Dental Health

Pregnant women should see their dentist before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure their mouths are healthy. A bad tooth or gum infection can spread throughout the body and cause serious complications.

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 your child's life
  • Provide positive dental experience
  • Prevent the child from experiencing pain from dental disease
  • Provide education about how to take care of your child's dental health
Dental Health LogoAccess to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) puts young children across Washington state on a lifelong path to good oral health.

ABCD connects children from birth to age 6 who have Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) with providers who know how to care for young children.  ABCD focuses on prevention and avoiding tooth decay, as well as shares information with parents about how to take good care of their children’s teeth. 
ABCD program has expanded to include eligible children ages 6-13 with a Developmental Disabilities Administration indicator (DDA), which means that the patient has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The ABCD program coordinator is available to assist parents with finding a child-friendly dentist and encourages the first dental visit by age 1.

ABCD clients receive each year:

  • Two dental exams 
  • Three fluoride applications 
  • Two education sessions for the child's parent 
  • Restorative care, as needed

For more information or to enroll your child, call: 
Youth & Family Link: (360) 423-6741 x201

Teeth Brushing
ABCD Program Brochures: English     |     Spanish