In its June 2010 report, Washington’s ABCD Program: Improving Dental Care for Medicaid-Insured Children, The Pew Center on the States surveys the remarkable impact that one program in Washington State made in confronting dental disease among Medicaid-insured children under age six. Since its inception in 1994, the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program has been established in 30 of Washington’s 39 counties and demonstrated impressive results: Click here to view
In The Pew Center on the States recent fact sheet entitled, The Cost of Delay: State Dental Policies Fail 1 in 5 Children, Washington received a B grade for meeting or exceeding 5 of 8 policy benchmarks for addressing children’s dental health needs. Click here to view
Washington State’s Oral Health Workforce, authored by the Center for Health Workforce Studies in November 2009, describes the characteristics of the state’s oral health workforce, impact on underserved populations, and policy options. Click here to view
The Pew Center on the States, National Academy for State Health Policy, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation developed Help Wanted: A Policy Makers Guide to New Dental Providers, May 2009. This resource about oral health workforce expansions covers the options and factors policy makers should consider when making decisions on this issue. Click here to view
Training New Dental Health Providers in the US, December 2009. Click here to view
Training New Dental Health Providers in the US, Policy Brief, December 2009. Click here to view
Oral Health Watch
13 hours ago
As temperatures climb, don’t forget to hydrate. Tap water is a refreshing, easy way to quench thirst and support overall health. And if it’s fluoridated? Even better because it helps protect teeth from cavities, too!
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
As cost of living and affordability remain top concerns for households, investments like community water fluoridation are needed more than ever. Water fluoridation prevents cavities by 25%, helping reduce pain, costly dental treatments, and protecting oral health for everyone regardless of age and ...income level. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Hospital emergency departments are often where people go when oral pain or infection becomes unbearable. But emergency care is not designed to address the underlying causes of oral disease. That's why access to preventive care matters, helping reduce needless pain, avoid costly emergency ...visits, and save families and communities money. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
6 days ago
Many common prescription medications can cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities, oral disease and other mouth issues. That's why integrating oral health into medical care is so important so patients can collaborate with medical, dental and medication experts to protect teeth and ...gums. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
7 days ago
Good oral health starts early. The Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program makes preventive care more accessible, more equitable, and more effective for children across Washington so more of the state's youngest kids get a healthier start. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Poor oral health hurts much more than your smile. Nearly 1 in 3 (29%) of lower income adults report the condition and appearance of their mouth and teeth negatively affect their ability to interview for a job. But the good news is we can fix this! Proven strategies like water fluoridation and ...expanding access to care can reduce dental health disparities so every adult has an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Non-medical conditions like racism, sexism, discrimination, the language spoken at home, and where a person lives and works can influence health as much as behavior and insurance status. Addressing social determinants of health is essential to improving outcomes, advancing equity, and reducing ...systemic health disparities, including oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Getting kids to consistently brush and floss is a top parental struggle. Community water fluoridation acts as crucial safety net, helping prevent cavities and improving overall oral health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
June is Pride Month! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Addressing oral health inequities is essential for workforce well-being and public health. But hashtag#DYK LGBTQ+ adults face significant oral health disparities, including a 77% higher likelihood of using emergency rooms for dental crises due to ...historical discrimination? That is why it is important for health care providers to recognize that inclusivity drives outcomes and practicing true allyship requires:
🤎 Inclusive communication like intake forms that support diverse gender identities and pronouns.
🖤 Clinical competence that understands diverse terminology and unique health disparities
💛 Safe spaces that foster an environment free from judgment
hashtag#PrideMonth hashtag#teethmatter