Los Angeles Medi-Cal Orthodontist (Denti-Cal)
We are certified to help eligible families access “Medically Necessary Orthodontic Care” for children and adolescents under 21.
Start with a FREE, No-Obligation HLD Evaluation
Medi-Cal coverage for braces is based on “medical necessity” determined by the Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation (HLD) Index. Our certified Los Angeles orthodontists are experts in this process.
1. Age
Patient must be under 21 years old.
2. Severity
Condition must be medically necessary (HLD score of 26+).
3. Prior Auth
Requires Pre-Authorization (TAR) from Medi-Cal Dental.
Understanding Denti-Cal (Medi-Cal Dental) Orthodontic Eligibility
The California Medi-Cal Dental Program (often referred to as Denti-Cal) provides orthodontic benefits, but only for **medically necessary** conditions that significantly affect a child's health, speech, or ability to eat. Cosmetic concerns alone do not qualify.
What Qualifies as Medically Necessary?
To qualify for coverage, the patient must either score **26 points or higher** on the HLD Index, or have one of the six automatic qualifying conditions, such as:
**Cleft Lip or Palate Deformities**
Severe Overjet (greater than 9mm) with lip incompetence
Severe Overbite (deep impinging) causing damage to soft tissue
Crossbite where anterior teeth damage soft tissue
Traumatic deviations (due to injury or gross pathology)
Our Role as Your Certified Provider
As a certified **Medi-Cal Orthodontist in Los Angeles**, Textbook Orthodontics will perform the required examination, take diagnostic records (X-rays, molds), and complete the HLD score sheet. We then submit the necessary **Treatment Authorization Request (TAR)** to Medi-Cal Dental for approval. We guide you through every step!