Medically reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — pediatric dentist, Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA
Quick Answer
Most children in California qualify for Denti-Cal (now called Medi-Cal Dental) if their household income is at or below 266% of the Federal Poverty Level — roughly $87,000 per year for a family of four in 2026. Children qualify at much higher income levels than adults, there is no asset test, and kids ages 0–18 can enroll regardless of immigration status. If your child has Medi-Cal, dental coverage is already included at no extra cost.
Introduction
Many parents in Chino, Chino Hills, and nearby communities assume their family earns too much for Denti-Cal. In our experience, that assumption is often wrong — and it keeps kids away from dental care their family already qualifies for.
Here’s the detail most families miss: the income limit for children is nearly double the limit for adults. Parents check the adult threshold, see they’re over it, and stop looking. Meanwhile, their kids would qualify easily.
It’s a pattern our front desk sees regularly: a parent calls assuming they’ll be paying out of pocket, and it turns out their child has been eligible for covered care all along.
This guide explains who qualifies in 2026, what Denti-Cal actually covers for children, how to apply from Chino, and what to do once you’re approved. A quick note before we start: eligibility rules are set by the state, not by dental offices, and they do change — so treat this as a starting point and verify your specific situation through the official channels listed below.
What Is Denti-Cal?
Denti-Cal is the dental portion of Medi-Cal, California’s free or low-cost health coverage program. The state officially calls it Medi-Cal Dental now, but most families (and most dentists) still say Denti-Cal — same program, same coverage.
The important thing to understand: if your child is enrolled in Medi-Cal, they already have Denti-Cal. Dental is included automatically for children. There is no separate dental application, no separate card, and no extra monthly cost.
Who Qualifies in 2026?
The income rules — and why kids qualify when parents don’t
Medi-Cal eligibility is based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The thresholds are very different for adults and children:
- Adults (19–64): up to 138% of FPL
- Children (0–18): up to 266% of FPL
For a family of four in 2026, that means the adult cutoff is around $45,500 per year — but children in the same household qualify with income up to roughly $87,000 per year.
This is why it’s common for kids to have Medi-Cal while their parents have a Covered California plan or employer insurance. A family earning $60,000 or $70,000 a year is well past the adult limit — and comfortably inside the children’s limit.
A few more things that surprise parents:
- There is no asset test for children and families. Your savings, your car, and your home do not count against eligibility. Only income matters.
- Children ages 0–18 can enroll regardless of immigration status. California law protects kids’ access to full-scope Medi-Cal, including dental. (Some Medi-Cal rules changed for adults in 2026, but children’s eligibility was not affected.)
- Income slightly over the limit? Don’t assume you’re out. Certain deductions can lower your countable income, and there are related programs for families in between. Let the county make the determination — don’t rule yourself out.
The basic requirements
- Live in California
- Be under 19 (young adults 19–20 may also qualify under children’s dental rules — coverage for kids’ dental has no annual dollar cap through age 20)
- Meet the household income guidelines above
That’s essentially it.
What Does Denti-Cal Cover for Kids?
This is where Denti-Cal genuinely shines for children. While adult coverage has an annual dollar cap, children’s dental services have no annual cap. Covered services for kids include:
- Dental exams and checkups — every six months
- Cleanings — every six months
- Fluoride treatments — to strengthen enamel
- Dental sealants — protective coatings for cavity-prone molars
- X-rays — when clinically needed
- Fillings — for cavities
- Crowns — when a tooth needs more than a filling
- Root canals (pulp therapy) — to save damaged teeth
- Extractions — when a tooth can’t be saved
- Emergency dental care — for pain, swelling, and dental injuries
- Orthodontics (braces) — in medically necessary cases where the bite problem is severe
That list covers essentially everything a growing child typically needs — the same exams, cleanings, and preventive care we recommend for every patient. If you’d like to know what those visits look like in practice, our pages on kids dental exams & cleanings and preventive dentistry walk through it.
One honest caveat on braces: Denti-Cal only covers orthodontics when the case is severe enough to qualify as medically necessary, based on a state scoring system. Mild or cosmetic alignment issues generally aren’t covered. A pediatric dentist can tell you whether your child’s case is likely to qualify.
How to Apply if You Live in Chino
You’re applying for Medi-Cal — dental comes with it automatically. Four ways to do it:
- Online (fastest): Apply at BenefitsCal.com. Many applications are processed within a couple of weeks when submitted online.
