ABCD program

ABCD logo

 

Clark County Public Health promotes the Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) program (English/Spanish) that connects children from birth up to age 6 who have Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) insurance to dentists for preventive dental care. The ABCD program has expanded to include eligible children ages 6-13 with a Developmental Disabilities Administration indicator (DDA) which means that the patient has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The ABCD program coordinator is available to assist parents with finding a child-friendly dentist and encourages the first dental visit by age 1. 

ABCD dentists brochures

View the ABCD dentists brochure in English or Spanish or view using the QR code for a listing of ABCD trained dentists in Clark County to find a dentist near you.     

ABCD English brochure QR code

                      English 

ABCD Spanish brochure QR code

      Spanish

Here are some reasons early visits to the dentist are important for children

  • Make sure all baby teeth are healthy
  • Make going to the dentist a regular part of your child's life
  • Provide positive dental experience
  • Prevent child experiencing pain from dental disease
A little cute African-American girl brushing her teeth
  • Provide education about how to take care of your child's dental health

ABCD clients receive each year

  • Two dental exams 
  • Three fluoride applications 
  • Two education sessions for child's parent 
  • Restorative care, as needed

Community in Motion

Community in Motion logo

Community in Motion provides non-emergency medical transportation to medical services for individuals covered by Washington state Medicaid (Apple Health).

Typical services may include primary care, dental, dialysis, behavioral health, urgent medical care or specialty medical care. For more information and details, view a flyer in English or Spanish.

Interpreting services

Once you have called the dentist and scheduled an appointment for your child, you may request a medical interpreter if needed to communicate with the dentist. This service is covered by Apple Health.

Multiple languages

Una vez que usted ha programado una cita dental para su niño(a) usted puede solicitar un Intérprete médico si lo necesita para comunicarse con el dentista. Este servicio lo cubre Apple Health.

Oral health tips for parents

With proper oral health care, parents can ensure their children have a healthy smile and lower risk of dental disease as they get older. Parents can prevent tooth decay by:

  • Teaching their children how to brush their teeth
  • Helping their child with brushing until they are 6 to 8 years old
  • Brushing for two minutes, two times each day

Dental sealants are another tool for preventing tooth decay. Dental sealants are thin plastic-like materials painted on chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to "seal out" germs and food that cause decay and destroy teeth. Sealants are effective, safe, easy to apply, long-lasting and cost effective.

Healthy snacks

Healthy snacks for kids should be delicious, nutritious, and colorful. Snacks should not replace a meal but provide nutritious supplements that help to maintain their energy between meals.

  • Be aware of choking hazards, food allergies or food intolerance when choosing snacks to give children.  
  • Avoid snack foods that could stick to the child’s teeth which may contribute to dental decay.

The Tooth Snack Guide offers suggestions for snacks that won’t cause cavities, snacks that usually won’t cause cavities and the foods to avoid that easily cause cavities. Available in English, Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian.


 

DentistLink logo

Call 844.888.5465 or look at DentistLink's on-line directory.

Need a Washington state dentist now? Insured, uninsured or Apple Health (Medicaid), DentistLink is here to help. DentistLink is a non-profit service focused on connecting individuals with dental care they need. This service is provided at no charge.

They have knowledgeable friendly referral specialists to assist clients in finding the best choice and they can also assist in booking a dental appointment. If you need additional dental assistance, the referral specialist can assist you with resources. 

Medicaid and low-cost dental providers 

View the Clark County Dental Resources brochure with Medicaid and low-cost dental care providers who offer low fees or reduced fees based on income, or accept Apple Health (WA Medicaid). Call the provider for up-to-date information and hours.

This list is periodically updated; changes may have occurred since the last update. This list does not imply approval nor does omission imply disapproval. This is not a list of ABCD dental providers. 

Clark College dental hygiene program

The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, located on the Clark College main campus in Vancouver, offers affordable dental care, such as exams, x-rays, scaling and polishing, sealants, fillings and preventive education The center features modern technology and equipment to ensure quality care for patients.

Patients in the Vancouver/Portland area receive high-quality, low-cost care from Clark College dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Adults and children (ages 4-17) are selected for care based on the educational needs of the students. The dental clinic also hosts an annual event to provide children in the local community with free dental exams and care. The event is open to children ages 4-17 that do not have dental insurance.

Another resource for community clinics in Clark County who provide dental services is the Clark County Dental Society website.

A group of children brushing their teeth

Recursos de salud oral

Aquí hay algunos recursos de salud oral en Español: 

Mighty Mouth

The Mighty Mouth gives new mothers information on how they can protect their child's teeth from the start by maintaining their own oral health during pregnancy as well as the early years of their child. Mighty Mouth also has many videos with information for children's oral health.

The Mighty Mouth also offers additional dental health information to teach small children about taking care of their teeth.

Arcora Foundation

Arcora Foundation advances oral health across Washington state, and is the largest foundation in the state dedicated to this cause. It's mission is:

Bending the arc of oral health toward equity. With our 2022-2024 strategic plan, our work is centered in equity to achieve good oral health for all. We have deepened the focus of our prevention and access priorities on racial and ethnic communities—specifically Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)—where disparities in oral disease and access to care are significant. Learn about our initiatives and programs

Strategic Priorities

  • Prevention
  • Expand community water fluoridation.  
  • Influence healthy behaviors.  
  • Address root causes of poor oral health.  

Access

  • Achieve policy changes to improve access to oral health care. 
  • Increase high quality and culturally appropriate care. 
  • Advance innovative models of oral health care. 
  • Expand access to dental care. 

Arcora carries on a spirit of social justice and response to community needs in the work they do today and a vision which is for all people to enjoy good oral and overall health with no one left behind. 


Fluoride

Fluoride is a safe, natural mineral and is another effective way to prevent tooth decay. For children younger than 8,  fluoride helps strengthen the permanent teeth that are developing under the gums. Parents should talk to their child's dentist for fluoride recommendations.

SMILE survey

SMILE Survey 2015-16 - Clark County results from statewide survey to assess oral health of children.

Oral health for people with special needs

The Washington state Department of Health has information about oral health for people with special needs that includes a directory of dentists, fact sheets and resources.

For more information, email Anna Cruz, Program Coordinator. Yo habla Espanol.