Often the fear of seeing the dentist starts when we are young, which is one of the reasons why it’s so important to get your kids to the dentist to nurture positive attitudes early. Plus, dental health affects your entire body, and early oral hygiene sets the stage for healthy adult teeth…or lots of problems. That’s why Grays Harbor Public Health supports the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, young patients with tooth decay (cavities) in their primary teeth are three times more likely to develop tooth decay in their permanent teeth. That’s why they say early and effective prevention of tooth decay in baby teeth can reduce suffering and expense later.
Bet you didn’t know that cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease. Surveys show that 50% of children go on to experience cavities in their adult teeth. With children and families facing more barriers to care that number increases to 70%. But the good news is early dental visits can prevent most cavities before they start.
Children’s Dental Program in Grays Harbor
Grays Harbor County Public Health knows that a healthy smile starts early. That’s why they support the ABCD (Access to Baby and Child Dentistry) program – making it easier for families with Apple Health (Medicaid) to get young children into the dentist chair as early as possible, at no cost.
“All children should see a dentist within six months of their first tooth coming in,” says Dr. Stephen Rupert, DDS, of Rupert Family Dentistry in Aberdeen. “Early visits help establish good habits, prevent issues, and reduce fear later on.”
“First Tooth, First Birthday, and Every Six Months After.” That’s the motto promoted by ABCD Coordinator Kimberly McLaury, who helps families navigate early dental care. The ABCD program connects children under age 6—and children 6–12 with a Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) indicator—to specially trained local dentists who know how to care for young children and ensure a gentle, positive experience.
What’s Covered Through ABCD:
- Dental checkups
- Fluoride varnish applications
- Parent education
- Basic restorative care (when needed)
But ABCD offers more than just appointments. Coordinators like McLaury provide hands-on support to help families schedule visits, find a provider, and even arrange transportation if needed.
“Some families just need a little extra help,” McLaury says. “We’re here to make sure a trip to the dentist doesn’t feel overwhelming.”
Support for Providers, Too
To encourage participation, ABCD dentists receive higher reimbursement for specific services, making it easier for them to serve children with Apple Health.
ABCD is a public–private partnership between Washington’s Health Care Authority, the University of Washington, and the Arcora Foundation. Together, they support local dentists with pediatric training and give families the tools and support they need for stress-free, welcoming dental care from the very beginning.
Why Take Young Children to the Dentist
“The goal of getting into the dentist early is to make children comfortable and acquainted with the dentist, learn about how to care for their teeth and to prevent restorative dental treatments,” shares McLaury. “We want to avoid families waiting to go in until the child has tooth pain and needs a filling because having dental work done can be scary and if that’s their only experience with the dentist, that can make a child fearful of the dentist.”
Waiting until the tooth hurts can also be very costly. Young children with many cavities may require general anesthesia and hospitalization for dental treatment. “The developmental and psychological, as well as financial, implications can be significant,” adds Rupert. “By building dental homes we establish foundational trust with caregivers and patients through emphasizing prevention, oral hygiene instruction, dietary counseling, monitoring of oral habits and applying/prescribing fluoride as necessary.”
Fluoride is another important part of kids going to the dentist early. This naturally occurring mineral helps slow or stop cavities from forming. Bacteria in our mouth takes sugars from food and drinks and turns them into acid, which damages the enamel on our teeth, leading to cavities.
“Fluoride helps protect teeth from damage and can even help rebuild them,” explains Dr. Rupert. “There are two kinds of fluoride: one you put directly on your teeth, and one you swallow, like in drinking water or toothpaste. The kind you swallow is really important for kids because it helps their adult teeth grow in strong. It also ends up in your saliva, which helps protect your teeth all day long.”
Get a $25 Gift Card for Your Child’s Dental Visit
If your child is under 2 years old and has Apple Health, you can receive a $25 gift card through the Grays Harbor ABCD program when you take them to the dentist.
Here’s how it works:
- Schedule a dental visit for your child at one of these participating clinics:
- Harbor Kids Dental
- Sea Mar Aberdeen
- Dr. Rupert’s Office
- At the appointment, the office staff will sign and stamp your ABCD rewards card.
- Bring the signed rewards card to the Grays Harbor County Health Department to redeem it for a $25 Walmart or Safeway gift card, while supplies last.
Gift cards are only available for children under age 2 with Apple Health, so schedule your visit today!
To learn more, visit the Grays Harbor Access to Baby and Child Dentistry website. To find a dentist, check out Dentist Link, Arcora Foundation’s free referral service. You can visit them online or call/text 844.888.5465.
A healthy smile starts at the dentist!
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