We are now in the third Special Session of the State Legislature. Both the Senate and House budgets include funding for the Oral Health Connections pilot, which would provide an enhanced Medicaid dental benefit for expectant mothers and people with diabetes.
There’s bipartisan support for the pilot because lawmakers from all corners of the state recognize that smart, targeted investments can lead to better health, fewer ER visits and a decrease in severe complications.
As lawmakers make their final push toward approving a budget, we urge you remind them that expanding dental care access can make a real difference, especially for at-risk and vulnerable populations. Please reach out to your representatives now and throughout the remainder of the Special Session, and urge them to support the Oral Health Connections pilot.
Here’s how you can help:
- Call your lawmakers directly. OralHealthWatch.org has made it easy for constituents to contact legislators. The Oral Health Watch legislative outreach page helps you locate your representatives, and includes a phone number and a script.
- Email your representatives. The Oral Health Watch website includes a legislator locator tool, email addresses, and a draft email to get you started.
- Reach out to your lawmakers on social media. Below are some sample tweets to send to your representatives.
- @[insert lawmaker Twitter handle]: Dental access, better health, fewer hospital stays & #teethmatter. Please support the Oral Health Connections pilot.
- @waleg: Please support Oral Health Connections pilot to improve dental access for expectant moms and diabetes patients because #teethmatter
- @ [insert lawmaker Twitter handle]: Please support the Oral Health Connections pilot and smart policies that expand dental care access b/c #teethmatter
Finally, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. Thank you for your support!
Oral Health Watch
11 hours ago
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Hispanic and Latino dental care leaders and oral health champions whose contributions strengthen our communities. From dental care providers to health care innovators to industry leaders, we celebrate the work they do to make good oral health possible ...Read morefor all. #teethmatter
#HispanicHeritageMonth
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Discrimination, the language you speak at home, education, and where people live and work all influence health. A health care system that addresses these social determinants can help remove barriers to care, improve outcomes, and build healthier communities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
DentistLink is a free referral service with friendly and knowledgeable referral specialists connecting people to dental care in their community whether they are uninsured or insured, including Apple Health (Medicaid). #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
6 days 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
7 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
1 weeks 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
1 weeks 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
2 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
2 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