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 fixing cavities, can prevent minor problems from turning into major health issues that are more expensive to treat. Without this crucial early care, people with dental pain will have few options other than getting their teeth pulled. They will still turn to ERs for pain relief, driving up healthcare costs for everyone.
Legislators need to restore dental coverage for low-income adults with a general fund allocation of $23.9 million in the 2013-15 budget. Urge legislators to approve the House level of funding.
It’s hard for people to get jobs if they are in pain or have bad teeth. Dental care for low-income adults improves health and reduces healthcare costs.
It is a good investment and the right thing to do.
Oral Health Watch
14 hours ago
Nearly half of working parents report taking time off to address their children's oral health needs. Preventive oral health care access means less pain, fewer missed school and work days, and lower treatment costs. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Washington’s Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD)Program helps young children with Apple Health coverage get the preventive dental care they need, reducing future dental costs and setting kids on a lifelong path of good oral health. Supporting prevention is good for kids and a smart ...Read moreinvestment. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Water fluoridation helps protect everyone's teeth against cavities regardless of age or income level. But it is especially beneficial for our neighbors and community members who experience barriers to dental care access, including children, lower-income workers, senior citizens, and people ...Read morewith disabilities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
An estimated 30,000 to 45,000+ Washington residents end up in hospital emergency departments each year for preventable, non-traumatic dental conditions like untreated cavities, deep abscesses, and severe pain. When people lose access to basic, preventive oral health care, untreated cavities and ...Read moretooth decay don't just disappear—they worsen. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
When we invest in dental care access, we invest in people. Supporting preventive and restorative care for lower-income children and adults means stronger communities, a healthier workforce, and more kids ready to thrive. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Healthy smiles start with everyday prevention. Community water fluoridation, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental checkups help keep teeth strong and cavities away. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Money invested in early, accessible pediatric oral health care can yield massive returns in the workplace. When kids have access to preventive oral health care, it means working parents having to take less time off - especially for hourly wage workers. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Tooth pain can keep kids out of school and make learning harder. Preventive dental care and early treatment help children stay healthy, in class and ready to learn. 🦷📚🍎🎓