ABCD PARTNERS AND THEIR ROLES:

Spokane Regional Health District
•Spokane's local health district obtains funding to cover approximately half of program costs. Many of the programs in Washington State have local funding provided by Washington Dental Service Foundation under contract with the health district or other entity. Others use local city and county tax revenue.

•Enrolls the client and family into the ABCD program and provides the client with an ABCD program identification card, which must be shown to the dentist to prove client's enrollment.

•Provides continuing case management services to families.

•Assures that obstacles to care, such as lack of transportation and limited English proficiency, are addressed.

•Provides an orientation to the client family on the importance of keeping appointments, what to expect during the dental visit, training in appropriate office behavior, as well as some basic oral health information.

•Coordinates with local outreach agencies and others to reach and refer eligible clients.

•Maintains the database of children enrolled in the program, sending it to the state Medicaid office monthly.

•Serves as the liaison with dental offices; encouraging participation, troubleshooting problems, obtaining client appointment data, education no-show clients, and providing information through newsletters.

•Provides parent education.

•Serves on the ABCD Oversight Task Force Committee/Advisory Committee.

•Promotes ongoing media focus.

Medical Assistance Administration of the Department of Social and Health Services
•Draws down Title XIX HCFA funding for outreach and linkage as a dollar for dollar match with local funding source. Contracts are limited to a governmental entity such as the Health District.

•Reimburses program-certified dentists for services covered under this program, providing enhanced fees for selected procedures.

•Provides billing assistance and in-office training to local provider dental practices.

•Processes database information to help evaluate the various programs.

Spokane District Dental Society
•Members provide the dental services and all participating dentists have completed a certification process conducted by the University of Washington.

•Obtains local interest and participation in program by member dentists, designs local modifications, if any, and provides peer consultation and review.

•Serves on, and may chair, the ABCD Oversight Task Force/Advisory Committee.

Washington State Dental Association
•Facilitates and encourages participation of the local dental community.

• Developed the ABCD logo.

Washington Dental Service Foundation

• Provides grants for administrative funding for various ABCD programs.

•Implemented State ABCD website. (www.abcd-dental.org).

University of Washington
•Responsible for the research component of the project. Professors from the University have published numerous articles in nationally recognized journals.

•Conducts initial ABCD dental provider training and certification in early pediatric techniques.

•Develops protocols and provides ongoing education and consultation to local dental providers.

•Provides technical and procedural consultation on enhanced treatments.

ABCDE Partnerships include:
SPOKANE REGIONAL HEALTH DISTRICT
Spokane District Dental Society
Spokane County Medical Society
Medical Assistance Administration/Department of Social and Health Services
University of Washington

Group Health Community Foundation
The Group Health Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the mission of improving the health of our communities. Group Health Cooperative created the Foundation in 1983. Grants totaling more the $4.1 million have been awarded to community groups and Group Health programs. Group Health has provided funding for the ABCD"E" Project.

Washington Dental Service Foundation
Washington Dental Service Foundation is the state’s largest foundation dedicated exclusively to improving oral health. Created by Washington Dental Service in 1985, the Foundation provides grants across the state and partners with Spokane Regional Health District’s Access to Baby and Child Dentistry and Access to Baby and Child Dentistry "Expanded".

Since 1985, Washington Dental Service Foundation has contributed more than $7 million to community projects, education programs and research activities focused on oral health.