You have dental benefits! Your Medi-Cal plan offers dental benefits for both children and adults. The services are covered by the Medi-Cal Dental Program and not by the Alliance. You will need to show your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) to your dental provider to receive dental services. For more information, or to find a dentist near you, you can: ■ Call the Medi-Cal Dental Program at 800-322-6384 (TTY: 800-735-2922). ■ Visit the Medi-Cal Dental website at dental.dhcs.ca.gov. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events in a child’s or teenager’s life. They are very common, and most adults have experienced at least one. ACEs can happen to anyone. Toxic stress is something that overwhelms you and can leave you feeling powerless and hopeless. These stressors are also considered to be ACEs. This is different from everyday stress, and too much can be unhealthy. This stress can affect the way a child’s body and mind grows, leading to health problems such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. It can also affect behavior, learning and mental health. At your child’s next doctor appointment, the doctor may ask questions about your child’s exposure to these events or stressors. The doctor will ask about the following history: ■ Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual). ■ Neglect (physical, emotional). ■ Household instability (mental illness, incarcerated relative, substance abuse, divorce, sudden loss of a loved one). ■ Violence, bullying. These may be difficult questions to answer, but you only need to answer with a “yes.” The doctor may wish to talk to you more about some of the questions. This helps determine if you or your child is at an increased health risk. It also helps your doctor take better care of your child and to recommend additional services to make sure your child grows up healthy. 7 Living Healthy
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzIxMDA=