Covered Dental Services

Below is a quick reference guide for common services available to members. There is no limit for covered, medically necessary dental services. Your dentist can help you pick the best treatment and determine which services you can get through your HPSM Dental coverage.

Covered services for kids (up to 21 years old)

Service

When it is covered

Dental exam

Every 6 months

Full mouth x-rays

Once every 3 years (additional x-ray benefits available; urgent x-rays allowed as needed)

Teeth cleaning

Every 6 months

Deep cleaning

Every 2 years (13 or older only)

Fillings

  • Baby tooth: once a year
  • Permanent tooth: once every 3 years

Fluoride varnish

Every 4 months

Tooth removal

As often as needed

Emergency services

As often as needed

Crowns

  • Baby tooth: once a year
  • Permanent tooth: every 3-5 years (depending on crown type)

Molar sealant

Once per tooth every 3 years

Root canal

As often as needed

Dentures (partial & full)

Every 5 years

Dentures (partial & full) adjustments & repairs

2-4 times per year (depending on the adjustment or repair needed)

Orthodontics (braces)

For children who qualify (when medically necessary, or correction is needed)

Covered services for adults (21 and older)

Members living in a nursing facility or intermediate care facility are eligible for more services. Pregnant women also have additional benefits. For more information about covered benefits, see your Member Handbook.

Service

When it is covered

Dental exam

Once a year

Full mouth x-rays

Once every 3 years (additional x-ray benefits available; urgent x-rays allowed as needed)

Teeth cleaning

Once a year

Deep cleaning

Every 2 years

Fillings

Every 3 years per tooth

Fluoride varnish

Every 4 months

Tooth removal

As often as needed

Emergency services

As often as needed

Crowns

Every 3-5 years (depending on crown type)

Molar sealant

Not covered

Root canal

As often as needed

Dentures (partial & full)

Every 5 years

Dentures (partial & full) adjustments & repairs

2-4 times per year (depending on the adjustment or repair needed)

Orthodontics (braces), implants & bridges

Not covered

Cost of dental services

Unless you have Medi-Cal coverage with a Share of Cost, your dentist cannot ask you to pay for any treatment that is covered by Medi-Cal Dental. You can learn about your Share of Cost in the “My Medi-Cal” booklet from the California Department of Health Care Services.

HPSM dentists cannot charge you for private insurance cost-sharing amounts. This includes deductibles, co-insurance or private insurance copayments.

If you have other dental coverage, HPSM Dental will be your secondary coverage.