Dentists warn proposed budget cuts could shrink Medi‑Cal dental access; CDA lays out workforce and grant programs

The California Dental Association told the Dental Board of California on May 13 that a network of grants, dental‑school partnerships, and workforce programs has expanded access to care but faces new risks from proposed state budget changes that would roll back supplemental Medi‑Cal dental payments.

CDA presenter Tuka Zokai summarized programs that have supported access: a 2022 $47.2 million specialty-clinic grant program to expand operatories for patients with special health‑care needs; a community-based clinical education (CBCE) grant funding 25 partnerships between the seven California dental schools and federally qualified health centers; and targeted loan-repayment and workforce programs such as UCSF’s DDS Aspire ($5 million, training 10 students). Zokai said these efforts have helped place new dentists in high-need areas and expand services for children and patients with disabilities.

But Zokai warned that a proposed state budget revision would roll back the CalAIM supplemental payments that increased Medi‑Cal dental reimbursement rates, potentially making California among the lowest‑paying states for dental fee‑for‑service providers. CDA described polling of member dentists showing that nearly half would consider disenrolling from Medi‑Cal if reimbursement cuts take effect and about one in three would reduce the number of Medi‑Cal patients they see.

CDA has formed the Save Our Dental Care coalition of more than 80 organizations to press the Legislature to preserve funding. Zokai urged board members and stakeholders to engage legislators and highlighted recent assembly and senate proposals that would delay or soften cuts. "We are facing some dire challenges right now that would impact access to care," Zokai told the board.

Budget context presented at the meeting: Administrative Services Unit Manager Wilbert Rooma reported the board's FY 2025–26 appropriation is $20.6 million with projected year-end spending of $18.9 million and reserves of about 14.8 months; the board’s internal budget figures are informational and separate from Medi‑Cal reimbursement policies managed by CDPH and state budget offices.

Why it matters: Medi‑Cal is California's largest public dental payer; cuts to supplemental payments could reduce provider participation, lower patient visits, and increase emergency‑department use for dental conditions. CDA and allied organizations urge maintaining supplemental payments or finding alternative short‑term revenue to preserve access.

Next steps: CDA and partners are lobbying the Legislature and promoting the Save Our Dental Care coalition; board staff and committees will continue monitoring budget developments and program implementations. CDA presenters said they will report updates to the board as budget proposals evolve.