Families in Oceanside and the greater San Diego area now have easier access to essential pediatric dental care with the recent opening of Children’s Choice Dental Care.
Serving primarily military families eligible for Medi-Cal and Tri-Care, the center will provide preventive and comprehensive dental services to children, helping to address the region’s significant oral health disparities.
Access to dental care remains a critical issue in San Diego County, especially for children enrolled in Medi-Cal.
The California Third Grade Smile Survey highlights significant oral health disparities in the region, with results showing that nearly one in five (20%) third graders have untreated tooth decay—a preventable condition that can lead to pain, infection, missed school, and long-term health complications.
Additionally, the survey found that only 30% of these children use dental sealants, a simple and effective way to reduce tooth decay. These statistics highlight the urgent need to improve access to pediatric dental care and preventive services in San Diego to ensure more children receive the critical dental care they need for a healthy future.
With a significant portion of neighborhood families relying on Medi-Cal for their health care, the new Children’s Choice Dental Care office will work to bridge that gap and ensure every child has access to quality dental care.
“Every child deserves a healthy, confident smile,” said Dr. Jeff Jacobson, Chief Medical Officer of Children’s Choice Dental Care. “Oral health is tied to overall health, and we are honored to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where families can get the care they need.”
Children’s Choice Dental of Oceanside will host a grand opening event that will bring together local leaders, health care professionals, and community members to celebrate this important investment in children’s health. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new office, meet the care team, and learn more about the resources available to families in the community.
As part of the celebration, the event will feature a Children’s Choice Art Contest, giving local children the opportunity to showcase their creativity. The winning artwork will be permanently displayed at the office to foster a sense of community pride and engagement.
“This clinic is more than just a dental office, it’s a place where children and families feel valued, supported, and empowered to take control of their health,” said Dr. Jacobson. “We are excited to bring this resource to Oceanside and the entire San Diego community.”
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