts MediCal. My daughter just turned 3 and is ready for her first dental appointment. Kate

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I am a public health nurse in the City of Berkeley. We can give you a list of pediatric dentists in the area who accept MediCal. Please call 981-5300.

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March 2006

Need feedback from anyone who has had experience with any of the dentists in the Healthy Families program of Delta Dental - none of them are listed as pediatric dentists. Or does anyone have any idea of possible cost (ball-park figure)to pay out-of-pocket for initial dental exam & at least one filling if we go to one of the recommended pediatric dentists. This is for a 4 year old's first visit so we want it to be as easy as possible and certainly not traumatic in any way. Concerned Grandmother

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There is a dental clinic in Oakland Children's Hospital which takes Healthy Families Delta Dental patients. They are an awesome group of dentists who make time to treat children through this program. They are kind and really worth going to. The clinic is Clinica Dental at Children's Hospital Oakland and their phone number is (510) 428-3316
Mary

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We use a dentist in Berkeley. I don't know if she is still taking new healthy families pt but you can call and find out. My son has seen her for 4 years and we are very happy with how she and her staff deal with kids. Her name is Madaline Ballard . # 510-845-2350 Good luck happy kids

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My kids see Dr. Madelyn Ballard (510) 845-2350. I believe she only charged us $75 for our visit before we got our insurance. She is great with kids. Ariel

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Pediatric dentist who takes Medi-Cal

Dec 2005

Does anyone have any recommendation for a pediatric dentist who takes Medi-Cal? How about Dr. Phillip Saddler, or Dr. Robert Aubuchon in Oakland? There's nothing recent on Dr. Aubuchon (the last rec. was 1999), and nothing at all on Dr. Saddler-- I got both of their names through the Medi-Cal office. Can anyone tell me anything about these dentists, or does anyone know of any other good Medi-Cal dentists? Thanks. anon.

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As a medi-cal (denti-cal) patient, I was very pleased with Dr. Dr. Phillip Saddler and his staff when I needed treatment for an abcessed tooth followed by a teeth cleaning about 6 months ago. My 6 year old, who has delta dental, sees Meeta Doshi, on Regent Street, and though she is not a pediatric dentist she is fantastic with kids; I expect Dr. Saddler would be competent as well (there were people of all ages in his office). Having said that, when I called Denti-Cal I was also given the name of Don Laston--who indeed specializes in pediatric dentistry, and has an excellent reputation (as a kid my now-38 year old brother saw him because he just couldn't tolerate our sweet old family dentist). Laston is in Berkeley on Telegraph and Oregon. Assuming he hasn't retired or stopped taking medi-cal in the interim, you might wish to check into that possibility for your child. But I would feel fine about taking my daughter to Dr. Saddler were I seeking a new dentist for her. By the way, and perhaps irrelevantly to all but a few dentistry seekers, Dr. Saddler is a second-generation African-American dentist in Oakland-Berkeley; his twin brother, also a dentist who mostly manages their office, is married to Rosa Parks Principal Pat Saddler; and their sister is an administrator in OUSD, formerly principal at Chabot Elementary. Jenny

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Endodontist who takes Medi-Cal

May 2005

My 14 year old son needs a root canal. He has Medi-cal, but his Medi-cal dentist won't do it, and referred him to an endodontist who doesn't take Medi-cal. Does anyone know of a local endodontist or a dentist who does root canals who takes Medi- cal???

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Try either Dr. Love in Oakland or Dr. Laston/Lopez's office in Berkeley. Dr. Thomas Love is an oral surgeon. Laston and Lopez's office is a peds clinic. If all else fails there is also Children's hospital. I think they still might have a dental clinic. once a medi-cal mom