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, the Program provides preventive and restorative dental care to Medicaid-eligible children from birth through age 5, with the emphasis on enrollment by the first birthday.

Washington Dental Service Foundation provides start-up funding and program development assistance to ABCD programs statewide. We track outcomes and work in partnership with the University of Washington School of Dentistry, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Department of Health, the Washington State Dental Association, local dental societies, and local health jurisdictions to increase the number of Medicaid children 0-5 years old who access dental care.

ABCD, which began in Spokane County in 1995, now operates in 30 of Washington’s 39 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 children in Washington who are receiving dental care -- from 40,000 to 107,000, an increase from 21 percent to 38.7 percent.

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