- By phone: Chino is served by San Bernardino County, so you’ll call the county’s Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) customer service line at (877) 410-8829.
- In person: Visit a TAD office — the closest ones to Chino are in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga.
- By mail: Download the application from BenefitsCal and mail it to your county office.
What to have ready:
- Proof of income (pay stubs or tax return)
- Proof of California residency (a utility bill or lease works)
- Birth dates and Social Security numbers for household members who have them (a child without an SSN can still be enrolled)
Timeline: counties have up to 45 days to process an application, though many are approved much faster. Coverage is generally retroactive to the first day of the month you applied — so don’t delay a needed dental visit while you wait.
Already have Medi-Cal? Your child’s dental coverage is already active. You can confirm it or find answers to coverage questions on the official Medi-Cal Dental program site or by calling the Medi-Cal Dental line at (800) 322-6384 — the call is free.
Finding a Denti-Cal Dentist in Chino
Here’s the frustrating part for many families: qualifying is the easy half. Finding a pediatric dentist who actually accepts Denti-Cal is often harder — many private practices don’t take it, and families end up driving long distances or waiting months.
Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics in Chino accepts Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) for children, alongside most major PPO plans. Denti-Cal patients receive the same care in the same office — comprehensive exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, and emergency visits.
You can see everything we accept on our dental insurance information page, and if your child has a toothache or dental injury that can’t wait for paperwork, our emergency kids dentist page explains what to do right away.
Common Myths About Denti-Cal
Myth: We earn too much to qualify.
Fact: The children’s income limit is nearly double the adult limit. Families earning $70,000–$85,000 a year are often surprised to find their kids qualify.
Myth: Denti-Cal only covers emergencies.
Fact: For children, it covers the full range of preventive and restorative care — exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, crowns, and more — with no annual dollar cap.
Myth: Our savings will disqualify us.
Fact: There is no asset test for children and families. Only income counts.
Myth: My child needs a Social Security number to enroll.
Fact: Children ages 0–18 can enroll regardless of immigration status, and a child without an SSN can still be covered.
Myth: The dental care is lower quality.
Fact: Denti-Cal patients receive the same treatment, from the same dentists, with the same materials. The only difference is who pays the bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for a child to get Denti-Cal in 2026?
Children qualify with household income up to 266% of the Federal Poverty Level — roughly $87,000 per year for a family of four. Exact figures depend on household size, so verify at BenefitsCal.com.
Is Denti-Cal free?
For most families, yes. Children’s Medi-Cal typically has no monthly premium and no cost for covered dental services.
Can my child have Denti-Cal if I have insurance through work?
Possibly. If your income is within the children’s limit, your child may qualify for Medi-Cal even if you have other coverage. In that case, Denti-Cal can act as secondary coverage.
Does Denti-Cal cover braces?
Only when the bite problem is severe enough to be medically necessary under the state’s scoring system. Cosmetic or mild alignment cases generally are not covered.
How long does approval take?
Counties have up to 45 days, but online applications are often processed within one to two weeks. Coverage is usually retroactive to the first of the month you applied.
Does my child need to be a citizen to qualify?
No. Children ages 0–18 can enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal, including dental, regardless of immigration status.
My child has Medi-Cal — do I need to apply separately for dental?
No. Dental coverage is included automatically. If you have questions about it, call Medi-Cal Dental at (800) 322-6384.
How often can my child get a checkup with Denti-Cal?
Exams and cleanings are covered every six months — the same schedule recommended for all children.
What if we’re just over the income limit?
Apply anyway. Deductions can lower your countable income, and the county will evaluate you for related programs. Don’t rule yourself out based on a rough estimate.
Do you accept Denti-Cal in Chino?
Yes. Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics accepts Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) for children, along with most major PPO insurance plans.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing to take from this guide, it’s this: don’t assume your child doesn’t qualify. The children’s income limits are far more generous than most parents realize, there’s no asset test, and applying is free. The worst outcome of applying is a “no” — the worst outcome of not applying is a child going without dental care the family was entitled to all along.
Rules and income figures do change from year to year, so confirm your family’s specific situation at BenefitsCal.com or with the county TAD office that serves Chino.
And once your child is covered, the next step is simple: a checkup. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Chino who accepts Denti-Cal, we’re glad to help — you can request an appointment whenever it’s convenient, and our team can answer coverage questions before your visit.
