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 dental emergencies is another key goal of the coalition of medical providers and state officials looking to save money by reducing ER use.
According to KUOW’s coverage, dental emergencies are a large part of the problem. “Without preventive care, many (patients) end up in the ER with a dental emergency that the ER is not equipped to handle.”
One way to avoid patients coming into emergency rooms with dental pain is for the Legislature to restore dental coverage for low-income adults this session. Preventing dental disease saves money, improves health and keeps people out of the ER.
Oral Health Watch
18 hours ago
Providing oral health care access for lower-income workers can make a profound difference in health and quality of life. Bad breath, tooth loss, and visible decay can significantly impact employment opportunities for working adults with:
✅decreased confidence
✅increased absenteeism
... ✅lower productivity
✅potential negative perceptions by employers, colleagues and customers. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
21 hours ago
Providing oral health care access for lower-income workers can make a profound difference in health and quality of life. Bad breath, tooth loss, and visible decay can significantly impact employment opportunities for working adults with:
✅decreased confidence
✅increased absenteeism
... ✅lower productivity
✅potential negative perceptions by employers, colleagues and customers. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Access to preventive and restorative oral health care is highly effective and saves money, sparing people from needless pain and expensive hospital emergency department visits that don't have the equipment or trained staff to address the root causes of oral disease. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Access to preventive and restorative oral health care is highly effective and saves money, sparing people from needless pain and expensive hospital emergency department visits that don't have the equipment or trained staff to address the root causes of oral disease. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
An overwhelming majority of public health organizations, including the Cleveland Clinic, support community water fluoridation as a cost-effective, equitable and beneficial way to improve oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
An overwhelming majority of public health organizations, including the @clevelandclinic, support community water fluoridation as a cost-effective, equitable and beneficial way to improve oral health. #teethmatter