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…
The Seattle/King County Clinic with Remote Area Medical held at Seattle Center’s KeyArena shows the tremendous need for dental care in our community. More than 1,700 patients received dental services at this four-day event. More than 400 dental professionals and students volunteered their time, including dentists, oral surgeons, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. Hear from…
Medicaid Expansion Presents an Opportunity to Secure Dental Coverage for Low-Income Adults In Washington State, the Medicaid adult dental program was largely eliminated in 2011 due to budget shortfalls. Thanks to action by the Washington State Legislature, coverage was restored January 1, 2014. Arcora Foundation and its many partners successfully advocated for the restoration of…
The Seattle Times recently published an op-ed, “State should provide basic dental care for low-income adults”, authored by Fred Kiga and Mark Secord. We are thrilled that the largest newspaper in the state featured the piece, joining newspapers across the state in publishing editorials and op-eds advocating for full restoration of the Medicaid adult dental program,…
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…
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…
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…
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. …
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…
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
16 hours ago
Maintaining Apple Health oral health investments is a clear win: better health outcomes, fewer untreated dental issues, and more equitable access to care. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
When barriers drop, care happens. DentistLink supports Apple Health-insured patients with dentist connections, translation services, and transportation help so oral health care access stays within reach. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Oral health is health at every age. Untreated dental problems can lead to pain, missed work, difficulty eating, and infections that can impact chronic disease management. Access to regular, preventive dental care helps adults stay healthy, productive, and pain-free. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Coverage matters. So does access. DentistLink helps Washington residents connect to nearby dentists who take Apple Health coverage so people can get the care they need. #teethmatter #waleg
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Access to preventive oral health care like sealants, community water fluoridation, and regular dental visits keeps mouths healthy and spares families from needless pain and costly dental treatments. #teethmatter #ChildrensDentalHealthMonth
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Finding a dentist who accepts Apple Health dental coverage can be challenging.
Thankfully, there’s DentistLink. Their referral specialists can help you find a dental provider by:
📱Text
☎️Phone
💻Website
�Start here: DentistLink.org
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Prevention works. Access matters. When Washington state invests in prevention, we’re not just saving money, we’re sparing children and adults from unnecessary pain and ensuring healthier smiles for life. #teethmatter #ChildrensDentalHealthMonth
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Cavities don't have to be a part of growing up . Regular dental checkups and preventive care like sealants, fluoride, and cleanings can stop cavities before they start. #teethmatter #ChildrensDentalHealthMonth
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Protecting adult dental benefits isn’t just good policy for parents. It’s an investment in healthier smiles for the whole family. #teethmatter