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 Dr. Bob Crittenden.
Crittenden is Senior Health Policy Advisor to Gov. Inslee and a family physician who treated underserved communities in Seattle’s central and southeast neighborhoods for nearly three decades. He recalled that affordable access to oral health care was a widespread need among his patients.
Crittenden stated that oral health and behavioral health must be further integrated into health policies to ensure overall health. The benefits of access to oral health care go beyond wellness and a healthy smile, he added, affecting a person’s employment opportunities and ability to provide for their family. According to Crittenden, dental problems are among the biggest differentiators in income and class today.
Check out photos from the event on our Facebook page.
Oral Health Watch
18 hours ago
The @seattlekingcountyclinic began today and will provide free dental, medical, vision and other health services at @seattlecenter through Sunday first come, first served. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Poor oral health can profoundly affect a person's overall health, confidence, and even how others see them. Thank you to the Seattle/King County Clinic volunteers and supporters for making this 4-day pop-up clinic possible. Let this be a call to action: no one should have to wait for a ...once-a-year free clinic ot receive preventive and restorative oral health care. Together, let's keep pushing toward a future where oral health care is accessible when and where people need it. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Hundreds of people facing barriers to oral, medical and vision care will receive free health care at the Seattle/King County Clinic April 23 - 26. Thank you to Seattle Center Foundation, @seattlecenter, community partners, and caring volunteers who help make this possible. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
The @seattlekingcountyclinic begins Thursday (April 23) at @seattlecenter, providing free dental, medical, vision and other health care services first come, first served. Dental care access is more than a happy smile. Tooth loss, decay and poor oral health impacts health, economic, and emotional ...well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
7 days ago
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease even though cavities are largely preventable. But it doesn't have to be that way. Access to regular dental visits, community water fluoridation, and a consistent home oral health care routine can make it possible for kids to grow up ...cavity-free. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that includes access to proven effective preventive oral health measures like community water fluoridation and regular oral health check ups. Because when we invest in prevention, we help kids stay healthy, avoid needless pain, and set them on a ...lifelong path of healthier smiles. 🦷🚰 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
A workforce that reflects the communities it serves can help strengthen communication, build trust, and improve health outcomes. Research shows patients are more trusting, engaged, and likely to follow health advice when providers speak their language or understand their lived experiences. ...#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Community water fluoridation is a simple, affordable, and proven effective way to support healthy aging, dignity, and quality of life. Studies show seniors who drink fluoridated water are more likely to keep their natural teeth and smiles. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Please share. The @seattlekingcountyclinic, a 4-day pop-up clinic at @seattlecenter and made possible by Seattle Center Foundation and caring volunteers and donors, is next week providing free dental, vision, and medical care. #teethmatter