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(DES MOINES, Iowa) - Dental health in the state of Iowa just a got a boost.

State officials are encouraging Iowa families to take advantage of the nation’s first dental-only program for underinsured children. The dental-only program is open to children in families whose income would qualify for the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i) program and who have health insurance that does not include dental care.

The program is free to families with incomes below 150 percent of poverty and will cost no more than $30 a month, depending on family size and income. The maximum family income threshold is three times the poverty level, or $43,710 for a family of two.

Parents can call 1-800-257-8563 with questions or visit www.hawk-i.org for more information on how to apply.  In addition to routine dental care, the program also covers medically-necessary dental work.