Oral health
The Public Health Department’s Local Oral Health Program partners with medical and dental providers, community-based organizations, county programs, schools, and local professionals to increase access to oral health resources in the County of Santa Clara. We offer oral health education and trainings to various professionals and organizations, help increase access to dental services for families, and work as a safety net to help school districts connect families to dental services.
Dental providers
Sign-up to be a Medi-Cal Dental Provider
Many County of Santa Clara residents are in need of dental services. Choosing to offer dental services to Medi-Cal recipients helps provide crucial dental services to those who need it most in our community and offers a personal and rewarding experience to providers and staff. Meet a Medi-Cal Dentist and discover what it means to be a dental hero.
Learn more about becoming a Medi-Cal dental provider
- Become a Medi-Cal dental provider
- Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE)
- Medi-Cal partners and providers page
- Medi-Cal Dental Provider Telephone Service Center: (800) 423-0507
- 2023 Disaster assistance to evacuated members and dental offices
- California Office of Oral Health
COVID protocols at the dentist
COVID-19, an airborne virus transmitted through aerosols, presents unique considerations when treating patients in various healthcare settings. Dental offices are healthcare settings where airborne contamination can sometimes occur with many diseases, such as COVID-19, Influenza, and Tuberculosis. Healthcare personnel should regularly consult with the State Dental Board, the California Department of Public Health, and/or the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department for current COVID-19 information as well as recommendations and/or requirements specific to their jurisdictions. Healthcare COVID-19 protocols may change based on transmission levels in the County where their healthcare facility is located.
Patients with suspected or confirmed airborne disease like SARS-CoV-2 infection should postpone all non-urgent dental treatment until they meet the criteria to discontinue transmission-based precautions. When performing aerosol-generating procedures on patients who are not suspected or confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensure that dental personnel correctly wear the recommended PPE and use mitigation methods, such as four-handed dentistry, high evacuation suction, and dental dams, to minimize droplet spatter and aerosols. According to the EPA, the use of portable HEPA air filtration systems can enhance air cleaning during procedures and when combined with standard precautions, can reduce the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors. Commonly used dental equipment known to create aerosols and airborne contamination include:
- ultrasonic scalers
- high-speed dental handpieces
- air/water syringes
- air polishers
- air abrasion
COVID-19 resources for dental providers
- Covid-19 Oral Health Support UCSF Technical Assistance Center
- WHO video on preventing COVID-19 in dental settings
- CDC infection control guidance for dental settings
- NIH research on COVID-19 and the oral cavity
- CDC COVID-19 protocols in various settings
- EPA guidelines on air filtration
Dental care during pregnancy
Did you know pregnant persons can safely receive dental treatments while pregnant? It’s very important to continue good oral healthcare before and during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association and the Journal of the American Dental Association, dentistry during pregnancy is safe. Delaying treatment can lead to unforeseen health issues, which can be bad for both baby and pregnant persons. Poor oral health is known to be associated with periodontal disease and poor pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and preeclampsia.
Resources about dental care during pregnancy
- Prenatal Dental Referral Form for Providers (Spanish)
- Prenatal Dental Referral Form for Providers (English)
- Protect Tiny Teeth Toolkit – American Academy of Pediatrics
Medical providers
Dental care is medical care
Both medical and dental professionals realize that certain health conditions may often be related other conditions or health habits. Oral health is a key component to maintaining overall health. When patients take an interest in their oral health, their physical and mental health often improve. Educating patients on the effects of poor oral health in medical practices can help bridge this gap in patient knowledge. When medical providers and dental providers partner to prevent poor oral health, everyone wins.
Medical conditions linked to poor oral health:
- Endocarditis – An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves (endocardium) typically occurring when bacteria or other germs from another part of the body, such as your mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to certain areas in the heart.
- Cardiovascular disease - The connection is not fully understood, but some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke are linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
- Pregnancy and birth complications - Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia - Certain bacteria in the mouth can be pulled into the lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Health conditions that can impact oral health:
- Diabetes - By reducing the body's resistance to infection, diabetes puts the gums at risk. Research shows that people who have gum disease find it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Gum disease also appears to be more frequent and more severe among people living with diabetes. Periodontal care can often improve diabetes control.
- HIV/AIDS - Painful sores often appear in the mouth, which can lead to subpar or less often daily care, creating a vicious cycle of poor oral health.
- Osteoporosis – Linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss due to bone-weakening. Also, certain drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to jaw bones.
- Alzheimer's disease and related dementias – Many persons often lack the capacity to care for their oral health while suffering from Alzheimer’s, especially in the later stages.