Welcome
Dental care for new neighbors in San Diego
A welcoming dental home for recent arrivals, refugees, and resettlement community members in City Heights and Mid-City. Denti-Cal accepted. Bilingual care. We do not ask about immigration status.
Moving to a new country is hard. Finding a doctor or dentist should not add to the stress. We see people from many backgrounds — many of our patients are recent arrivals from Vietnam, East Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. You are welcome here. We will take time to explain things. We will not rush you. If English is not your first language, that is okay — we will work with you.
Our promise
We do not ask about immigration status. Anywhere. Ever.
Not on our forms. Not at the front desk. Not in the chair. Your care here does not depend on your documents. Your information stays between you and your dental team. We do not share patient information with immigration authorities.
What we offer
Care that meets you where you are
Denti-Cal accepted
We accept Denti-Cal (California Medicaid dental). If you have a Medi-Cal card, bring it. If you are not sure what you have, bring whatever paperwork you have and we will help you check.
Bilingual care — English and Vietnamese
Our team speaks English and Vietnamese. The site also has a Google Translate button at the top for other languages. If you need an interpreter for your visit, please tell us when you call.
Walk-ins welcome
You can call to make an appointment, but you can also walk in. If we cannot see you the same day, we will help you schedule a visit that works for you.
Payment plans — ask us
If you do not have insurance, or your insurance does not cover what you need, ask us about payment plans. We will work with you. No pressure.
Your first visit
What to expect, what to bring
The first visit is about getting to know you and looking at your teeth. No big decisions on day one unless you are in pain.
What to bring
An ID if you have one. An insurance or Medi-Cal card if you have one. A list of medicines you take, if any. That is it.
If you do not have an ID
You can still come in. Please call us first so we can talk. We will help you figure out the next step. Lack of ID is not a reason to skip care.
What we will ask
Your name, contact information, and your health history (medicines, allergies, past dental care). We ask these so we can keep you safe during treatment.
What we will NOT ask
We do not ask about immigration status. We do not ask where you were born. We do not share your information with immigration authorities. Ever.
Denti-Cal — California Medicaid dental
Help signing up for free or low-cost dental coverage
Denti-Cal is California's Medicaid dental program. It covers many basic services — cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more. Children get even broader coverage. Many recent arrivals qualify, including refugees and asylees. Enrollment is handled through Medi-Cal (Covered California / county social services), not through our office, but we can point you in the right direction.
The Denti-Cal site is run by the State of California. We do not control its content.
Local resources
San Diego resettlement organizations
These groups help with housing, jobs, English classes, legal help, and benefits enrollment. They are not part of our practice — we list them because our patients ask for them often.
International Rescue Committee (IRC) — San Diego
Resettlement services, employment, English classes, and case management.
Visit website →
Catholic Charities — Diocese of San Diego
Refugee and immigration services, food assistance, and family support.
Visit website →
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Refugee resettlement, immigration legal services, and community programs.
Visit website →
Karen Organization of San Diego
Support for Karen, Karenni, Chin, and other refugee communities in San Diego.
Visit website →
These are external organizations. We do not control their websites or services. Please contact them directly with questions about their programs.
Ready to come in? We are glad you are here.
Call us, walk in, or book online. If you have questions before you come, we will answer them. There is no wrong way to start.
5296 University Ave, Suite I · San Diego, CA · Next to Vien Dong Supermarket