Dental Insurance in San Diego: Plans, Costs and Cross-Border Dental Care in Tijuana

A cracked molar does not care what your budget looks like. For a lot of households, the first real look at dental insurance in San Diego comes after a dentist hands over a treatment plan with a four-figure total. Then the questions start. Is a plan worth buying now? Does Covered California cover adults? Would a trip across the border to Tijuana actually save money, and what happens if something goes wrong?

This guide walks through the main ways San Diegans pay for dental care: Covered California plans, Medi-Cal Dental, TRICARE for military families, Medicare, discount plans and tax-advantaged accounts. It also takes an honest look at cross-border care in Tijuana, including costs, safety advisories and what insurance will and won’t do. All figures are based on publicly available information as of September 22, 2026, and rates, rules and program dates can change.

Quick Answer
Most San Diego adults get dental coverage through an employer, a Covered California add-on plan, Medi-Cal Dental or, for military families, the TRICARE Dental Program, while Original Medicare does not cover most dental care. Covered California’s adult dental PPOs cap what they pay for major services at $1,500 a year and impose a six-month waiting period for major work unless you can prove prior coverage, and none of its adult plans cover implants. Tijuana clinics often quote far lower prices, but the State Department rates Baja California “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” and U.S. coverage rarely pays for care there. The right mix depends on your age, income, military status and the treatment you need, and a licensed agent can tell you which options apply to you.

How Dental Insurance in San Diego Works

Dental coverage is built differently from medical coverage, and that difference drives most of the surprises people run into. Medical plans are designed to protect you from catastrophic bills. Dental plans work more like a prepaid maintenance program with a fairly small ceiling on what the plan will pay each year.

The main plan types

A dental HMO (DHMO) assigns you to a network dentist and uses a fixed copay schedule. Premiums tend to be lower and there is often no deductible, but you generally can’t see dentists outside the network.

A dental PPO (DPPO) lets you see any dentist, with lower costs in network. You typically pay a deductible and a percentage of the bill, and the plan stops paying once it reaches an annual limit.

An indemnity plan reimburses a percentage of the dentist’s fee regardless of network. These are less common in the individual market.

A dental discount or savings plan is not insurance at all. You pay a membership fee and get reduced prices at participating dentists, and the plan itself pays nothing toward your bill.

Who regulates what in California

California has two health coverage regulators. A 2022 Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) presentation for Covered California partners explains that the DMHC licenses HMOs and specialized plans, including dental plans, while the California Department of Insurance (CDI) oversees all indemnity products and some PPO products. The DMHC also licenses discount health plans, and the California Dental Association notes that large commercial discount plans must be licensed under the Knox-Keene Act.

This matters when something goes wrong. Your plan documents name the regulator, and that is where a complaint goes if the plan’s own grievance process doesn’t resolve it.

The three limits that shape every dental plan

Nearly every adult dental plan has three levers: a waiting period before major work is covered, frequency limits (for example, two cleanings a year or one crown replacement every five years), and an annual limit on what the plan pays. Those three details usually tell you more about a plan’s value than the premium does.

What Dental Care Costs in San Diego Without Insurance

Before comparing plans, it helps to know what you would pay out of pocket. There is no official San Diego price list, so the figures below come from national datasets, and they come with caveats.

Real Dental Costs, an independent pricing project, publishes a 2026 cost list that blends its own implant dataset with an ASQ360 Market Research procedural cost study conducted for Synchrony’s CareCredit (2023–2024). Its national averages include about $203 for an exam, cleaning and X-rays, $226 for a composite filling, $1,100 for a root canal, $1,369 for a crown and $4,507 for a complete single implant.

The same project gives California a Restorative Cost Index of 137, meaning restorative work here runs well above its national baseline. San Diego patients should expect quotes at or above national averages, not below them.

