Child Dental Through Union, What are My Options?

You answered my previous question by indicating that employers must provide dental for children. Now, my dilemma is the only way to get dental thru company is to join the union at work. You must pay dues to do so and then no dental is available until you have been enrolled for 1 year. My kids need dental now. Is this the correct way the employer should be offering dental? Please advise what I need to do. Thank you again, Julie