Will 2018 be the year that we all – concerned citizens, policy makers, providers and health care advocates – in Washington State champion the important work of ensuring oral health care for all and eliminating health disparities? A recent opinion piece by Drs. Sue Yoon and Rachel Greene in the Daily Herald effectively explains why…
Improving Access to Dental Care for Pregnant Women and People with Diabetes Ensuring that patients with diabetes and pregnant women have access to dental care presents a significant opportunity to improve health and save medical costs. These populations are more likely than the general population to have oral health problems and the consequences can be…
Support for lasting solutions that improve oral health – and overall health – for people in Washington state remains strong. The Oral Health Watch Coalition gathered on January 14th for a legislative kick-off lunch. More than 40 attendees representing business, child advocacy, education, government, faith-based, medical, and seniors-focused organizations shared their upcoming legislative goals and heard from keynote speaker…
Medicaid Expansion Presents an Opportunity to Secure Dental Coverage for Low-Income Adults In Washington State, the Medicaid adult dental program was largely eliminated in 2011 due to budget shortfalls. Thanks to action by the Washington State Legislature, coverage was restored January 1, 2014. Arcora Foundation and its many partners successfully advocated for the restoration of…
The Seattle Times recently published an op-ed, “State should provide basic dental care for low-income adults”, authored by Fred Kiga and Mark Secord. We are thrilled that the largest newspaper in the state featured the piece, joining newspapers across the state in publishing editorials and op-eds advocating for full restoration of the Medicaid adult dental program,…
Our state legislators have acknowledged the importance of oral health by including some funding in their budget proposals to restore dental coverage for low-income adults. Urge legislators to approve the House level of funding, which fully restores dental coverage for Medicaid-insured adults, including essential procedures like fillings and root canals. Early dental care, such as…
The support for restoring dental care for low-income adults in Washington continues to build. More than 450,000 people lost dental coverage due to state budget cuts in 2011. Recent columns in newspapers across the state specify numerous reasons why funding dental care is a smart investment for the state. Preventing dental disease saves money, improves…
More than 450,000 low-income adults in Washington no longer have dental coverage because of budget cuts made in 2011. These people need your help. Watch the video, then use the easy form to send a message to legislators urging them to restore dental coverage for low-income adults. Dental care improves health, saves money — and…
Focus on the necessity of the Legislature to restore dental coverage for low-income adults continues to increase all over the state. The Bellingham Herald carried a long and compelling local article this past weekend describing the pain and other impacts on people who lost dental coverage due to state budget cutbacks in 2011. In the…
KING 5 in Seattle recently aired a story on the consequences of the Legislature’s decision to eliminate dental care for low-income adults. State funding for dental care was cut in 2011 and as a result more than 450,000 low-income adults in our state are denied the dental care they need to remain healthy. The KING…
Oral Health Watch
4 hours ago
It's not always easy getting kids and adults to choose water over sugar-sweetened sodas and punches. But adding ice, fresh fruit, and herbs to water can make drinking water more enjoyable. And if your water is fluoridated? Bonus! #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Summer break may mean a less structured schedule, but it's still important for kids to maintain good oral health care habits. Check out these tips below to ensure children (and adults) protect their teeth throughout the summer break. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Summer break may mean a less structured schedule, but it's still important for kids to maintain good oral health care habits. Check out these tips below to ensure children (and adults) protect their teeth throughout the summer break. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Community water fluoridation plays a vital role in advancing oral health by providing a cost-effective and equitable means of preventing cavities and protecting individuals of all ages, income levels, and insurance coverage status from the financial and physical burden of oral disease. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Community water fluoridation plays a vital role in advancing oral health by providing a cost-effective and equitable means of preventing cavities and protecting individuals of all ages, income levels, and insurance coverage status from the financial and physical burden of oral disease. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Most adults report experiencing at least one cavity. But it doesn't have to be that way for future generations. Supporting efforts that expand access to dental care, preventive measures like water fluoridation, and programs that treat small oral health problems before they become more serious ...- and costly - issues is good health policy and the right thing to do. #teethmatter