A recent Huffington Post story draws attention to the effects of a failure to provide dental care for low-income residents. Due to budget challenges many states, including Washington, have cut dental care coverage for Medicaid recipients. The story highlights Washington as an example of a state that no longer provides dental coverage to those in…
As children head back to school, policymakers and parents need to be aware of the importance of protecting children’s oral health. New research conducted by the University of Southern California and reported in Medical Daily provides further evidence that dental disease negatively affects the ability of children to perform well in school. The study examined…
Recent stories in the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times have added to the growing national attention on the lack of oral health care in the U.S. This summer The Kaiser Family Foundation released several policy briefs about oral health in the U.S. and the problems associated with a lack of dental care. …
Good oral health is critical to overall health and high quality and cost efficient systems of care must address oral health. Why? There is clear evidence that periodontal disease – a common, chronic dental disease that causes inflammation and eventually leads to tooth loss – is linked to other chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke,…
Washington State’s recently released comprehensive new guidelines on childhood development reinforce that good oral health is an integral part of a child’s overall health and development. The Early Learning and Development Guidelines are an easy-to-use resource for parents and caregivers that describe key milestones for children from birth through third grade and ways to support…
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…
A new report by the Pew Center on the States estimates that preventable dental conditions were the primary diagnosis in 830,590 visits to emergency rooms nationwide in 2009. In most cases, care delivered in the ER will not provide lasting relief. Instead, patients need dental care to effectively treat toothaches and dental abscesses. Without access to…
In a Seattle-datelined story, a recent article in The New York Times brings greater attention to the increasing incidence and significant challenges of dental disease in very young children, and the need for increased prevention. “Preschoolers in Surgery for a Mouthful of Cavities” by Catherine Saint Louis begins by describing the extensive dental work –…
Dr. Eve Rutherford, an Arcora Foundation board member, was recently interviewed by KMPS radio reporter Stephen Kilbreath. Dr. Rutherford is a dentist and strong advocate for dental care for vulnerable populations. In the interview, Dr. Rutherford emphasizes the value of dental care, especially for low-income Washingtonians — including pregnant women — and potential cuts to…
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…
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Painful tooth decay and gum disease don't have to be a part of growing up. Preventive measures like water fluoridation and access to oral health care can help prevent cavities so kids can grow up cavity-free and enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Painful tooth decay and gum disease don't have to be a part of growing up. Preventive measures like water fluoridation and access to oral health care can help prevent cavities so kids can grow up cavity-free and enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Tooth loss, visible decay, and bad breath can negatively impact productivity and employment opportunities - especially for customer-facing jobs. Supporting programs that expand access to preventive and restorative oral health care is a wise investment that benefits individuals, households, ...community health, and our economy. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Tooth loss, visible decay, and bad breath can negatively impact productivity and employment opportunities - especially for customer-facing jobs. Supporting programs that expand access to preventive and restorative oral health care is a wise investment that benefits individuals, households, ...community health, and our economy. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Oral health IS health. Dental coverage IS health coverage. It's time to return the mouth back to the body. Untreated cavities, gum infections, and oral disease can negatively affect overall health and well-being, leading to chronic disease complications, higher health care costs, and needless ...suffering. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Oral health IS health. Dental coverage IS health coverage. It's time to return the mouth back to the body. Untreated cavities, gum infections, and oral disease can negatively affect overall health and well-being, leading to chronic disease complications, higher health care costs, and needless ...suffering. #teethmatter