Procedure	U.S. low	U.S. average	U.S. high	Typical PPO share
Exam, cleaning and X-rays	$50	$203	$350	~100%
Composite filling (one tooth)	$90	$226	$450	~80%
Deep cleaning (per quadrant)	$169	$242	$352	~80%
Root canal	$500	$1,100	$1,500	~50%
Crown	$1,046	$1,369	$2,331	~50%
Single implant (complete)	$3,760	$4,507	$5,733	Usually excluded

Source: Real Dental Costs, Dental Procedure Cost List 2026 (national cash prices). “Typical PPO share” is that site’s general estimate, not a quote from any plan.

Why published cost figures disagree

You will see different numbers for the same procedure depending on the source. A June 2026 CareQuest Institute release, citing a study of G7 countries, puts the average U.S. root canal at $838. Real Dental Costs puts it at about $1,100.

The gap comes mostly from methodology. The G7 comparison averages one standardized procedure across countries, while Real Dental Costs builds a range that includes more complex molar cases and averages across state-level estimates. Neither figure is wrong, and neither is a quote. The number that matters for your budget is the itemized written estimate from the office that will do the work.

Covered California Dental Plans for 2026 and 2027

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, and it handles dental coverage very differently depending on age.

Children: dental is built in

Every Covered California health plan includes dental care for members under 19 at no extra premium, according to Covered California. Families can also put children on a separate family dental plan, but if they do, every child in the household under 19 has to be enrolled, along with at least one adult.

Adults: an optional add-on

Adults can buy a family dental plan only after selecting a Covered California health plan. It isn’t available on its own to people without marketplace health coverage. Covered California describes these plans as guaranteed issue, so pre-existing oral health conditions don’t block enrollment.

For 2026, five insurers sell these plans: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, DentaQuest, Delta Dental of California and Humana. Covered California set the 2026 statewide weighted average rate change at 0.35 percent.

For 2027, Covered California announced on August 25, 2026, a preliminary statewide weighted average increase of 6.2 percent, citing higher dental costs and greater use of services. It will offer eight dental plans from the same five insurers. As of March 2026, about 370,500 people were enrolled, paying an average of $27 a month.

What adult premiums look like

Healthinsurance.org, drawing on Covered California’s shop-and-compare tool, reports that 2026 premiums for a single adult on an exchange dental plan range from about $10 to $54 a month. Your price depends on age, ZIP code and plan type. One detail catches people out: that source notes premium subsidies can’t be used to lower the cost of a separate adult dental plan.

DHMO versus DPPO on the exchange

Covered California lists these features for its adult dental HMOs: no deductible, no annual limit, lower premiums than PPOs, no office copays, and no-cost X-rays, exams, cleanings and sealants.

Its dental PPOs carry a $50 deductible per adult and $75 per child, with no deductible for preventive and diagnostic care and some coverage outside the network. Neither type has an out-of-pocket maximum for adults.

Two PPO rules deserve special attention. Covered California says adults face a six-month waiting period for major services, shortened by one month for each month of prior dental coverage you can verify. And major services are subject to a $1,500 annual limit on what the plan pays.

What no Covered California adult plan covers

Covered California’s 2026 summary of adult benefits states that veneers, implants, tooth whitening and adult orthodontics are excluded in every plan. Frequency limits vary too. Replacement crowns, for example, are limited to once every five years on most plans and once every seven years on one.

If you’re budgeting for an implant, an exchange plan won’t solve that problem. It may still cover related work such as an extraction, so check the plan’s Evidence of Coverage.

Enrollment dates to know

Open enrollment for 2027 runs from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. For coverage starting January 1, 2027, Covered California says you must enroll by December 31, 2026. Outside that window, you need a qualifying life event, such as losing coverage, getting married, having a baby or moving to California.

Medi-Cal Dental in San Diego County

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, includes dental coverage through the Medi-Cal Dental Program, which the state promotes as Smile, California.

What adults get

For adults 21 to 54, Smile, California lists exams, X-rays and cleanings every 12 months, scaling and root planing, fluoride varnish, fillings, crowns, root canals, partial and full dentures, denture relines, extractions, emergency services, and sedation when medically necessary.

