A recent report on emergency room use from the Washington Health Care Authority is receiving a lot of media attention. According to the report, an initiative to reduce “unnecessary” emergency room visits is on track to generate savings of up to $31 million per year.
The Seattle Times article notes that helping Medicaid patients avoid dental emergencies is another key goal of the coalition of medical providers and state officials looking to save money by reducing ER use.
According to KUOW’s coverage, dental emergencies are a large part of the problem. “Without preventive care, many (patients) end up in the ER with a dental emergency that the ER is not equipped to handle.”
One way to avoid patients coming into emergency rooms with dental pain is for the Legislature to restore dental coverage for low-income adults this session. Preventing dental disease saves money, improves health and keeps people out of the ER.
Oral Health Watch
23 hours ago
Prevention works, saving money and sparing kids from painful cavities to help keep them healthy, thriving, and ready to learn. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Behind every turn of the tap are people who care about our communities. Municipal water system operators provide safe, reliable, high-quality drinking water—including water with fluoride adjusted to optimal levels to help protect teeth from cavities. Here’s to the people who keep our water ...Read moreflowing and our communities healthy! #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Toothaches and untreated cavities cause pain and stop kids from thriving. When a child is dealing with severe dental pain, it impacts every single part of their day. It means:
🍎 Missed school days and disrupted learning
🧠 Difficulty concentrating in the classroom
💤 Broken sleep...Read more patterns
The good news? Cavities are almost entirely preventable.
Simple, community-wide and routine measures like water fluoridation, dental sealants, varnishes, and regular checkups are the keys to keeping kids healthy, pain-free, and ready to learn.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
6 days ago
Creating healthier communities means addressing the conditions that shape health, providing culturally competent care and making services accessible to everyone. Together, we can reduce health disparities so all have a fair chance to reach their health potential. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
7 days ago
Did you know that the natural fluoride in our drinking water is usually too low to protect your teeth? That’s why communities optimize water fluoride levels, making sure everyone gets fewer cavities and less tooth loss. It’s a simple, everyday way to protect your smile, no matter your age, ...Read moreincome, or dental insurance status. Healthier smiles start at the tap! #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Little smiles. Lifelong benefits. Washington’s Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) helps income-eligible young children and eligible children with developmental disabilities get dental care that sets them on a lifelong path to good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Everyone deserves the chance to reach their full career potential. Poor oral health can get in the way. Dental care access can help open doors to better health, greater opportunity, and a stronger future. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Pumpkin spice is nice. For everyday thirst, reach for water! Enjoy sugary fall drinks as a treat, and choose water to stay hydrated. And if the water is fluoridated? Even better for cavity protection! 🍂☕🦷
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
The research is clear: Children are more likely to have regular dental visits when their parents have dental coverage. When states maintain investments in dental care coverage for adults, entire families benefit with improved oral - and overall - health. #teethmatter