(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (h) of Section 14132 and to the extent funds are made available in the annual Budget Act for this purpose, the following are covered benefits for beneficiaries 21 years of age or older under this chapter:

(1) One dental prophylaxis cleaning per year.

(2) One initial dental examination by a dentist.

(b) The following are covered benefits for beneficiaries under 21 years of age under this chapter:

(1) Two dental prophylaxis cleanings per year.

(2) Two periodic dental examinations per year.

(c) For persons 21 years of age or older, laboratory-processed crowns on posterior teeth are not a covered benefit except when a posterior tooth is necessary as an abutment for any fixed or removable prosthesis.

(d) Any prefabricated crown made from ADA-approved materials may be used on posterior teeth and may be reimbursed as a stainless steel crown.

(e) The department shall reduce the rate of subgingival curettage and root planing by 41 percent for all beneficiaries except those residing in a skilled nursing facility or an intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled. Notwithstanding Section 14105 and Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department may implement this subdivision by means of a provider bulletin or similar instruction, without taking regulatory action.

(f) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the department shall require pretreatment radiograph documentation on posttreatment claims to establish the medical necessity for dental restorations. The pretreatment documentation required under this subdivision is intended to reduce fraudulent claims for unnecessary dental fillings. In order to avoid any undue barriers to accessing dental care, the department shall stipulate that the pretreatment radiograph documentation for posttreatment claims will be required only when there are four or more dental fillings being completed in any 12-month period.

(2) For any beneficiary who is under four years of age, or who, regardless of age, has a developmental disability, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 4512, radiographs or photographs that indicate decay on any tooth surface shall be considered sufficient documentation to establish the medical necessity for treatment provided.

(3) Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the department shall implement this subdivision by means of a provider bulletin or similar instruction, without taking regulatory action.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 61, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2007.)