US DentalCompassMaria Orellana, DDS
Braces
Practice location
UCSF SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY707 PARNASSUS AVE, San Francisco, CA 94143License
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 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 I need a referral from a general dentist first?
- 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.