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…
Dr. Eve Rutherford, an Arcora Foundation board member, was recently interviewed by KMPS radio reporter Stephen Kilbreath. Dr. Rutherford is a dentist and strong advocate for dental care for vulnerable populations. In the interview, Dr. Rutherford emphasizes the value of dental care, especially for low-income Washingtonians — including pregnant women — and potential cuts to…
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…
The proposed House supplemental budget protects many essential programs that provide dental coverage to vulnerable populations. Thanks in part to the efforts of Citizens’ Watch coalition and grassroots support statewide, there is a growing awareness that oral health is a critical part of overall health. The House budget released today in Olympia maintains funding for…
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…
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 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…
Oral Health Watch
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And #DYK that cavities are preventable? Practicing a good oral hygiene routine coupled with regular dental visits, drinking fluoridated water, dental sealants and fluoride varnishes can help kids grow up cavity-free. #teethmatter
#DYK: Cavities in baby teeth often lead to cavities in adult teeth? Ask your dentist these three questions to set your little one’s teeth up for success 🦷
https://www.themightymouth.org/3-questions-to-ask-a-dentist-or-pediatrician-about-your-babys-oral-health
Oral Health Watch
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Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Thank you #SmileMobile - and @Arcorafound, @DeltaDentalWA, @seattlechildren and caring providers who make the SmileMobile possible - for providing dental care access in rural and underserved communities. #teethmatter
Thumbs up for our #SmileMobile clinic in Spokane! 🙌 Thank you to the incredible Marshallese community health workers who helped patients feel comfortable and secure during their visits. #access #removingbarriers
📰 Read more in @SpokesmanReview ➡ https://bit.ly/3vpAwAy
Oral Health Watch
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A scary thought: you turn on the kitchen tap and nothing comes out! 😱 But have no fear, your amazing #wateroperators are here to ensure balanced drinking water is there when you need it. Raise a glass to those who keep our smiles and whole bodies healthy! #ValueWater
Oral Health Watch
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It's time for #Medicare to reflect the fact that oral health is integral to overall health and that including preventive dental care coverage is not only good health policy, it is the right thing to do. #teethmatter
A broken tooth shouldn’t mean an impossible choice between groceries and #DentalCare. Older adults and people with disabilities paid into #Medicare their whole working lives. It should cover their whole bodies. #MouthsinMedicare
Oral Health Watch
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Congratulations, @PurpleHayesRN and @DocJeffD!
So proud of @PurpleHayesRN and @DocJeffD, who were awarded the MLK Medal for Distinguished Service by the @KCCouncil for their incredible leadership throughout the #COVID19 pandemic.
Oral Health Watch
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Calgary residents overwhelmingly voted to restore water fluoridation. This is a win for all Calgary residents - regardless of age and socio-economic income level. This is a win for health equity. This is a win for public health. #teethmatter ...https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgarians-votes-yes-to-fluoride-in-city-water-supply-1.5628622