(a) Subject to the availability of funding, the department shall conduct a dental outreach and education program for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. The program shall inform Medi-Cal beneficiaries of the availability of dental care and provide information regarding recommended frequencies for regular and preventive dental care, how to obtain Medi-Cal dental care, how to avoid inappropriate care or fraudulent providers, and how to obtain assistance in getting care or resolving problems with dental care.
(b) The program shall particularly target underserved populations and parents of young and adolescent children, and it shall include the following components:
(1) Incorporation of dental themes and information in ongoing outreach and advertising efforts, including those for Medi-Cal and the Healthy Families program.
(2) Education and outreach materials for inclusion in mailings to beneficiaries.
(3) Education and consumer protection materials for display and distribution at sites providing Medi-Cal dental care, clinics, and other health care facilities and sites.
(c) The department shall consult with dental professional groups and experts, community organizations, advertising and media experts, and other parties, as the department deems appropriate, in order to develop and structure the program in an effective and efficient manner.
(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 93, Sec. 94. Effective July 7, 2000.)