As Governor Newsom and California State Lawmakers Consider 2026-2027 Budget, Preserving Medi-Cal Dental Funding is Essential to the Health of Californians
Orange, California (December 11, 2025) – Western Dental, California’s largest Medi-Cal dental provider, with 223 offices in 35 counties across the state, is urging Governor Newsom, along with state legislators, to preserve Medi-Cal Dental funds in advance of the 2026-2027 budget unveiling expected next month.
Medi-Cal dental funding was overwhelmingly approved by California voters in 2016 (through Proposition 56) and directed revenue from a tobacco tax to increase access to care for individuals and families. That funding has not only made it possible for California dentists to provide access and care to more patients but has also allowed new providers to open their doors and create a more stabilized and equitable health care system throughout the state, including areas where dentists were previously in short supply for everyone.
That funding, despite voter approval, was only preserved for one year in the 2025-2026 state budget.
“We know how important access to dental care is for a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Peter Truong, Western Dental’s Chief Dental Officer. “Oral health is essential primary care for children and critical for adults as well, and without it, patients will suffer adverse health consequences that impact entire communities. Access to care for our most vulnerable residents should be a priority for lawmakers this year, and every year.”
Before Prop 56 passed, dentists were on the brink of a crisis, with some of the lowest provider reimbursement rates in the nation. Patients were waiting months for routine care and access to dentists in some rural communities were nearly non-existent. Additional funding has made oral health more accessible across the state.
“We recognize that there are tough budget decisions ahead, but protecting access to some of the most important health care should fundamental,” added Dr. Truong. “Cutting access to essential care shouldn’t have been on the table this year, and it shouldn’t be on the table next year.”
ABOUT WESTERN DENTAL
Founded with the purpose of making high-quality oral healthcare accessible to all and focused on wellness and prevention, Western Dental, with its supported affiliates, has been expanding access and equity of oral healthcare for over 120 years, in more than 270 offices across California, Arizona, and Nevada. As a full-service "dental home," Western Dental provides general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, implants, and oral surgery in offices designed to support consistent, high-quality care that meets the needs of a diverse patient population. To learn more about Western Dental or to find an office in your community, visit westerndental.com or call 1-800-6-DENTAL.
ABOUT SONRAVA HEALTH
Sonrava Health is a national family of health and wellness companies focused on delivering high-quality dental, orthodontic, and specialty care. Headquartered in Orange, California, Sonrava Health supports a network of over 500 affiliated offices across the United States under well-known regional brands. With a patient-first approach and a commitment to clinical excellence, Sonrava Health is dedicated to improving lives through accessible, affordable care.