Improving outcomes for pregnant women and people with diabetes
Can expanding dental care access for expectant mothers and people with diabetes improve overall health outcomes? Beginning in January 2019, the state launched Oral Health Connections, a three-year pilot program that aims to expand oral health care access for pregnant women and people with diabetes to produce better health outcomes. Gum disease can contribute to diabetes complications and has been linked to unfavorable birth outcomes in newborns. Improved oral health will help patients manage their diabetes and contribute to a healthy pregnancy.
The Oral Health Connections pilot will link Apple Health-insured pregnant women and patients with diabetes with dental care in their community. The model is based on the nationally-recognized Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program. The Oral Health Connections program will operate in three pilot counties: Thurston, Spokane, and Cowlitz.
In partnership with the Arcora Foundation and local health organizations, the pilot project includes training and enhanced reimbursements for providers treating eligible patients and care coordination. Studies show that pregnant women and people with diabetes who have regular dental visits experience fewer medical complications and shorter hospital stays than those who do not.
Oral Health Watch supports the Oral Health Connections pilot program and other innovative approaches to reduce health disparities among Washington state’s most vulnerable and underserved populations.
Click here to tell legislators that you support innovations like the Oral Health Watch Connections pilot.
Oral Health Watch
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💯 @FluorideExposed. Fluoride in the water is nature's cavity fighter. But for communities that don't have the right balance of fluoride in their drinking water, adding optimum levels of fluoride helps strengthen teeth enamel and protect us all against cavities. #teethmatter
Fluoridation is often called "Nature's Way to Prevent Tooth Decay" because it was natural fluoride in water that was found to be protecting kids' teeth from cavities in research in the U.S. in the 1930s.
Oral Health Watch
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We're understanding more and more just how important good oral health is to maintiaing overall health and managing chronic conditions like kidney disease. Investing in programs that expand dental care access is both good health policy and the right thing to do. #teethmatter
“If you have dental problems, it affects all the health.” When Garron was ready for a #kidney transplant, #cavities and a lack of dental insurance were major obstacles.
See how @UnityCareNW helped him overcome those obstacles and get the care he needed ➡ https://bit.ly/32RdwQJ
Oral Health Watch
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Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. A healthy mouth represents more than a nice smile. Untreated oral disease can impact overall health, job prospects, school attendance, self-esteem and how others relate to you. #teethmatter
We believe every American should have access to the oral health care they need. That's why we're leading the charge to expand access to oral health care across the country.
Learn more about the Delta Dental Institute’s advocacy efforts: https://www.deltadental.com/institute/advocacy/
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People with HIV/AIDS are at special risk for oral health problems, including chronic dry mouth & gum disease. These dental issues can result in pain and other problems. That's why providing oral health care access is important. #WorldAIDSDay #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
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👇#Teethmatter
Has it been, uh, a while since you visited the dentist? 👀 Have no fear! Our friendly #DentistLink team can refer you to a local dentist whether you have insurance—including Apple Health (Medicaid)—or not.
☎️ 844-888-5465
🌐 http://DentistLink.org
Oral Health Watch
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Enroll by Dec. 15th for January 2022 coverage! #teethmatter #GetCovered https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2GKOW1d7tdO4_4jrXl6GJ4K7R-rCQkbf7HuDqSMjTOWfLlBhTizAo8aAjLxEALw_wcB