The Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) program offers preventive dental care for children from birth through 5 years who have Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) insurance.
The ABCD program can help parents find a child-friendly dentist and encourages the first dental visit by age 1.
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 the child's life
- Provide a positive dental experience
- Prevent the child from later experiencing pain from dental disease
- Provide parents with education about oral health for children
ABCD clients receive each year:
- Two dental exams
- Three fluoride varnish applications
- Two parent education sessions
- Restorative care, as needed
For more information about the ABCD program and to receive a list of participating dental providers, call Clark County Public Health at 564.397.7371.
Para más información sobre el programa ABCD y para recibir una lista de dentistas certificados, llame a Salud Publica del Condado de Clark al 564.397.7371.
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. New mothers can protect their child's teeth from the start by maintaining their own oral health during pregnancy.
Parents can prevent tooth decay by teaching their children how to brush their teeth. Parents should help their child with brushing until they are 6 to 8 years old. Remember to brush 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.
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.
Medicaid and low-cost dental providers
Providers who offer low fees or reduced fees based on income, or who accept Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). 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 program providers.
Recursos de salud oral
Aquí hay algunos recursos de salud oral en Español:
DentistLink
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.
Call 844.888.5465 or look through their on-line directory.
SMILE survey
SMILE Survey 2015-16 - Clark County results from statewide survey to assess oral health of children.