The most common chronic disease among children, tooth decay, could be getting a lot more attention under the Affordable Care Act.

New requirements mean children in Arizona and across the country will have pediatric dental insurance. It’s an essential benefit under the federal healthcare measure.

Dr. Paul Reggiardo of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that should help get more children into the dental chair.

“We estimate the number at somewhere probably around 16 million children who do not have access to dental benefits,” Reggiardo said. “Lack of dental benefits is a real barrier to care for a lot of families, and for a lot of children.”

As a result, it’s estimated the Affordable Care Act will provide dental coverage to as many as 8.7 million people under age 21 across the country by 2018.