Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD)
The Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) is a Washington State program to improve oral health and to increase access to dental care for Medicaid eligible children less than six years of age. There are three main program objectives:
- Reduce the incidence of early childhood carries by increasing early access to, and utilization of preventive and restorative care for the target Medicaid eligible population.
- Ensure positive childhood dental experiences that lay the foundation for life long ongoing oral health care at home, as well as with dental service providers.
- Establish patterns of oral health care that extend to other family members including primary caregiver(s).
Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) emphasizes preventive dental care, enrollment by first birthday, positive early dental experiences, and parent education
Eligibility: Children 0-5 years of age, with DSHS medical coupons.
Services: Prior to referral to an ABCD dentist, parents receive training in office etiquette (scheduling regular visits and keeping appointments, etc.). Dental offices provide on-going care including oral health education, exams, fluoride treatment, and restorative care as needed. Dental offices may refer clients needing additional support/assistance to the health department for case-management.
A unique feature of the Whatcom ABCD model is the community based program called Parent Access Into Dentistry, or Parent Aid, which is designed to serve uninsured parents of ABCD children. A one-time " Community Augmentation Fund" has been established to help subsidize a number of basic dental services for these parents (usually mothers).
The Whatcom County ABCD program is a collaborative effort between:
- Mt. Baker District Dental Society
- Whatcom County Health Department
- St. Joseph Hospital
- Madrona Medical Group Pediatric Department
- Interfaith Coalition
- University of Washington
- Washington Dental Service Foundation
- DSHS/MAA.
There are currently 25 local private practice dentists participating.
OTHER RESOURCES
www.abcd-dental.org
- Whatcom County Oral Health Coalition
www.HappyTeeth.org
For more information about the program or to refer families, contact:
Maggi Kriger, Program coordinator
(360) 676-6762, Ext. #32022
health@co.whatcom.wa.us
Back to Top |
