Mayor Bass Defends Dental Care Comments for Homeless Meth Users

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated on Friday that dental services for homeless individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction are “already funded” through the California Medical Care Program. This comment comes in light of backlash following her remarks at a recent mayoral candidates forum.

At the forum, Bass highlighted the importance of dental health for homeless meth users, arguing that having teeth is vital for rebuilding their lives. “How many people have you met who don’t have a home and don’t have any teeth?” she questioned. “They don’t have teeth. Why? Because meth rots them.”

She elaborated on her belief that comprehensive healthcare is crucial for these individuals, remarking, “If you don’t have teeth, you can’t succeed.” In an interview, when asked about who would fund the dental care, she maintained that such care is accessible through Medi-Cal, asserting, “So when I say comprehensive care, that’s actually what people get from Medi-Cal.” However, she acknowledged that a failure to connect people with available services is an ongoing issue.

When pressed by ABC7’s Josh Haskell about the financial implications for taxpayers, Bass responded, “Well, we’re already paying the price for that. It’s already been paid. It’s a connection that’s not happening.”

Haskell then probed further, asking what steps were taken to tackle the drug crisis to alleviate the burden on taxpayers regarding dental care costs for homeless meth users. Bass noted her administration’s proactive approach, stating, “Even though it was the county’s role to provide health, not the city’s, that wasn’t enough for me.” She explained that her office redirected legal fees from tobacco settlements to collaborate with drug treatment organizations.

Continuing this line of thought, she emphasized the importance of not just dental care but also helping individuals transition to a more productive life to reduce reliance on public assistance. “While someone is in temporary housing waiting for permanent housing, let’s help them take action so they can be successful and ultimately not need public assistance at all,” she asserted.

Bass is currently facing re-election challenges from Los Angeles City Council member Nitya Raman and former reality star Spencer Pratt. Critics have pointed out her struggles in responding effectively to the city’s ongoing homeless crisis and the aftermath of the 2025 Los Angeles fires.