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
5 hours ago
An overwhelming majority of adults recognize the importance of oral health care access. Investments that provide access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments are good health policy - and the right thing to do. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Painful cavities, tooth loss, and oral disease can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and enjoy healthy and delicious food, leading to reduced food intake and preventing people from consuming essential nutrients that promote well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Painful cavities, tooth loss, and oral disease can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and enjoy healthy and delicious food, leading to reduced food intake and preventing people from consuming essential nutrients that promote well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
There are numerous reasons why community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the Top 10 public health achievements of the 20th Century.
💧Cost-effective and equitable way to prevent cavities.
💧Shown to reduce cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
💧Helps reduce ...dental treatment costs, saving households and health systems money.
💧Contributes to improved oral - and overall - health.
💧Reduces health disparities by benefiting everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
There are numerous reasons why community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the Top 10 public health achievements of the 20th Century.
💧Cost-effective and equitable way to prevent cavities.
💧Shown to reduce cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
💧Helps reduce ...dental treatment costs, saving households and health systems money.
💧Contributes to improved oral - and overall - health.
💧Reduces health disparities by benefiting everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago