US DentalCompassThomas Chang, DDS
Braces
Practice location
The Childrens Clinic - S. Mark Taper Foundation Childrens Clinic Family Health Center455 E COLUMBIA ST, Long Beach, CA 90806License
About braces
An orthodontist straightens teeth and corrects bite problems with braces and aligners. Medicaid generally covers orthodontics for children only when a problem is severe enough to be medically necessary.
Paying for a visit
This is a community health center. Federal rules require it to offer discounts based on income and household size, and it cannot turn you away because you cannot pay. How sliding-scale fees work at community health centers
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 I need a referral from a general dentist first?
- What income documents should I bring to get the sliding-fee discount?
- 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.