In Washington, 4 out of 10 kids enter Kindergarten with tooth decay. Children can’t learn if they are in pain from dental disease. It’s the most common chronic childhood disease and can lead to other serious health problems.
The good news is dental disease is preventable. There are programs that help children start on the right track toward good oral health. Washington’s Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) is a nationally recognized program that helps Medicaid-enrolled kids, up to age six, get connected with dental care—starting as early as their first birthday. Early intervention is important as dental problems often start small but quickly become more difficult and costly to treat. The program’s focus on prevention is cost effective which means savings for the state, families and taxpayers.
Support continued funding for state and local programs, such as ABCD, that help prevent dental disease. We have a responsibility to protect the health of all children so they can play, thrive, and learn.