We are now in the third Special Session of the State Legislature. Both the Senate and House budgets include funding for the Oral Health Connections pilot, which would provide an enhanced Medicaid dental benefit for expectant mothers and people with diabetes.
There’s bipartisan support for the pilot because lawmakers from all corners of the state recognize that smart, targeted investments can lead to better health, fewer ER visits and a decrease in severe complications.
As lawmakers make their final push toward approving a budget, we urge you remind them that expanding dental care access can make a real difference, especially for at-risk and vulnerable populations. Please reach out to your representatives now and throughout the remainder of the Special Session, and urge them to support the Oral Health Connections pilot.
Here’s how you can help:
- Call your lawmakers directly. OralHealthWatch.org has made it easy for constituents to contact legislators. The Oral Health Watch legislative outreach page helps you locate your representatives, and includes a phone number and a script.
- Email your representatives. The Oral Health Watch website includes a legislator locator tool, email addresses, and a draft email to get you started.
- Reach out to your lawmakers on social media. Below are some sample tweets to send to your representatives.
- @[insert lawmaker Twitter handle]: Dental access, better health, fewer hospital stays & #teethmatter. Please support the Oral Health Connections pilot.
- @waleg: Please support Oral Health Connections pilot to improve dental access for expectant moms and diabetes patients because #teethmatter
- @ [insert lawmaker Twitter handle]: Please support the Oral Health Connections pilot and smart policies that expand dental care access b/c #teethmatter
Finally, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. Thank you for your support!
Oral Health Watch
5 hours ago
June is Oral Health Month — a reminder that oral health is essential to overall health, well-being and quality of life. Access to preventive care, daily habits and community health measures like water fluoridation all play an important role in helping people avoid needless pain, missed school or ...work, and costly treatment.
#OralHealthMonth #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
This summer, reach for water first to stay hydrated. Choosing water over sugary drinks is a simple way to support overall health, energy and oral health. And when that water is fluoridated? Even better because fluoridated water helps protect teeth from cavities, making it one of the easiest ways to... support healthy smiles for people of all ages. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Today, we recognize Juneteenth - a day of freedom, reflection, and resilience. May we honor the history of this day by continuing to learn, listen, and work toward a more just and equitable future for all.
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Summer days tend to be less structured as routines shift away from fixed wake-up times and school hours. Don't forget to include a good oral health routine in your summer schedule. This includes regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and hydrating with water (fluoridated is ...best) instead of sugary drinks. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
6 days ago
Preventive oral health care matters for children, families and workplaces. Nearly half of working parents report missing work because of their children’s oral health issues. When kids have access to preventive care, we can help reduce needless pain, avoid costly treatment and keep families from ...having to choose between a paycheck and their child’s health. Oral health is health. Prevention matters. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. That includes access to preventive dental care and proven community health measures like water fluoridation. Protecting oral health early helps kids stay healthy, learn, and grow.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
As temperatures climb, don’t forget to hydrate. Tap water is a refreshing, easy way to quench thirst and support overall health. And if it’s fluoridated? Even better because it helps protect teeth from cavities, too!
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
As cost of living and affordability remain top concerns for households, investments like community water fluoridation are needed more than ever. Water fluoridation prevents cavities by 25%, helping reduce pain, costly dental treatments, and protecting oral health for everyone regardless of age and ...income level. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Hospital emergency departments are often where people go when oral pain or infection becomes unbearable. But emergency care is not designed to address the underlying causes of oral disease. That's why access to preventive care matters, helping reduce needless pain, avoid costly emergency ...visits, and save families and communities money. #teethmatter