Recent stories in the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times have added to the growing national attention on the lack of oral health care in the U.S. This summer The Kaiser Family Foundation released several policy briefs about oral health in the U.S. and the problems associated with a lack of dental care. …
After a marathon of negotiations a supplemental budget was approved by the state legislature on Wednesday. The good news is that the budget protects dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This decision by the legislature to support funding for dental coverage reflects in part an increased…
At Have a Heart for Kids Day last week, more than 200 parents, children and advocates delivered a powerful message to Washington state legislators: Preserve vital programs for kids and families when you balance the budget. A morning rain stopped as children raised banners, hoisted signs declaring “Kids Not Cuts” and then led the rally…
On Have a Heart for Kids Day (Thursday, Feb. 9) advocates, parents and kids will march to Washington’s state capitol and tell legislators to invest in families and children – their dental care, health and education – as they craft a balanced budget for the next two years. It is a critical time for this…
Ads spotlighting the importance of dental care for pregnant women and other vulnerable people. Ads are now running on radio stations and news sites in the Puget Sound area and in Spokane about the importance of funding dental care for vulnerable people in Washington. The Governor’s proposed budget would eliminate non-emergency dental care for many…
Policymakers may eliminate one of the key supports that allow dentists and physicians to volunteer their time to treat Washington State’s uninsured and underinsured. This legislative session policymakers are considering a proposal that would eliminate malpractice insurance for dentists, hygienists, physicians and other health care workers who volunteer to treat some of the state’s most…
The Governor’s proposed supplemental budget eliminates all non-emergency dental care for eligible Medicaid-insured adults ($8.6 million). Pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid would lose dental coverage. Poor oral health can lead to complications with pregnancy. In addition, mothers can pass the bacteria that cause dental disease to their babies. Nearly half of all births in Washington…
Each fall, policymakers and advocates come together for the Washington State Senior Lobby conference, this year held on October 21. As a member of the Senior Lobby, WDS Foundation is a sponsor of the conference and will host a booth providing resources and information to highlight the importance of good oral health for seniors. Seniors…
“…Even during tough times, it makes sense to prevent dental disease and keep all kids healthy.” That’s the message that is being delivered in radio ads sponsored by Arcora Foundation now airing across the state. The statewide advertising campaign is designed to raise awareness of kids’ oral health and urge continued support for programs to…
In Washington, 4 out of 10 kids enter Kindergarten with tooth decay. Children can’t learn if they are in pain from dental disease. It’s the most common chronic childhood disease and can lead to other serious health problems. The good news is dental disease is preventable. There are programs that help children start on the…