Community Health Center

San Diego Community Health Center

2630 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92103-6599

San Diego Community Health Center is a community health center dental clinic in San Diego, CA, operated by San Diego American Indian Health Center.

The health center is open about 40 hours a week, though dental sessions are usually a subset of that.

Clinic Details

Address2630 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone619-234-2158
Operated bySan Diego American Indian Health Center
ProgramHealth Center Program (federally funded)

Costs and Coverage

Fees follow an income-based scale, so the same treatment costs different patients different amounts. The bands are set by San Diego American Indian Health Center rather than nationally, which is why prices differ between two clinics on the same scale. Get the assessment done first; it changes what the whole plan costs, not just the first visit. Our guide to applying for the discount lists the documents to bring.

This clinic has a Medicaid billing registration on file, which is a good sign but not a guarantee for your particular plan. California decides its own adult dental benefit, which ranges from comprehensive to emergency extractions only depending on the state and the year. Children are covered everywhere. The Medicaid dental page covers how to check yours.

Dental Services

Service and coverage information recorded for this clinic includes:

  • Medicaid

Treatments offered and insurance accepted change over time, and services not listed here may still be available. Contact the clinic to confirm what is currently offered.

Planning Your Visit

2630 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

The published number is 619-234-2158. At larger organizations it may reach central scheduling rather than the dental department, so say which clinic you are calling about and that it is for dental care.

Before making the trip, check: the dental hours, and which days appointments run, whether new dental patients are being taken, and the current wait, what a first visit costs, before and after any discount, and what to bring for the sliding fee application.

Common Questions

Can I book online?

This clinic publishes a website, linked at the top of this page, and some health centers take dental requests through a portal or a form. Calling is still usually faster for dental, because the dental schedule is often held separately from the one an online form writes into.

Do I have to be a registered patient first?

Some clinics require you to register with the health center before booking dental, which adds a step and sometimes a separate appointment. Ask about that on the first call so you are not turned back at the desk.

Would a dental school be cheaper?

For a large amount of work, often yes — but a school screens you first, may turn your case down, and takes months rather than weeks. A health center discounts by your income and can usually see you sooner. Our guide to dental school clinics compares the two.

How do I get my records if I move away?

Ask for a copy of your chart and your X-rays, which you are entitled to. Recent images are worth having: a new dentist can often use them instead of taking their own, which saves a charge at the first visit somewhere else.

I have private dental insurance. Is it worth using here?

Often yes, and the two combine: the clinic bills your plan and the discount applies to what is left. Ask whether they are in network for your plan, because out-of-network billing can leave you paying more than the discounted cash price.

Is there help if I do not speak English?

Health centers are required to provide language assistance and most have interpreting available, in person or by phone. Say which language you need when you book rather than on the day, so an interpreter can be arranged for the appointment.

Other Clinics Operated by San Diego American Indian Health Center

San Diego American Indian Health Center has no other locations, so there is nowhere else within the same organization to ask. Work down the nearby clinics below if this one is full.

Other Dental Clinics Nearby

Straight-line distances. The nearest clinic is not reliably the one that can see you soonest, so try a couple.

Confirmed Payment Options

Income-Based FeesMedicaid

Call San Diego Community Health Center

Confirm current dental services, appointment availability, costs and accepted insurance directly with the clinic.

619-234-2158

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