US DentalCompassCarla Angela Alvarez, DMD
Children's dentistry
Practice location
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OSTROW SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY ADV. OPER925 W 34TH ST, Los Angeles, CA 90089License
About children's dentistry
A pediatric dentist has two to three years of training beyond dental school in treating children, including very young children and children with special health care needs. Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children in every state, so cost is usually less of a barrier than it is for adults.
Paying for a visit
This is a dental school clinic. Treatment is given by students under faculty supervision, usually for less than a private practice charges, but appointments are longer and there is often a screening visit first. Dental school clinics: what to expect, and is it worth it?
In California, adult Medicaid covers some adult dental care, but not everything. Children are covered in every state through Medicaid and CHIP, whatever the adult rules. What California Medicaid covers, service by service
Questions to ask when you call
- Are you taking new patients, and how soon is the first appointment?
- Do you see children of my child's age, and do you take their Medicaid or CHIP plan?
- Do you offer reduced fees or a payment plan for patients without insurance?
- What will the first visit cost me, and what will it include?
A dentist registered at an address may work there only some days, or may have moved on. The clinic's front desk can confirm.