Will 2018 be the year that we all – concerned citizens, policy makers, providers and health care advocates – in Washington State champion the important work of ensuring oral health care for all and eliminating health disparities? A recent opinion piece by Drs. Sue Yoon and Rachel Greene in the Daily Herald effectively explains why…
Health coverage for nearly 58,000 children in Washington State through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is at risk in 2018 if Congress fails to act. Federal funding for CHIP, a federal-state program established 20 years ago that provides no-cost or low-cost health insurance for children from lower income households whose families make too much…
Improving Access to Dental Care for Pregnant Women and People with Diabetes Ensuring that patients with diabetes and pregnant women have access to dental care presents a significant opportunity to improve health and save medical costs. These populations are more likely than the general population to have oral health problems and the consequences can be…
Support for lasting solutions that improve oral health – and overall health – for people in Washington state remains strong. The Oral Health Watch Coalition gathered on January 14th for a legislative kick-off lunch. More than 40 attendees representing business, child advocacy, education, government, faith-based, medical, and seniors-focused organizations shared their upcoming legislative goals and heard from keynote speaker…
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. …
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…
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…
Oral Health Watch
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#teethmatter
#DentalCare is so expensive without insurance that it is the number one medical service that people in America skip due to the cost. Now is the time to add #DentalCoverage to #Medicare. #OralHealth #MouthsinMedicare
Oral Health Watch
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Absolutely, @Arcorafound. A good oral hygiene routine (which includes regular brushing w/fluoride toothpaste) paired w/ routine dental visits and access to fluoridated drinking water can lead to both improved oral health and lower dental care costs. #teethmatter
DYK that daily brushing and flossing can save you some serious $$$?! Even if you’re diligent about seeing your dentist, these habits are key to preventing cavities and gum disease. #NationalBrushDay #PowerYourSmile
Download free #oralhealth materials➡ https://bit.ly/2ZjS8Ce
Oral Health Watch
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Parents and caregivers are a child's first teacher. When kids see the adults in their lives value good oral health, they are more likely to model good oral health hygiene habits throughout childhood and into adulthood. #teethmatter
#DYK your children are more likely to make brushing a habit when they see you model the behavior? Make this #NationalBrushDay count by brushing with your kids! Show us your pearly whites & tag #BrushTogetherOnNBD on November 1! @brush2min2x
Oral Health Watch
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Sugary drinks are a nice occasional treat. Choose water (an added health benefit if its fluoridated water) to stay hydrated, satisfy thirst and wash down food during meals. #teethmatter
What's the sweetest drink for your smile? Tap water! 🚰 Learn how balancing the right amount of fluoride in tap water benefits everyone, regardless of age or socioeconomic status ➡ https://bit.ly/3bARgdB. #ValueWater
Oral Health Watch
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And #DYK that cavities are preventable? Practicing a good oral hygiene routine coupled with regular dental visits, drinking fluoridated water, dental sealants and fluoride varnishes can help kids grow up cavity-free. #teethmatter
#DYK: Cavities in baby teeth often lead to cavities in adult teeth? Ask your dentist these three questions to set your little one’s teeth up for success 🦷
https://www.themightymouth.org/3-questions-to-ask-a-dentist-or-pediatrician-about-your-babys-oral-health
Oral Health Watch
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Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Thank you #SmileMobile - and @Arcorafound, @DeltaDentalWA, @seattlechildren and caring providers who make the SmileMobile possible - for providing dental care access in rural and underserved communities. #teethmatter
Thumbs up for our #SmileMobile clinic in Spokane! 🙌 Thank you to the incredible Marshallese community health workers who helped patients feel comfortable and secure during their visits. #access #removingbarriers
📰 Read more in @SpokesmanReview ➡ https://bit.ly/3vpAwAy