Medi-Cal pays up to $1,800 a year for covered adult dental services. Smile, California says services can go over that limit when shown to be medically needed, and pregnant members may qualify for no yearly limit.

The immigration-status change, and why dates conflict

A state policy change will end non-emergency dental benefits for Medi-Cal members 19 and older who don’t have an immigration status that qualifies for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal. Many county websites, clinic notices and news stories from spring 2026 give a start date of July 1, 2026.

That date is no longer current. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) now says the effective date has been delayed to July 1, 2027, and it mailed updated notices to affected members in July 2026. The older date is still all over the internet because it was accurate when those pages were written.

When the change takes effect, emergency dental care stays covered. DHCS says people under 19, people designated by the county as pregnant or within a year postpartum, and certain former foster youth under 26 keep full dental benefits regardless of status. Anyone unsure whether the change affects them can check DHCS’s immigration status chart or call the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center.

Finding a dentist locally

Smile, California runs a Find a Dentist tool for Medi-Cal members. Southwestern College’s dental hygiene clinic page also points San Diego residents to 211 for low-cost dental referrals, and to the San Diego County Dental Society and the Share the Care Dental Health Initiative of San Diego.

Dental Coverage for Military Families and Medicare Retirees

San Diego’s large military and retiree communities have options that don’t apply to most residents.

TRICARE Dental Program

The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary plan administered by United Concordia. It covers active-duty family members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their eligible family members. To enroll, the sponsor must have at least one year of service left.

TRICARE published these monthly premiums, in effect from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027:

Sponsor status	Single (one family member)	Family (two or more)
Active duty, E-4 and below	$8.79	$22.85
Active duty, E-5 and above	$11.72	$30.47
Selected Reserve / IRR (mobilized)	$29.30	$76.18
IRR (non-mobilized)	$29.30	$76.18

Source: TRICARE Communications, January 29, 2026. Reserve “sponsor only” and “sponsor and family” rates are listed separately by TRICARE.

TDP is a pay-ahead program, so each payment covers the following month. Survivors pay no TDP premium. TRICARE also notes that people who aren’t eligible for TDP may be able to get dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

Medicare and dental

Medicare.gov is direct about this: in most cases Medicare doesn’t cover routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures or implants. It may cover dental services tied to certain covered medical treatments, such as an oral exam before a heart valve replacement or an extraction to treat a mouth infection before chemotherapy.

Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, and some retirees buy a separate dental plan. Benefits and annual limits vary a great deal, so it’s worth reading a plan’s Evidence of Coverage during Medicare open enrollment rather than relying on the marketing summary.

Other Ways to Pay: Savings Plans, Tax Accounts and Low-Cost Clinics

Insurance isn’t the only tool. For some households, it isn’t even the best one.

Dental savings plans

With a discount plan, you pay a fee and get a reduced price schedule at participating dentists. The California Dental Association points out that the patient carries the risk: no claims are filed and the plan pays nothing, but you save on each visit. It also notes the DMHC wants advertised discounts to be real discounts off a dentist’s usual fees.

These plans can make sense for people who need major work soon and don’t want to sit out a waiting period, or who have already used up an annual limit. They make less sense for someone who only needs two cleanings a year and could get those covered through an HMO.

Using pre-tax money

For 2026, the IRS health FSA salary-reduction limit is $3,400, with up to $680 of carryover if your employer allows it. HSA contribution limits are $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, according to OneDigital’s summary of the IRS figures.

If you itemize, the IRS says you can deduct medical and dental expenses only to the extent they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, and most cosmetic procedures don’t qualify. That threshold is hard to reach for most households, but a year with major dental work and other medical bills can get there. A tax professional can tell you whether it applies to you.

