Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program
/Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) program staff helps eligible kids access ABCD-certified dentists by providing case management and technical assistance. If a child has Apple Health (Medicaid), they are eligible to receive the following through ABCD:
Fluoride varnish applications
Dental examinations
Parent education sessions
Restorative care as needed
Children who participate in the ABCD program are more likely to have their first dental visit before age two and receive care before oral health problems arise. They also can receive dental care from one of more than 100 ABCD-certified dentists in Spokane County.
The goal of ABCD is to reduce the extent of disparities in dental health for Spokane’s young children by decreasing dental disease rates with early access to preventative dental care. ABCD emphasizes early intervention, prevention, education, and comprehensive care.
The Washington State Health Care Authority and ARCORA Foundation fund the ABCD program at SRHD.
Children under age 6 using Washington state’s Apple Health/Provider One medical coverage are eligible for the ABCD program. For additional information, see the state-wide website.
What’s new?
ABCD expanded! Starting January 2022, the program will include children with a Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) indicator through age 12.
The dentists must be ABCD providers and take additional Phase III training. Phase III includes training on explicit and implicit biases and barriers to accessing care. This training also focuses on providing services for children with communication disorders, patients with specific dietary needs, and sensory sensitivities. Dentists will also be able to give parents and caregivers guidance on facilitating home oral hygiene.
Translation Resources
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