Encourage Individuals and Families to Begin 2026 with a Dental Home

Dear Community Partners,

As the year comes to a close, we know many families are juggling busy schedules, holiday events, and school breaks. This makes it an important moment to share reminders about the importance of good oral health and the free services available through Medi-Cal Dental as individuals and families prepare for the new year. It is also the perfect time to motivate families to plan ahead by  establishing a dental home—a regular dental office where a family receives ongoing care—to help children and adults feel more comfortable, reduces missed appointments, and supports long-term oral health.

The holidays are a natural time for families to reflect and set goals. Encouraging them to include oral health on their list can help protect their smiles in the year ahead. 

You can help members by sharing: 

• The “Find a Dentist” tool, which lists Medi-Cal Dental providers accepting new patients. 
• What to expect at a dental visit, especially for families new to regular care. 
• The list of covered services through Medi-Cal Dental for children and adults. 
• Common questions and answers about Medi-Cal Dental benefits.  
• How oral health supports overall health, especially for growing children, pregnant individuals, and older adults. 

Friendly Reminder for Members for 2026

• Children and teens under 21 can receive two dental check-ups per year, with additional visits available if medically necessary. 
• Adults 21 and older are covered for one dental check-up per year through Medi-Cal Dental.

Share the "How to Use the Find A Dentist Tool” video below with members to help them easily search for and connect with a Medi-Cal Dental provider in their area.

Holiday Eating and Oral Health Tips for Families

The holidays bring more sweets, drinks, and special meals. These simple reminders can help members enjoy the season while protecting their teeth: 

• Be careful with sticky treats: Candies like taffy and caramels cling to teeth longer and can increase cavity risk. 
• Watch out for hard candies: They expose teeth to sugar for extended time. 
• Limit sugary drinks: Hot cocoa, holiday punch, and sweet coffee drinks increase cavity risk. Drink water instead! 
• Keep an eye on starchy snacks: Crackers, chips, and pastries can easily get stuck in teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. 
• Don’t use teeth as tools: Remind people not to use their teeth to open gifts, tear tape, or crack nuts. 

Help families make healthier choices this season by downloading and sharing the “Healthy Smiles Start with Healthy Foods” resource in English and Spanish. 

Resources for Every Age Group

While our youth materials are great for winter programming, Smile, California also offers a wide range of resources for adults, seniors, and caregivers. From easy-to-understand benefit guides to oral health education for older adults and support materials for caregivers, these tools help ensure everyone in your community has access to clear, trusted information about Medi-Cal Dental. Use the links below to explore each group’s landing page and download free resources available at the bottom. 

• Adults 
• Seniors 
• Caregivers