Training clinics and community resources

Southwestern College runs a dental hygiene clinic at its Higher Education Center at National City, 880 National City Blvd. Students supervised by licensed dentists and hygienists provide cleanings, X-rays, fluoride and sealants for children. The clinic doesn’t provide comprehensive dental exams, fillings, crowns or extractions, patients must meet teaching criteria, and it runs on the college’s semester calendar.

Cross-Border Dental Care in Tijuana: What It Really Costs

Few U.S. metros sit this close to a major foreign dental market. Tijuana’s clinic districts are a short trip from San Ysidro, and plenty of San Diegans make the crossing.

They aren’t alone. A June 2026 report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health estimates that roughly 4% of U.S. adults, nearly 9.6 million people, have gone abroad for dental care, and 58% of them cited lower costs. CareQuest also found that adults who hit their plan’s annual maximum in the past year had traveled for care at a higher rate than those who didn’t. That fits the local picture, where a $1,500 cap can run out after one crown and one root canal.

Published Tijuana price ranges

Molar City, a dental tourism referral platform that works with partner clinics, publishes estimated Tijuana prices of $500–$800 per crown, $1,000–$1,500 per implant and $300–$500 per root canal. It says its own price data comes from 14 partner-clinic price lists across six Mexican cities, in a snapshot taken August 8, 2026.

Keep that business model in mind. These are advertised prices from partner clinics, not an independent survey, and they may not include every item a U.S. quote bundles in.

Procedure	U.S. national average (cash)	Tijuana published range	What the comparison leaves out
Root canal	~$1,100	$300–$500	Build-up, X-rays and follow-up visits may be billed separately
Crown	~$1,369	$500–$800	Material (zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal) changes price on both sides
Single implant	~$4,507 (complete)	$1,000–$1,500	Tijuana figure may exclude abutment, crown or bone graft

Sources: Real Dental Costs (U.S.); Molar City (Tijuana). The figures are not directly comparable line for line.

The costs that don’t show up on the quote

A Tijuana price doesn’t include your time, travel or the chance of needing fixes later. Molar City itself estimates $10–$20 a day for parking near the San Ysidro Transit Center and $5–$10 for a ride to the Zona Río clinic district. Implants and crowns often require several visits, sometimes months apart.

Northbound waits add up too. The same source describes pedestrian waits of 30 minutes to two hours without a fast pass, and one to four hours for vehicles. For hourly workers, lost time is a real cost.

Safety, Insurance and Legal Realities of Dental Work in Tijuana

The savings are real for some people. So are the risks, and they deserve the same attention as the price.

The travel advisory

The U.S. State Department’s Mexico advisory, last updated May 29, 2026, rates the country overall at Level 2 but places the state of Baja California at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing terrorism, crime and kidnapping. It notes high homicide numbers in non-tourist areas of Tijuana and says most homicides appear targeted, though bystanders can be hurt.

The advisory also says there are no additional travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Tijuana, Ensenada or Rosarito. That is useful context, not a guarantee. The same page advises using dispatched or app-based rides instead of hailing taxis, and suggests enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Your coverage probably won’t follow you

The State Department says Medicare and Medicaid don’t pay for care in Mexico, and most Mexican hospitals and doctors don’t accept U.S. health insurance. Some U.S. dental PPOs reimburse out-of-network care, but coverage outside the country varies widely, so call your plan before assuming anything.

Complications are the bigger issue. The CDC warns that follow-up care for problems after treatment abroad can be expensive and might not be covered by your insurance. It suggests reviewing your policies before you go and considering travel health insurance that covers follow-up or emergency care.

Quality and oversight

The CDC notes that some countries’ licensing, credentialing and accreditation requirements may be less than what the U.S. requires, and that infection control varies. It recommends checking the clinician’s qualifications and the facility’s credentials, getting a pretravel consultation four to six weeks ahead, and bringing home copies of all records.

The State Department adds that legal options after malpractice are very limited in Mexico. It says PROFECO, Mexico’s consumer protection agency, may be able to help resolve disputes over medical services.

