CONGRATULATIONS
on taking the first step toward keeping your child’s smile healthy!
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association agree:
Children should see a dentist by the time they get their first tooth or celebrate their first birthday.
Healthy baby teeth lead to healthy adult teeth, and a healthy smile helps kids feel good so they can focus in school, eat healthy foods, and feel confident.
Use the tools on this page to make their first appointment with a dentist and find a dental home.
FIND A DENTIST
Use this search tool to locate pediatric dentists in your area.
Some general dentists also see children.
FIND A CLINIC
Use this search tool to look for clinics that offer free or discounted dental services to those in need.
NEED HELP PAYING?
This website is a fast and easy way for California residents to learn about and apply for medical/dental, food, and cash assistance programs.
FACT OR FICTION
Take the Baby Teeth quiz.
BABY TEETH
Your child’s first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday.
Why so early? Baby teeth are very important to your child’s health and development. They help him or her chew, speak and smile. But as soon as your baby has teeth, he or she can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life.
To find a dentist, Alliance and Medi-Cal members can:
1. Call Denti-Cal at 1-800-322-6384 or click to find a dentist or clinic near you.
2. Call Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) at 831-763-8100 or visit www.santacruzhealth.org/chdp
3. Call Dientes Community Dental at 831-464-5409 or Salud Para la Gente at 831-728-0222
SPONSORED BY: SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND FUNDED BY PROPOSITION 56, THE CALIFORNIA HEALTHCARE, RESEARCH AND PREVENTION TOBACCO TAX ACT OF 2016