Open to the public; three provider tiers — student dentists (fees significantly lower than private sector), residents (lower than private sector), faculty (comparable to private practice)
Open to all; dental students and residents provide care under faculty supervision at reduced rates; accepts Denti-Cal for certain treatment (bring Beneficiary Identification Card); other patients pay cash or credit card
Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal covers comprehensive adult dental: exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, and dentures (adults 21+ face a $1,800 annual benefit limit on some services). IMPORTANT: as of July 1, 2026, undocumented adults 19 and older (not pregnant) lost routine dental coverage and now receive emergency-only dental under Medi-Cal; children under 19 and pregnant members keep full dental benefits regardless of immigration status.
Emergency dental care
USC Urgent Care and Dental Trauma Center, 925 W 34th St — emergency visits typically $59-$350, Denti-Cal accepted for limited/emergency treatment; call (213) 740-2800. St. John's dental offers emergency walk-in service, (323) 541-1616. For a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest hospital ER.
More ways to save
UCLA student dentists — fees significantly lower than private practice; call (310) 206-3904 for the Westwood clinics.
USC student/resident clinics — reduced rates; Urgent Care and Dental Trauma Center emergency visits typically $59-$350; (213) 740-2805.
Dental Lifeline Network - California Donated Dental Services: free comprehensive dental care for people 65+, permanently disabled, or medically fragile with no means to pay — check https://dentallifeline.org/california/ for current application status.
LA County DHS Public Dental Program — county-operated dental safety-net clinic locator for uninsured patients.
Via Care Community Health Center (East LA) and Herald Christian Health Center (San Gabriel Valley) are additional FQHCs with dental programs, but their dental pages were not opened and verified at press time. LA County's FQHC network generally operates on sliding-fee scales regardless of insurance status.
Where can I get cheap dental care in Los Angeles, CA?
6 verified low-cost options are listed above, including UCLA School of Dentistry - Westwood Clinics, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC - Patient Clinics, Universal Community Health Center - O'Neill Dental. Call ahead to confirm eligibility and fees.
Does CA Medicaid cover dental for adults?
Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal covers comprehensive adult dental: exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, and dentures (adults 21+ face a $1,800 annual benefit limit on some services). IMPORTANT: as of July 1, 2026, undocumented adults 19 and older (not pregnant) lost routine dental coverage and now receive emergency-only dental under Medi-Cal; children under 19 and pregnant members keep full dental benefits regardless of immigration status.
Where do I go for emergency dental care in Los Angeles?
USC Urgent Care and Dental Trauma Center, 925 W 34th St — emergency visits typically $59-$350, Denti-Cal accepted for limited/emergency treatment; call (213) 740-2800. St. John's dental offers emergency walk-in service, (323) 541-1616. For a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest hospital ER.
Last checked 2026-10-07. Hours, fees, and eligibility change — call ahead before visiting.