Documents and the border

To return to the U.S., you need proof of citizenship such as a passport book or card. On Mexican entry permits, the sources differ. The State Department says travelers staying within about 20 kilometers (12 miles) of the border for six days or less don’t need an FMM entry permit. Molar City’s guide says an FMM may be needed for stays over 72 hours. The State Department’s page is the official U.S. guidance, but Mexican authorities make the final call, so anyone planning a multi-day stay may want to confirm with Mexico’s immigration institute first.

Molar City also describes a “Medical Fast Pass” lane at the San Ysidro and Otay pedestrian crossings for patients with an appointment confirmation. Clinics usually explain how to use it, and arrangements like this can change.

Medicines

The State Department warns that counterfeit pills are common at small pharmacies near the border and in tourist areas, and that some have contained deadly doses of fentanyl. It also says any medication you bring back must meet U.S. requirements, be for personal use and be approved in the U.S.

Worked Examples: Two San Diego Households

These examples use realistic but hypothetical numbers. They are illustrations, not quotes or recommendations.

Example 1: A Chula Vista couple with a Covered California plan

Maria and Luis, both 42, buy health insurance through Covered California. In November, Luis learns he needs a root canal and a crown on a molar. A local dentist quotes $1,500 for the root canal and $1,900 for the crown, which is plausible given California’s above-average cost index.

Suppose they had added a DPPO at $40 a month each, or $960 a year for both. For this illustration, assume the plan pays 50% of both procedures after the $50 deductible and that Luis has finished the waiting period. Real cost-sharing varies by plan, so they would check the schedule of benefits.

If both procedures happen in the same plan year, the plan’s share would be ($3,400 − $50) × 50% = $1,675. The $1,500 annual limit caps that at $1,500, so Luis pays $1,900 out of pocket.

If his dentist agrees it’s clinically safe to do the root canal in December and seat the permanent crown in January, the math changes. In year one the plan pays ($1,500 − $50) × 50% = $725. In year two it pays ($1,900 − $50) × 50% = $925. Luis pays $1,750 in total, about $150 less, because the work draws on two annual limits.

Now compare Tijuana using Molar City’s ranges: $300–$500 for the root canal and $500–$800 for the crown, or $800–$1,300. Add three round trips at roughly $40 each for parking and rides, and the total is about $920–$1,420 before unpaid time off or any follow-up care. That’s cheaper on paper, but it comes with a Level 3 advisory, limited legal recourse and no plan payment unless their PPO specifically reimburses foreign care.

Many people in Luis’s position weigh that $300–$800 difference against those risks. There’s no single right answer, and his dentist and a licensed agent can help him compare the options.

Example 2: A Navy family in Imperial Beach

Jordan is an E-5 in the Navy stationed in San Diego. His spouse and two children are eligible for TDP, and at the family rate of $30.47 a month, the household pays about $366 a year.

Without coverage, three people getting two exam-and-cleaning visits a year at Real Dental Costs’ national average of $203 would spend about $1,218, and San Diego prices may be higher. On preventive care alone, the premium is a fraction of the likely cash cost, before any fillings. TDP cost-shares for other services depend on pay grade, so the family would check United Concordia’s schedule.

Common Mistakes and Money-Saving Tips

A handful of patterns show up again and again in local dental budgets.

Mistakes to avoid

Buying a PPO the month before major work. A six-month waiting period can mean paying premiums while the procedure isn’t covered yet. Proof of prior coverage can shorten that wait on Covered California PPOs, so keep old plan documents.

Ignoring the annual limit. A $1,500 cap disappears quickly with one crown and one root canal at California prices. Ask the office for a pre-treatment estimate that shows what the plan will actually pay.

Assuming implants are covered. They aren’t on any Covered California adult plan for 2026.

Relying on an outdated Medi-Cal date. If you’ve seen “July 1, 2026” for the dental change, check DHCS. The date has moved to July 1, 2027.

