The program behind Washington State's success

Low-income children in Washington state are more likely than those in any other state to see a dentist at least once a year. Why? Stakeholders in the state give much of the credit to a program called Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD). Northwest Public Radio explores how the program works.

ABCD was launched in 1994, and most of Washington’s 39 counties participate in the program. ABCD requires collaboration among dentists, public health leaders and parents. Key goals include enrolling Medicaid-eligible children by age 1 and educating their families about oral health.

A 2010 report by the Pew Charitable Trusts examined ABCD and found it was having a "remarkable impact" on expanding access for low-income children.

• Coverage, Access & Financing
• Medicaid & CHIP