Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD)

The Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program improves access to dental care for Medicaid-eligible children from birth through 5 years. ABCD educates dentists and families on the importance of early preventative dental care. Participating dentists are trained in early pediatric dental techniques and are eligible for increased Medicaid reimbursement for certain services. Dental staff are trained in communication and appropriate client follow-up procedures. Prior to receiving a membership card parents undergo dental care education available through home visit, Head Start, WIC, or other community-based organizations. Case managers work with patients and providers to set up appointments, make referrals to health and social service programs, and billing. ABCD provides Medicaid covered services including: an initial comprehensive exam, two annual periodic exams, three fluoride applications per year, two oral health education sessions per year, and emergency visits as needed.

The goal of ABCD is to improve access to early pediatric preventative dental care for Medicaid-covered children.

The ABCD program has expanded to operate in 30 of Washington’s 39 counties. The proportion of Medicaid-enrolled children under age 6 accessing dental care has increased from 21% in 1997 to 38.7% in 2008 (from 40,000 children to 107,000 children). In the same time period the proportion of children under age 2 receiving Medicaid dental care increased from 3% to 19%. Among children younger than age 1 access has increased from 0.6% to 8%. Over 900 dentists have been trained in early pediatric techniques to become ABCD certified.