Prop 56 Cuts: Patients Will Suffer from Lack of Access to Proper Dental and Oral Healthcare – Leading to Severe and Costly Chronic Health Problems

The largest Medi-Cal Dental provider in the state likely to shutter dozens of offices across California

Western Dental, California’s largest Medi-Cal dental provider, with 223 offices in 35 counties across the state, will be forced to close offices if the current proposal to cut Proposition 56 funding moves forward. The company is evaluating the extent of the expected closures, along with other measures to offset the significant impact to dental offices.

Proposition 56, a measure overwhelmingly passed by California voters in 2016, directed revenue from a new tobacco tax to increase access to care for individuals and families that qualify for Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid) dental services. Prop 56 has not only made it possible for California dentists to provide access and care to more patients but 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.

“Medi-Cal dental has been significantly under-resourced for decades. Proposition 56 provided critical funding that helped Western Dental open more than 100 new offices across the state and serve millions of patients, many in underserved areas who were otherwise without access to care,” said Preet Takkar, Chief Executive Officer of Western Dental. “The current budget proposal represents dramatic cuts to dental reimbursement rates, which would make it impossible to keep many of these new offices open, while also impacting additional practices statewide. This proposal would reignite the dental access crisis that existed before the passage of Prop 56 and would ultimately cost the state more in the long run. Unfortunately, dental practices like ours across California will have to make tough choices—reassessing staffing, hours, and office locations—if this funding is eliminated.”

Today, Western Dental employs more than 4,000 people in California, including more than 750 dentists and hygienists who provide more than 1 million Medi-Cal patient visits every year.

“Dental care is more than just getting your teeth cleaned. It’s essential primary care for children and systemic care for adults,” said Dr. Peter Truong, Western Dental’s Chief Dental Officer. “If dental care is eliminated or reduced, patients suffer adverse health consequences, including tooth decay, gum disease, systemic health issues and social and economic impacts that are far more costly to treat. Eliminating access to dental care will have significant health consequences for millions of Californians.

“Western Dental will be forced to make hard decisions in the coming weeks and months, should Prop 56 funding be eliminated. Unfortunately, that will likely include closing as many as 50 offices, reducing staff in many offices and reducing the number of Medi-Cal dental patients each practice is able to treat. The choices made by the Governor and California State Legislature will have a direct and immediate impact on access to necessary health care and jobs lost should Prop 56 funding be redirected and removed from dental care” added Mr. Takkar.

About Western Dental

Western Dental has been serving California communities for over 100 years, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable dental care. With over 200 locations across the state, Western Dental provides a full spectrum of services including general dentistry, orthodontics, and pediatric care — creating a convenient, comprehensive “Dental Home” for families across California. As part of the Sonrava Health family of brands, Western Dental shares in the mission to expand access and drive innovation in dental care.

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