In Washington nearly 40% of Kindergarten children start school having experienced preventable tooth decay. Left untreated, the pain and infection caused by tooth decay can lead to problems in eating, speaking, and learning. Through prevention and early intervention, the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program works to ensure:
- More low-income children receive needed dental care: Over the last ten years, the rate of Medicaid insured children under age 6 receiving dental has nearly doubled, from 22% to 43%, and children are being seen earlier before disease starts.
- Progress in improving oral health outcomes for children and cost savings: Washington’s 2010 Smile Survey shows that the rate of untreated decay among low-income preschoolers was cut in half over the last 5 years, from 26% in 2005 to 13% in 2010.
What the Legislature can do:
- Protect local funding for ABCD: Funding for local coordinators in counties across the state are needed to continue connecting children eligible for Medicaid with dental care.
- Protect funding for children’s health: Apple Health for Kids helps ensure that low-income children have access to medical and dental care.
Oral Health Watch
6 hours ago
#DYK tooth decay is largely preventable? Proven-effective strategies like access to regular dental visits, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, and community water fluoridation can help kids and adults avoid the physical discomfort and burdensome cost of cavities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
7 hours ago
Thank you, Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington, Seattle Children's, and caring volunteer providers for making the SmileMobile possible. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
7 hours ago
💯 Arcora Foundation. Oral health care needs don't go away just because coverage does. The estimated 250,000 Washingtonians in need of dental care to either pay out of pocket, delay preventive care and/or forego necessary dental treatment, leading to:
🤒 Needless pain and suffering
... 💵 Burdening patients with costly care
🏥 Straining hospital emergency departments and our health care system
💪 Compromising individual and community health
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Is it important for both parents and kids to have access to preventive oral health care? 💯 Parents who model good oral health habits make it more likely for children to adopt these practices from a young age. This proactive approach can help prevent future dental problems, missed school days due... to pain, and potential long-term health issues. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Is it important for both parents and kids to have access to preventive oral health care? 💯 Parents who model good oral health habits make it more likely for children to adopt these practices from a young age. This proactive approach can help prevent future dental problems, missed school days due... to pain, and potential long-term health issues. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago