It is recommended that your baby’s first visit be within six months of the appearance of the first tooth, but no later than their first birthday. At this visit, the dental provider will perform a basic exam just taking a “peek” at the baby’s first few teeth and making sure there are no cavities. The dental provider can show you how to properly take care of your baby’s teeth at home and provide information about oral health products and routines. This will also give you the opportunity to find your family’s perfect dental home, an office your child will enjoy visiting throughout their childhood.
Plan for your Baby’s First Check-Up
Care by Dental Professionals Other than a Dentist
A dental provider or dental professional is a licensed individual that can provide dental services to you. A dental provider is not limited to a Dentist. There are many other types of dental providers. You might receive a preventive dental service from a Registered Dental Hygienist, a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice, or a Dentist.
Services provided by these professionals are also not limited to a dental clinic. You might be able to receive services in your community at a school, a nursing home or a mobile dental van. A few preventive treatments include: a dental cleaning, fluoride varnish application, placement of sealants, and placement of a temporary filling. Restorative treatments can only be provided by a Dentist in a clinical or a community setting; these treatments include: permanent cavity fillings, tooth extractions, root canal therapies, etc.
Medi-Cal has Dental Covered
As a Medi-Cal member, your benefits and your child’s benefits include dental coverage. Medi-Cal Dental covers a full range of dental services that are free or low cost to you. Click on “More Information” below to learn more about your dental benefits and to find a dental home for your child.
