CA AB1051

Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to increase Denti-Cal provider reimbursement rates for the 15 most common prevention, treatment, and oral evaluation services to regional average commercial rates, effective January 1, 2017.

Establishes legislative intent to attract and retain more Denti-Cal providers with emphasis on underserved areas and increase program utilization.

Notes that only 37.8 percent of California's five million Denti-Cal-eligible children saw a dentist in 2014, with five counties having no providers and 14 counties having only non-accepting providers.

Identifies low reimbursement rates (typically one-third to one-half of national average) as a primary cause of low provider participation in the Denti-Cal program.

Does not appropriate funds or require additional cost allocations beyond the reimbursement rate increase mandate.