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 in next year’s legislative session, it would shift the state’s focus from expensive treatment to more cost-effective preventive care and improve hundreds of thousands of lives. Community health centers and other dental clinics could provide the routine, preventive care necessary to help patients avoid the severe problems that lead them to costly emergency rooms.
Read the full press release (PDF) for more details about how Washington’s emergency room physicians are coping with the problem and what they say about how the state could save money by paying for Medicaid dental benefits for low-income adults.
Oral Health Watch
2 hours ago
Thank you to the caring and dedicated oral health care professionals who help keep us healthy. #teethmatter #LaborDay #LaborDay2025
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Cavities and oral disease can develop into more serious health problems and should be addressed promptly. Yet accessing preventive dental care and timely restorative care remains out of reach for far too many. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Cavities and oral disease can develop into more serious health problems and should be addressed promptly. Yet accessing preventive dental care and timely restorative care remains out of reach for far too many. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Summer schedules are winding down; don't forget to incorporate oral health care into your fall routine to avoid cavities and to stay healthy. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Summer schedules are winding down; don't forget to incorporate oral health care into your fall routine to avoid cavities and to stay healthy. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Today marked the first day of school for many young learners in Washington state. 🍎 Policies and investments that provide access to preventive health measures like community water fluoridation and timely restorative dental care help children stay healthy and ready to learn. #teethmatter