After a marathon of negotiations a supplemental budget was approved by the state legislature on Wednesday. The good news is that the budget protects dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This decision by the legislature to support funding for dental coverage reflects in part an increased…
With the release of the Senate budget Tuesday, both Houses of the state Legislature are proposing to continue funding dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This coverage was eliminated in Gov. Gregoire’s proposed supplemental budget. Decisions by legislators to preserve dental coverage reflect increased recognition that…
The Wall Street Journal sheds new light on the connection between oral health and overall health in a new story about how signs in your mouth can indicate broader health problems. “Some of the earliest signs of diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, immune disorders, hormone imbalances and drug issues show up in the gums, teeth and tongue…
Policymakers may eliminate one of the key supports that allow dentists and physicians to volunteer their time to treat Washington State’s uninsured and underinsured. This legislative session policymakers are considering a proposal that would eliminate malpractice insurance for dentists, hygienists, physicians and other health care workers who volunteer to treat some of the state’s most…
The Governor’s proposed supplemental budget eliminates all non-emergency dental care for eligible Medicaid-insured adults ($8.6 million). Pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid would lose dental coverage. Poor oral health can lead to complications with pregnancy. In addition, mothers can pass the bacteria that cause dental disease to their babies. Nearly half of all births in Washington…
Each fall, policymakers and advocates come together for the Washington State Senior Lobby conference, this year held on October 21. As a member of the Senior Lobby, WDS Foundation is a sponsor of the conference and will host a booth providing resources and information to highlight the importance of good oral health for seniors. Seniors…
Oral Health Watch
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WA state's Apple Health adult dental program helps keep people healthy. It helps prevent small problems from getting bigger & avoid needless pain from untreated cavities. Apple Health adult dental is not only good policy; it's the right thing to do #teethmatter #waleg
Untreated, often preventable, oral diseases send more than 2.1 million Americans to the emergency room each year, unnecessarily burdening the healthcare system. Preventive oral health care is critical to maintaining optimal overall health.
Oral Health Watch
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Water fluoridation benefits everyone - regardless of age, ethnicity and socioeconomic level. But it is especially beneficial for people who lack access to routine preventive dental care like seniors on fixed incomes, underserved communities and uncovered individuals. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
9h
Water fluoridation benefits everyone - regardless of age, ethnicity and socioeconomic level. But it is especially beneficial for people who lack access to routine preventive dental care like seniors on fixed incomes, underserved communities and uncovered individuals. #teethmatter
How can you help improve oral health equity in our state? Visit http://WashingtonWaterFluoridation.org to find and share important resources about community water fluoridation! #NationalFluorideDay
Oral Health Watch
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Thanks to water fluoridation - and communities like Grand Rapids, MI committed to public health - millions of Americans continue to experience the benefits of stronger teeth protected against cavities with the simple act of drinking fluoridated drinking water. #teethmatter
Today, January 25th is the 76th anniversary of water #fluoridation. Pictured is the water sculpture erected in Grand Rapids, MI, celebrating this historic public health measure.
Oral Health Watch
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Thanks to water fluoridation - and to communities like Grand Rapids, MI - that are committed to public health, millions of Americans continue to experience the benefits of stronger teeth protected against cavities with the simple act of drinking fluoridated drinking water. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
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👇🙌The SmileMobile's first visit in 2021 will be at Yelm Middle School starting the week of February 8th. Call 888-286-9105 for more details. The SmileMobile is made possible by @Arcorafound @DeltaDentalWA & @seattlechildren. #teethmatter
The SmileMobile is back! Their dental team will be in Yelm the weeks of Feb. 8 and 15. Local families with Apple Health (Medicaid) or without insurance are encouraged to call 888-286-9105. #access @YCSnews