With thousands of California children struggling to access basic dental care, two new pediatric dental offices have opened in Bakersfield and Redding, bringing much-needed services to regions grappling with some of the state’s highest rates of childhood tooth decay. These new offices, established by Children’s Choice Dental Care, aim to provide comprehensive and preventive dental care in communities where consistent access has been a challenge.
For families in the Central Valley and Shasta County, securing regular dental visits has often felt like an uphill battle. Children’s Choice is stepping in to change that by creating welcoming, family-centered environments that make essential dental care easier to access and more enjoyable for kids. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, these new offices hope to reduce barriers and build a foundation of lifelong health.
“Every child deserves a healthy smile, regardless of their circumstances,” said Dr. Jeff Jacobson, chief clinical officer of Children’s Choice. “Our mission is to create places where children can feel comfortable, supported, and cared for—especially in regions like Bakersfield and Redding, where we’re seeing higher rates of untreated dental issues. We know that oral health is closely tied to a child’s ability to succeed—healthy teeth mean fewer school absences, improved focus, and greater confidence in their daily lives. Addressing these gaps isn’t just about providing dental care; it’s about empowering families and helping children thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”
In California, 61% of third graders have experienced tooth decay, with over 22% suffering from untreated cavities. The numbers are even more alarming for children in underserved communities. In 25 Northern California counties, including Shasta County, an estimated 51.6% of children experienced tooth decay by the third grade.*
Nationwide, tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children—a reality that underscores the need for widespread preventive care and early intervention. According to the American Dental Association, children should start receiving dental care as soon as their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Children’s Choice is committed to creating positive experiences early on, in hopes that kids will adopt healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
“We’re focused on more than just addressing immediate needs,” said Dr. Jacobson. “We’re creating lasting change in these communities by making dental care accessible and proactive. When families know they can count on convenient and quality care, it empowers them to take charge of their children’s health—and that has ripple effects throughout the entire community.”
Children’s Choice is now welcoming families in Bakersfield and Redding. Bakersfield families can call (661) 443-5243, and Redding families can call (530) 738-2090 for questions or to schedule an appointment.
About Children’s Choice
Children’s Choice is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible pediatric dental care across California, focusing on preventive services that help build healthier communities.
With over 27 locations across the state, our mission is to make essential dental care available to every child. Children’s Choice creates a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere where children and parents feel comfortable and supported. Every day, our goal at Children’s Choice is to give children everywhere a reason to smile.
