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Margarita suspected her two-year-old daughter had cavities. But like many families in Pierce County, she did not have dental coverage and couldn’t afford to go to a dentist.
There are 80,000 children eligible for Medicaid in Pierce County. Only 38% receive dental care. Given the low Medicaid reimbursement rates, there is a severe shortage of providers willing to take on these patients.
With other partners, United Way of Pierce County helped launch the Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program which will serve nearly 6,000 low-income children. For many, this will be their first trip to a dentist.
For Margarita, a referral to the ABCD program, made it possible for both Margarita’s daughter and 10-month-old son to be seen by a pediatric dentist within two weeks. When Margarita’s daughter would not open her mouth for a complete exam, the dentist made a follow-up appointment for a comprehensive exam under sedation so that any existing problem will not go unrecognized and untreated.
Giving through United Way of Pierce County is changing reality. This year, you can do more than ever before by giving to the Community Solutions Fund. Make the most of your gift. Give through United Way.
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