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…
A new report by the Pew Center on the States estimates that preventable dental conditions were the primary diagnosis in 830,590 visits to emergency rooms nationwide in 2009. In most cases, care delivered in the ER will not provide lasting relief. Instead, patients need dental care to effectively treat toothaches and dental abscesses. Without access to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
We’re pleased to share some good news from the recently-released 2010 Smile Survey, the latest statewide assessment of children’s oral health in Washington. It shows that children’s oral health in Washington is improving, but further work remains. Key results include: Fewer low-income preschoolers are suffering from tooth decay (cavities) Fewer children have untreated tooth decay, an…
Oral Health Watch
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First birthday. First tooth. First dental visit. #teethmatter
Visiting the dentist by age 1 is key for building a lifetime of good #OralHealth. Learn what to expect during a first dental visit to support your child’s happy smile: http://buff.ly/3u8X365
Oral Health Watch
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Access to preventive dental care for expectant parents helps set parents and newborns on a healthy path. That's because babies aren't born with the germ responsible for cavities; it's passed on through caregiver interactions like kisses and shared food. #teethmatter
A sneaky culprit for #babyteeth cavities? Spoons! 🥣 Did you know you that when sharing utensils, you may pass cavity-causing germs to your baby? That's why it's important for new parents to keep their smiles healthy. Find dental care today. ➡ https://dentistlink.org/. #ToothTip
Oral Health Watch
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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
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#HappyBirthdayHeadStart #CelebrateHeadStart
Oral Health Watch
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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
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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