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…
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…
Washington legislators could take Medicaid dental benefits away from more than 30,000 low-income pregnant women later this month as part of a plan to balance the state budget, a decision that could lead to even higher dental costs in the future and poorer health for mothers and their children. The state Legislature will consider a…
“…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…
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) just released a report concluding that too many Americans lack access to oral health care, which can have serious consequences for overall health. To address the problem, the IOM recommends that oral health be integrated into overall health care and that advocacy be used to help shape policies that will…