
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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You've heard about the SmileMobile, but likely haven't seen its inside. Check out this video to get an inside peek of the traveling dental bus that cares for lower income kids, pregnant people and their families throughout WA state. #teethmatter
Tour the SmileMobile, a three chair mobile dental van that travels across all corners of Washington state.
www.youtube.comOral Health Watch
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June is Pride Month! Approaching oral health care with cultural humility is key to improving access to care and health outcomes for all, and that includes LGBTQIA+ patients. #teethmatter #pridemonth🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth2023🏳️🌈 #Pride🏳️🌈
Oral Health Watch
4d
June is Pride Month! Approaching oral health care with cultural humility is key to improving access to care and health outcomes for all, and that includes LGBTQIA+ patients. #teethmatter #pridemonth🌈 #pride🌈
Oral Health Watch
4d
June is Pride Month! Approaching oral health care with cultural humility is key to improving access to care and health outcomes for all, and that includes LGBTQIA+ patients. #teethmatter #pridemonth🌈 #pride🌈
Oral Health Watch
5d
Everybody deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. What better time than June (designated as Oral Health Month) to support policies, programs and efforts that expand access to preventive measures like water fluoridation & oral health care!? #teethmatter #OralHealthMonth
Oral Health Watch
5d
Everybody deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. What better time than June (designated as Oral Health Month) to support policies, programs and efforts that expand access to preventive measures like water fluoridation & oral health care!? #teethmatter #OralHealthMonth