The oral health workforce remains unable to address the unmet need among populations across the state. Children have high levels of dental decay, nearly 60% among 3rd graders. More than 38% of all adults in Washington have had teeth removed due to decay or gum disease and 20% have lost all of their teeth. The need for oral health care will continue to increase as the state’s population grows and ages.
What the Legislature can do:
- As the Legislature considers workforce issues, ensure that it is clear how any proposals improve access to care for underserved populations.
- Sustain the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry Program (ABCD), which attracts many dentists to serve low-income children and participate in the Medicaid dental program.
Resources:
Information about Washington’s Oral Health Workforce
Washington – Federally Designated Health Professional Shortage Areas for Dental Care -Map
Washington State Department of Health. (March 2015)
Washington State’s Oral Health Workforce – Report. Center for Health Workforce Studies. (November 2009).
Oral Health in Washington – Power Point.
Arcora Foundation. (September 2012).
Policy Briefs and Reports
The Foundation is acting to provide available resources on issues that deal with workforce. The Foundation is not taking a position on any workforce proposals.
Expanding the Dental Team: Increasing Access to Care in Public Settings (June 2014). The Pew Charitable Trusts
Expanding the Dental Team: Studies of Two Private Practices (February 2014). The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Economic Viability of Dental Therapists (May 2013) Community Catalyst.
White Paper: Expanding the Dental Safety Net (July 2012) The Pew Charitable Trusts.
New Oral Health Careers: It’s Not Just About the Training(February 2012) Ruth Ballweg MPA.
Two Kinds of Dental Shortage Fuel One Major Access Problem. (February 2011). The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Collaborative Practice in American Dentistry: Practice and Potential (January 2011) Center for the Health Professions at the University of San Francisco California.
It Takes a Team: How New Dental Providers Can Benefit Patients and Practices. (December 2010) The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Help Wanted: A Policy Maker’s Guide to New Dental Providers. (May 2009) The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Evaluation of the Dental Health Aide Therapist Workforce Model in Alaska
(October 2010) RTI International.
Training New Dental Health Providers in the U.S. (December 2009) W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Oral Health Efforts Under Way to Improve Children’s Access to Dental Services, but Sustained Attention Needed to Address Ongoing Concerns
(November 2010) U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Videos
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Community health centers succeed through collaboration with public, non-profit and industry partners. From hospitals to schools, businesses to government leaders, food banks to public housing, these partnerships drive innovation and advance health. #NHCW26 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Community health centers are committed to providing quality, accessible care and understanding the unique needs of their patients, serving patients of all race and ethnicities, in rural, urban, suburban, island and frontier communities. This includes maternal and child health, adults, older adults,... veterans, agricultural workers, and those experiencing homelessness, to name a few. #NHCW26 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Americans are increasingly turning to community health centers for affordable, culturally responsive medical, dental and behavioral health care. These trusted providers help prevent disease, reduce health disparities and ensure more people can access the care they need.
#NHCW26 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Community health centers offer critical primary health care services at more than 17,000 delivery sites. These nonprofit centers provide essential care to tens of millions of Americans, particularly in medically underserved urban and rural areas. #NHCW26 #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
6 days ago
It’s National Health Center Week! Community health centers help build healthier, more equitable communities by providing disease prevention, affordable health services and culturally competent care—regardless of a person’s income, background or ZIP code. Thank you to the dedicated health ...professionals who make this essential care possible every day! #NHCW26
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Small swaps can make a big difference! Replacing sugary beverages with refreshing water (added bonus if it's fluoridated) supports overall health and your smile. Consider:
🧊 Adding ice
🍓 Infusing with fresh fruit
🍋 Tossing in citrus slices
🌿 Including herbs like ...mint
🚰 Carrying a reusable water bottle wherever you go
#DrinkMoreWater #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Today, July 30th, we celebrate 61 years of Medicare and Medicaid. These two landmark programs have helped millions of older adults, people with disabilities, children, and lower income families access the health care they need. Here's to healthier people, families, and communities! #Medicare ...#Medicaid #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Major public health organizations - including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization - affirm community water fluoridation is a safe, equitable, and cost-effective method to prevent cavities.... #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Painful cavities can affect school attendance and overall health. Yet cavities are the most common chronic condition among kids. Preventing cavities with access to care and preventive measures helps youth thrive. #teethmatter