A pediatric dentist for Citrus Heights families

Crossing into Placer County: what it means for coverage

Our Roseville office is only a short drive from Citrus Heights, but it's in a different county. For many families that changes nothing. For families with Medi-Cal dental coverage, it can matter, so a quick check before booking saves headaches.

Medi-Cal dental in Sacramento County

Sacramento County is one of just two counties in California where Medi-Cal dental benefits are delivered through Dental Managed Care plans. Enrollment in a plan is mandatory, with only a few exceptions, and children must see a dentist who is in their plan's network.

Placer County, where our office is, uses a different setup called fee-for-service. Because your family lives in Sacramento County, your child's coverage follows the managed care rules, even when the dentist you'd like to see is across the county line.

PPO and other employer plans

If your dental insurance comes through work, the county line usually isn't the question. What matters is your plan's network, and we're in-network with most PPO dental plans. Share your plan details when you book, and we'll verify your benefits and give you a clear estimate before any treatment. Learn more about insurance and payment options.

Heading north from Citrus Heights

Because Citrus Heights sits right below Roseville, many families can skip the freeway entirely. Plan on about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on where you start and the time of day.

• Sunrise Blvd runs north–south through the city and is a natural choice for many households.
• Auburn Blvd is another well-traveled way north into Roseville.
• Antelope Rd crosses the north end of Citrus Heights and is handy for nearby neighborhoods.

San Juan Unified families and the KOHA form

Nearly all of Citrus Heights is in San Juan Unified School District. Like every public district in California, it collects an oral health assessment from new students during their first school year.

Parents sometimes ask whether it matters that our office is in Placer County. It doesn't. The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment is a statewide rule, so any licensed dental professional in California can complete it.

• The form comes from your child's school. Bring it to the checkup, and we'll fill in our part.
• It's due by May 31 of the year your child starts TK, kindergarten, or first grade, whichever comes first.
• An exam done up to 12 months before enrollment counts.
• A child screened in TK won't need another one in kindergarten.
• Waiver forms are available from the school, though an exam is better for your child.

Checkups and stopping cavities early

According to the CDC, cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, and more than half of children ages 6 to 8 have had a cavity in a baby tooth. The upside is that cavities are largely preventable, and small ones are simpler to fix when they're caught early.

At each checkup and cleaning, we:

• check every tooth and the gums for early warning signs, such as chalky white spots;
• take low-dose digital X-rays when they're needed to see between teeth;
• clean away plaque and tartar, then talk through brushing and snacks;
• suggest fluoride varnish or sealants if your child would benefit.

If we do find a cavity, tooth-colored fillings repair it without a silver look. To learn what causes decay and how to spot it at home, read our guide to cavities in children.

Citrus Heights Water District and fluoride

Much of Citrus Heights gets its water from the Citrus Heights Water District, which buys wholesale water from San Juan Water District. We haven't confirmed whether that water is fluoridated, so the district's annual water quality report is the place to find the current fluoride level.

Knowing helps us fine-tune your child's care. Low fluoride at the tap, or a household that relies on filtered or bottled water, may tip the balance toward varnish at each visit. For every child, though, twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste does the most good. Families from neighboring towns can find their own page under areas we serve.