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
3 hours ago
Oral health is health, and it belong in every conversation about women's health. Healthy teeth and gums support overall health, confidence, nutrition, pregnancy health, economic well-being, and quality of life. #teethmatter #WomensHealthWeek
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Oral health care access is a vital part of women's health. Yet too many women face barriers to getting the preventive and routine dental care they need. When we expand access to oral health care, we help support healthier women, stronger families, greater economic opportunity, and more ...equitable communities. #teethmatter #WomensHealthWeek
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Self-care includes good oral health. Oral health is integral to overall health, and taking care of your teeth and gums supports confidence, well-being, and quality of life. #teethmatter #womenshealthweek
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Women's Health Week is an important reminder that preventive care is essential to lifelong health - and that includes oral health. That is why access to routine screenings, annual check-ups, and early treatments support overall well-being and help prevent small problems from becoming bigger ...ones. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
This National Women's Health Week, let's remember that oral health is health. Healthy teeth and gums support good oral health, general well-being, and quality of life at every age and stage in life. Preventive oral health care, dental care access, and community-based supports help women ...stay healthy, strong, and ready to thrive. #teethmatter #womenshealthweek
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Thanks to dedicated water operators, communities across the U.S. have access to some of the safest, cleanest, most refreshing, and most reliable drinking water in the world. #teethmatter #drinkingwaterweek
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
It's Drinking Water Week and we're celebrating water operators and the critical role they play in keeping commiunties healthy! Water operators help prevent cavities and support oral health equity by ensuring our drinking water is safe, reliable, and has a beneficial balance of fluoride. ...#teethmatter #DrinkingWaterWeek
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Today we celebrate National School Nurse Day and the incredible school nurses who help keep students healthy and ready to learn. School nurses play a vital role in supporting student health, helping spot oral health issues and connecting kids and families to the care they need. #teethmatter ...#nationalschoolnurseday
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
May 3 - 9 is Drinking Water Week! Thank you to the water operators who work every day to help provide clean, safe drinking water to our communities. Reliable access to drinking water helps us stay hydrated, refreshed, and healthy, making healthy choices possible and easier for us all to choose ...water over sugary drinks. 💧🚰#teethmatter #drinkingwaterweek