How to prepare for your dental visit

Click here for more information about what to expect when you visit the dentist.

HPSM Dental members: bring both your HPSM ID card and your Medi-Cal BIC card to your dental appointments.

Tips for your child’s first visit to the dentist, from HPSM Dental

Before the appointment

Prepare a list of questions or concerns for the dentist.
Tell your child about the appointment and what to expect. Play games to familiarize your child with the experience. Have them sit in a chair and pretend to be the dentist by counting and brushing their teeth. Then let your child pretend to be the dentist with a stuffed animal or doll.
Read books or watch videos about going to the dentist with their favorite characters.
Schedule an appointment at a time your child will be the most comfortable, such as after a nap or after a meal.
Be sure to brush their teeth prior to the appointment.

During the appointment

Bring a list of any medications your child is currently taking in order to give a complete medical history.
Have your child bring their favorite stuffed animal or toy for comfort.

Directory Header August 19, 2022

Health Plan of San Mateo Provider Directory
Online directory and downloadable directory of all dental providers serving people on Medi-Cal

For the most updated HSPM Dental provider information, visit HPSM Dental’s online provider directory. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the downloadable PDF directory.

Pod April 23, 2016

Community resources

Aging and Adult Services: Services for older adults and people with disabilities.
Children’s Fund: Services for families that are not available from public funds.
First 5 San Mateo County: Support services for children under 5 and their families.
Institute for Human and Social Development (Head Start): Child development centers.
Legal

Services: Dental

Overview August 12, 2022

Dental Services in San Mateo County

Post August 12, 2022

Dental insurance for Medi-Cal members

If you do not have Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) Dental insurance, contact our Health Coverage Unit by calling (650) 616-2002. Visit the Health Coverage Unit website for more information.

As of January 1, 2022, Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) Dental now provides the dental benefits for all San Mateo County members eligible for Medi-Cal (Medi-Cal and CareAdvantage members). That means, as an HPSM Medi-Cal or CareAdvantage 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
Download the HPSM Dental Quick Start Guide here: HPSM Dental Quick Guide for HPSM Members
For more information about dental coverage, access the full HPSM Member Handbooks here.

For more information, visit HPSM Dental.

Go to HPSM Dental’s provider directory to choose a HPSM Dental provider.

For help finding a HPSM Dental provider, contact HPSM’s Member Services 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

Email: Dental@hpsm.org

How to prepare for your dental visit. Bring both your HPSM ID card and your Medi-Cal BIC card to your dental appointments.

Post August 12, 2022

San Mateo Medical Center Dental Clinics
For people receiving dental care at San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC)

San Mateo Medical Center’s dental clinics provide general and specialty level dental care to pregnant people, children, adults, people living with HIV/AIDs, the unhoused, and those needing emergency dental care. Dental clinics are located in Daly City, Half Moon Bay, Redwood City (Fair Oaks), and San Mateo.

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.

Post August 12, 2022

San Mateo County Health Oral Public Health Program

San Mateo County Health’s Oral Public Health Program works with community members to improve the conditions for oral health in the county, particularly for people facing historical and systemic barriers to oral health.

Learn more about the Oral Public Health Program.

Services: Dental

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