Video: Free dental care for low income kids

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SEATTLE - Half of the children in King County do not get the dental care they need.

Now a new program is helping to change that.

When her family lost dental coverage through her employer this year, Kathy Overhus was worried.

"We just paid cash for the dental appointments so we limited what we did," she said.

She was surprised to learn her family was eligible for a program that could provide the kids free dental care.

First they had to meet some guidelines.

Families must live in King County and have no dental coverage. It's for children younger than 20 whose families earn between 250 and 300 percent of the federal poverty level. That's around $61,000 a year for a family of four.

It sounds high, but families with lower income may qualify for state aid.

"We don't make so little that we qualify for more help. But, the situation that we're in, we're not making enough and getting the benefits that we need," Overhus said.

Dentist Dwight Cottrill says that often puts families he sees in a dilemma.

"They seem to bring their kids in fairly regularly I think," he said. "I think probably more than themselves. It's probably kids first, mom and dad last."

Washington Dental Service, the biggest dental insurer in the state, is sponsoring the program with a $1 million grant. Families can choose from more than 900 dentists.

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The program provides children with everything from cleanings to fillings, fluoride and sealants at no cost.

"We just stepped in to bridge this gap until 2009 so that the children could receive services," said Darlene Oneill, of Washington Dental Service.

In 2009 the state is expected to begin covering these families for the long run. Until then these children can get everything from cleanings to fillings, fluoride and sealants at no cost. 

The new dental program is one part of King County's Health Action Plan. The goal is to provide regular doctor and dental care for low income children.

One hundred and fifty children are signed up with the dental program so far. Organizers hope to reach at least 1,000 this year.