Alison Carl White: Let's maintain area's innovation in oral health - The Spokesman Review
More than 60 community and health leaders recently met in Spokane to discuss how to implement the state Board of Health’s recommendations to improve oral health in Washington. For example, when we became fed up with the rampant tooth decay in low-income children, Spokane launched Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) in 1995. Now operating in all 39 counties in Washington and recognized nationally, ABCD has helped... Similarly, when the Washington State Hospital Association released a report highlighting that preventable dental treatments were the No. 1 reason low-income adults in Washington were visiting emergency rooms, Spokane again responded. Dental Emergencies Needing Treatment (DENT), a program of Better Health Together, helps find dental care for adults seeking expensive emergency room care for painful yet preventable dental problems. In 2014, we saw over $634,000 in savings to the Providence Health Care System, and over 1,000 patients already have been connected to care in 2015. These individuals are on a path toward a better future, while also saving millions in avoidable ER... We should follow the recommendations of the state Board of Health and take action to improve oral health. Source: www.spokesman.com
