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…
The revenue forecast has been released and legislators are putting together their preliminary budgets. Now is the time to send a message to legislators: Click here for a simple tool to find your legislators and urge them to restore dental coverage for low-income adults. More than 450,000 Medicaid-eligible adults lost dental coverage due to state budget cuts…
As the legislative session continues, the drumbeat of support for adult dental benefits grows. Today the Tacoma News Tribune editorial board came out in support of the Legislature restoring dental coverage for 450,000 low-income adults. According to the TNT, “it’s now time to reverse” the “penny-wise decision” of legislators in 2011 to get rid of…
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…
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…
Awareness is growing across Washington of the plight of uninsured dental patients and the need for the Legislature to restore dental benefits for Medicaid-eligible adults in the legislative session that started this week. The decision by state lawmakers in 2011 to eliminate dental coverage for most low-income adults left 450,000 people without dental insurance. Many…
The Washington Legislature’s decision two years ago to eliminate non-emergency dental benefits for nearly 450,000 adults helped balance the budget. But it was a costly decision because the uninsured often turn to already overburdened emergency rooms, creating costs that are passed on to taxpayers and other healthcare consumers. If state lawmakers restore the dental benefits…
The American Diabetes Association of Washington and Arcora Foundation are teaming up on a statewide ad campaign to emphasize the importance of oral health for people with diabetes. There are more than 400,000 people with diabetes in Washington and nearly one million more have prediabetes. The goal of the ad campaign is to raise awareness…
A recent op-ed in the Everett Herald explores what happens when children and adults do not have adequate access to dental care. University of Washington physician Jo Jackson and Snohomish dentist Eve Rutherford write that Washington can’t afford to avoid paying for dental care for Medicaid-insured adults. “Poor oral health is expensive for families, for…
Oral Health Watch
18 hours ago
The @seattlekingcountyclinic began today and will provide free dental, medical, vision and other health services at @seattlecenter through Sunday first come, first served. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Poor oral health can profoundly affect a person's overall health, confidence, and even how others see them. Thank you to the Seattle/King County Clinic volunteers and supporters for making this 4-day pop-up clinic possible. Let this be a call to action: no one should have to wait for a ...once-a-year free clinic ot receive preventive and restorative oral health care. Together, let's keep pushing toward a future where oral health care is accessible when and where people need it. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Hundreds of people facing barriers to oral, medical and vision care will receive free health care at the Seattle/King County Clinic April 23 - 26. Thank you to Seattle Center Foundation, @seattlecenter, community partners, and caring volunteers who help make this possible. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
The @seattlekingcountyclinic begins Thursday (April 23) at @seattlecenter, providing free dental, medical, vision and other health care services first come, first served. Dental care access is more than a happy smile. Tooth loss, decay and poor oral health impacts health, economic, and emotional ...well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
7 days ago
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease even though cavities are largely preventable. But it doesn't have to be that way. Access to regular dental visits, community water fluoridation, and a consistent home oral health care routine can make it possible for kids to grow up ...cavity-free. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that includes access to proven effective preventive oral health measures like community water fluoridation and regular oral health check ups. Because when we invest in prevention, we help kids stay healthy, avoid needless pain, and set them on a ...lifelong path of healthier smiles. 🦷🚰 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
A workforce that reflects the communities it serves can help strengthen communication, build trust, and improve health outcomes. Research shows patients are more trusting, engaged, and likely to follow health advice when providers speak their language or understand their lived experiences. ...#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Community water fluoridation is a simple, affordable, and proven effective way to support healthy aging, dignity, and quality of life. Studies show seniors who drink fluoridated water are more likely to keep their natural teeth and smiles. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Please share. The @seattlekingcountyclinic, a 4-day pop-up clinic at @seattlecenter and made possible by Seattle Center Foundation and caring volunteers and donors, is next week providing free dental, vision, and medical care. #teethmatter