Going to Tijuana without a follow-up plan. Ask a San Diego dentist in advance whether they’ll see you if something needs adjusting, and what that might cost.

Tips that often help

• Stage non-urgent treatment across two plan years when your dentist agrees it’s safe.
• Use FSA or HSA dollars for planned work.
• Compare a DHMO’s copay schedule with a PPO’s coinsurance for the specific procedures you expect.
• Ask the dental office about in-house membership plans or cash-pay discounts.
• For cleanings, look at training clinics such as Southwestern College’s program in National City.
• Call 211 San Diego for referrals to lower-cost community dental clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does dental insurance cost in San Diego?

For a single adult buying a Covered California add-on plan, healthinsurance.org reports 2026 premiums of about $10 to $54 a month, and Covered California says its dental enrollees pay an average of $27 a month. Employer plans vary widely. Covered California’s dental rates are rising by a weighted average of 6.2 percent for 2027, so many enrollees will see somewhat higher premiums at renewal.

Does Covered California include dental for adults?

Not automatically. Children under 19 get dental coverage built into every Covered California health plan. Adults can add a separate family dental plan, either an HMO or a PPO, after choosing a health plan. Premium subsidies don’t lower the cost of that adult plan, and all adult plans exclude implants, veneers, whitening and adult orthodontics.

Is there a waiting period for dental insurance in California?

It depends on the plan. Covered California’s adult dental PPOs have a six-month waiting period for major services, shortened by one month for each month of prior dental coverage you can verify. Its dental HMOs list no waiting period for children. Private plans set their own rules, so check the Evidence of Coverage before enrolling.

Does Medi-Cal cover dental work for adults?

Yes. Medi-Cal Dental covers exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures and extractions for adults, up to $1,800 a year, with more possible when medically necessary. For adults without a qualifying immigration status, non-emergency dental coverage is now scheduled to end July 1, 2027, after DHCS delayed the original July 2026 date.

Does Medicare cover dental care?

In most cases, no. Medicare doesn’t cover routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures or implants. It may pay for dental services linked to certain covered medical treatments, such as an exam before an organ transplant. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, and some people buy a separate dental plan, so compare plan documents carefully.

Will my U.S. dental insurance pay for work in Tijuana?

Usually not, and it’s risky to assume it will. The State Department says Medicare and Medicaid don’t pay for care in Mexico and most Mexican providers don’t accept U.S. insurance. Some PPOs reimburse out-of-network care in limited cases. Many people call their plan first to ask whether foreign treatment is covered and what paperwork it would require.

Is it safe to get dental work in Tijuana?

Many people have treatment there without problems, but the risks are real. The State Department rates Baja California “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.” The CDC warns that licensing and infection control standards vary and that follow-up care after complications may not be covered. Checking credentials, planning follow-up care and understanding your limited legal options all help.

How much cheaper are dentists in Tijuana?

Published ranges from Molar City, a referral platform, put Tijuana crowns at $500–$800, root canals at $300–$500 and implants at $1,000–$1,500. U.S. national averages from Real Dental Costs are about $1,369, $1,100 and $4,507. Travel, time off and possible rework narrow that gap, so comparing total costs matters more than comparing sticker prices.

How much is TRICARE dental for military families in San Diego?

From March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, TDP premiums for active-duty families are $8.79 a month for one family member or $22.85 for two or more when the sponsor is E-4 and below, and $11.72 or $30.47 for E-5 and above. Guard and Reserve rates are higher. People not eligible for TDP may look at FEDVIP.

Can I use my HSA or FSA for dental work?

Generally, yes, because dental treatment counts as a medical expense under IRS rules. For 2026, the health FSA limit is $3,400, and HSA limits are $4,400 for self-only and $8,750 for family coverage. Most cosmetic procedures don’t qualify. A tax professional or your plan administrator can confirm whether a specific treatment is eligible.

