As children head back to school, policymakers and parents need to be aware of the importance of protecting children’s oral health. New research conducted by the University of Southern California and reported in Medical Daily provides further evidence that dental disease negatively affects the ability of children to perform well in school. The study examined…
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. …
Washington State’s recently released comprehensive new guidelines on childhood development reinforce that good oral health is an integral part of a child’s overall health and development. The Early Learning and Development Guidelines are an easy-to-use resource for parents and caregivers that describe key milestones for children from birth through third grade and ways to support…
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…
With the release of the Senate budget Tuesday, both Houses of the state Legislature are proposing to continue funding dental coverage for low-income pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and people with developmental disabilities. This coverage was eliminated in Gov. Gregoire’s proposed supplemental budget. Decisions by legislators to preserve dental coverage reflect increased recognition that…
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…
Why is Washington’s coverage of dental care for low-income pregnant women so important? When a mother struggles with dental disease, her child has a far higher risk of developing dental decay, research suggests. “Children whose mothers exhibit poor oral health are five times more likely to have oral health problems themselves than children whose mothers…
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…
The Wall Street Journal sheds new light on the connection between oral health and overall health in a new story about how signs in your mouth can indicate broader health problems. “Some of the earliest signs of diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, immune disorders, hormone imbalances and drug issues show up in the gums, teeth and tongue…
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…
Oral Health Watch
16h
Happy Birthday, Head Start! When children suffer from oral health, their ability to learn suffers. Through the Oral Health Action Plan in Washington state, Head Start focuses on oral health education, prevention and access to care to help children stay healthy and ready to learn. ...#CelebratingHeadStart #HappyBirthdayHeadStart
Oral Health Watch
16h
#HappyBirthdayHeadStart #CelebrateHeadStart
Oral Health Watch
16h
When children suffer from oral health, their ability to learn suffers. Through the Oral Health Action Plan in WA state, Head Start focuses on oral health education, prevention and access to care to help children stay healthy and ready to learn. #CelebratingHeadStart
Did you know that for 57 years, @HeadStartgov programs have provided comprehensive services to more than a million children each year and their families? Join us today in wishing Head Start programs and staff a very happy birthday! #HappyBdayHeadStart
#CelebratingHeadStart
Oral Health Watch
1d
Every child deserves an opportunity to thrive. Preventive measures like community water fluoridation help make that happen, helping protect teeth against needless suffering from painful cavities and tooth loss. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1d
Advancing dental workforce diversity can ensure patients get the care they need to live healthier. Research shows that health outcome is improved when patients have health providers with similar experiences, speak the same language, or a shared cultural background. #teethmatter
“Advancing diversity within the dental industry and addressing inequities in oral health” highlights how @DeltaDentalWA’s Lolinda Turner is making waves in the dental industry.
https://www.deltadental.com/institute/news/advancing-diversity-within-the-dental-industry-and-addressing-inequities-in-oral-health/
Oral Health Watch
1d
Every child deserves an opportunity to thrive. Preventive measures like community water fluoridation help make that happen by helping protect teeth against painful cavities and needless discomfort. #teethmatter