Increasing dental access and treatment for very young children

The Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program expands access to oral health prevention and treatment services. Named a “best practice” in 2000 by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, ABCD provides preventive and restorative dental care to Medicaid-enrolled children from birth through age 5, with an emphasis on enrollment by the first birthday.

Washington Dental Service Foundation (WDSF) provides start-up funding and program development assistance to ABCD programs statewide. WDS Foundation tracks outcomes and works in partnership with the University of Washington School of Dentistry, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Health, the Washington State Dental Association, local dental societies, and local health jurisdictions to increase the number of Medicaid children from birth through age 5 who access dental care.

ABCD began in Spokane County in 1995, and now operates in 33 out of 39 Washington counties. Local health departments identify and enroll families and private dental practices provide services to Medicaid-enrolled children under age six. Dentists are trained in early childhood dental techniques and receive enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rates. Through family oral health education, parents and children learn behaviors that will prevent cavities and oral disease.

Since 1995, the ABCD Program has more than doubled the number of young Medicaid-enrolled children in Washington who are receiving dental care -- from 40,000 to 127,000, an increase from 21% to 42.8%.

For more information, visit www.abcd-dental.org view our Baby Teeth Brochure, or contact Kathy O’Meara-Wyman, ABCD Program Managing Director.  Phone (509) 307-8929 or Email at kathyomw@aol.com