The Bottom Line on Dental Insurance in San Diego

Dental insurance in San Diego works best when it matches the care you actually expect to need. Households that mainly need cleanings often get good value from low-cost HMOs or, for military families, TRICARE. People facing major work need to look hard at waiting periods, annual limits and exclusions before signing up. Tijuana can lower the sticker price, but it shifts more of the risk onto you.

A practical next step is to get an itemized written treatment plan from a San Diego dentist, then compare it against your current coverage, Covered California’s options during open enrollment (November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027) and any alternatives you’re considering. A licensed insurance agent or a Covered California certified enroller can tell you which options apply to your situation.

Sources

All sources accessed September 22, 2026.

1. Covered California — Dental Plans / Dental Insurance — https://www.coveredca.com/dental/family/
2. Covered California — DPPO Dental Insurance Plan Details — https://www.coveredca.com/support/getting-started/ppo-dental-details/
3. Covered California — Family Dental Plans: 2026 Adult Dental Benefits, Limitations and Exclusions (PDF) — https://www.coveredca.com/pdfs/2026_Dental_Benefits_Comparative.pdf
4. Covered California — Covered California Announces Premium Change for 2026 Dental Plans After Another Year of Steady Growth (August 26, 2025) — https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2025/08/26/covered-california-announces-premium-change-for-2026-dental-plans-after-another-year-of-steady-growth/
5. Covered California — Covered California Announces Premium Change for 2027 Dental Plans While Continuing to Deliver Affordable Coverage Options (August 25, 2026) — https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2026/08/25/covered-california-announces-premium-change-for-2027-dental-plans-while-continuing-to-deliver-affordable-coverage-options/
6. Healthinsurance.org — California Dental Insurance: 2026 Guide — https://www.healthinsurance.org/dental-insurance/california/
7. California Department of Health Care Services — Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes — https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal-dental-benefit-changes/
8. Smile, California (Medi-Cal Dental Program) — Covered Services: Adults (21–54) — https://smilecalifornia.org/covered-services/adults/
9. California Department of Managed Health Care — Partner Presentation: California Department of Managed Health Care (September 2022, PDF) — https://hbex.coveredca.com/toolkit/webinars-briefings/downloads/CCAOE23_DMHC_Overview.pdf
10. California Dental Association — Offering a discount dental plan in the practice: the basics — https://www.cda.org/newsroom/2020/offering-a-discount-dental-plan-in-the-practice-―-the-basics/
11. TRICARE Communications — Check out the new TRICARE Dental Program premiums starting March 1 — https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/TRICARE-News/Article/4392762/check-out-the-new-tricare-dental-program-premiums-starting-march-1
12. Medicare.gov — Dental services — https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/dental-services
13. Internal Revenue Service — Topic no. 502, Medical and dental expenses — https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502
14. OneDigital — IRS Releases 2026 Health and Welfare Limits — https://www.onedigital.com/blog/irs-2026-health-welfare-limits
15. Southwestern College — Dental Hygiene Clinic (Higher Education Center at National City) — https://www.swccd.edu/locations/higher-education-center-at-national-city/programs/dental-hygiene-program/dental-hygiene-clinic/
16. Real Dental Costs — Dental Procedure Cost List (2026) — https://realdentalcosts.com/en/dental-procedure-cost-list/
17. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health via Business Wire — New Report: Nearly 9.6 Million Adults Have Traveled Outside the US to Receive Dental Treatment — https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260616651388/en/New-Report-Nearly-9.6-Million-Adults-Have-Traveled-Outside-the-US-to-Receive-Dental-Treatment
18. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Medical Tourism: Travel to Another Country for Medical Care — https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/medical-tourism
19. U.S. Department of State — Mexico Travel Advisory — https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html
20. Molar City — Cruzando la Frontera de San Ysidro para Trabajo Dental en Tijuana (August 15, 2026) — https://www.molarcity.com/es/cruzando-la-frontera-de-san-ysidro-para-trabajo-dental-en-tijuana/

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