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Accessing oral health care

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General instructions for accessing oral health care in San Mateo County

Everyone with Medi-Cal insurance coverage in San Mateo County either receives dental insurance coverage through Health Plan of San Mateo Dental or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan- Medi-Cal Dental Fee-For-Service. See information below about HPSM Dental and Kaiser for contact information and website links. 

Medi-Cal members should first contact their health plan provider for help in getting connected to a dentist in their network. The health plan staff can ask the right questions of members to figure out what they need, and best direct them to a dental provider.  

SMC Dental Referral & Care Coordination Guidelines for People on Medi-Cal

Spanish-SMC Dental Referral & Care Coordination Guidelines for People on Medi-Cal

Half pagers in English and multiple languages about how to find a dentist and oral health information in SMC

As of 1/1/24, immigration status does not matter when applying for Medi-Cal. Applying for or using Medi-Cal will not affect your immigration status. The U.S. government does not consider getting health care, food, and housing benefits as part of the public charge rule. 

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Medi-Cal transition: new changes as of 1/1/24

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has entered into an agreement with Kaiser Permanente to provide Medi-Cal coverage and care across much of the state under a single, direct contract starting January 1, 2024.

Effective January 1, 2024, some Medi-Cal members in San Mateo County will switch from Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) to Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (Kaiser). Members who stay with HPSM will continue to receive dental services through HPSM. 

Members who switch to Kaiser will receive dental services through the Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service (FFS) program, also known as Smile, California.

If your current dentist is accepting new Medi-Cal Dental FFS members, you can stay with your current dentist. If not, you will need to find a dentist accepting Medi-Cal Dental FFS. Tell the dental office you have Medi-Cal Dental insurance.

Kaiser Permanente Member Services

Medi-Cal Health Care Options

If you would like to switch from one Medi-Cal health plan to another, you can do so at any time by calling Medi-Cal Health Care Options.

Health Plan of San Mateo Dental (HPSM Dental)

As of January 1, 2022, Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) Dental began covering the dental benefits for San Mateo County community members eligible for Medi-Cal who are not enrolled in Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. That means, as an HPSM Medi-Cal member:

  • Your dental benefits are managed locally by HPSM
  • You only need to call one phone number for information about both your health care and dental care
  • You only need one card to use your health and dental benefits

Health Plan of San Mateo Dental contact information

  • HPSM Dental direct phone line: 650-616-1522. *Leave a voicemail with member name and contact information to receive a call back.
  • Email: Dental@hpsm.org
  • Website: HPSM Dental member webpage
  • Find an HPSM Dental provider: search the HPSM online provider directory. Tell the dental clinic you have HPSM Dental insurance.
  • Transportation assistance - 1-844-856-4389 
  • Language Assistance Services – To get an interpreter, call your provider at least five business days before your visit. Let your provider know that you would like an interpreter to be with you at your visit. Your provider will schedule an interpreter.
  • HPSM general member services (health and dental) phone numbers: Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm
    • Toll free: 1-800-750-4776
    • Local: 650-616-2133
    • TTY: 1-800-735-2929 or dial 7-1-1

How to prepare for your dental visit with a HPSM Dental provider

Health Coverage Options for Children Without Insurance

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost coverage for children under age 19. Coverage includes primary care, emergency services, dental, vision, and prescriptions. Families can apply online at:

Apply early for Medi-Cal, as the process may take 1-2 months. 

As of 1/1/24, immigration status does not matter when applying for Medi-Cal. Applying for or using Medi-Cal will not affect your immigration status. The U.S. government does not consider getting health care, food, and housing benefits as part of the public charge rule. 

Covered California, Medi-Cal Access Program, and county health coverage programs

For families who do not qualify for Medi-Cal, contact the Health Coverage Unit so they can assist in applying for the various other insurance programs available depending on eligibility (Covered California, Medi-Cal Access Program, local ACE and CCHIP programs, etc.)

San Mateo Medical Center Dental Clinics

San Mateo Medical Center’s dental clinics provide general, specialty and emergency dental care to people of all ages, including pregnant people, people living with HIV/AIDs, people with mental health conditions, and the unhoused. 

If you are new to San Mateo Medical Center, visit our New Patients page to apply for health insurance or to schedule your first appointment. Call the New Patient Connection Center at (650) 372-3200 to make your first appointment.

SMMC Dental clinics are located in the cities below. 

Emergency dental care 

Emergency dental care is available at San Mateo Medical Center’s Dental Clinics for people with severe swelling, infection, pain, or other dental emergency situations that threaten their life or health, during the days and times listed below. No appointment is necessary, and care is provided regardless of insurance status.

It is recommended to be at these clinics before the opening times listed below.

Oral Public Health Program

If all the options listed above have been tried to find a dental home (a regular dentist), or to get dental care, contact the SMC Health Oral Public Health Program for assistance.

  • Email: SMCOralHealth@smcgov.org

Dental Societies

If all the options listed above have been tried to find a dental home (a regular dentist), or to get dental care, contact one of the San Mateo County dental societies for further assistance.

San Mateo County Dental Society 

  • Covers all of San Mateo County except Menlo Park
  • Phone: (650) 637-1121

Mid-Peninsula Dental Society

  • Covers Menlo Park in San Mateo County
  • Covers Los Altos, Mountain View, and Palo Alto in Santa Clara County
  • Phone: (650) 328-2242