As you know, I am passionate about good oral health. It’s important throughout all stages of life, especially during pregnancy. And it is often overlooked. There are some myths around getting dental care during pregnancy. Although most obstetricians and dentists agree there is a need for oral health care during this time, they do not always encourage pregnant women to get the care they need. What’s worse, because of the lack of encouragement, there are women who still believe that they’ll lose a tooth while pregnant, or they can’t have dental x-rays. The list of bad advice and old wives tales goes on!
[Read more…] about Make Moms SmileDental Health Fair
Normally the Beavercreek and Sunnyside Health Centers in Clackamas County, Oregon are closed on weekends. But this past Saturday, both clinics were open and they were both busy treating underinsured or uninsured adults who lack dental care. Thanks to the efforts of staff within the county’s Health, Housing & Human Services, and with grants from Health Share of Oregon and Family Care, about 115 adults received dental care.
[Read more…] about Dental Health FairGive Kids A Smile
As I mentioned in last week’s blog, February is National Children’s Oral Health Month, and about 1500 clinics nationwide use this opportunity to offer free dental services to about 450,000 underserved children. I want to give a special “shout-out” to Pacific University’s School of Dental Health Science for partnering with members of the Washington County (Oregon) Dental Society in providing dental care to children in the county.
[Read more…] about Give Kids A SmileNational Children’s Dental Health Month
Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors the month-long National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). The purpose of NCDHM is to raise awareness among children, their caregivers, teachers, and others about the importance of good oral health. The ADA believes that instilling “good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children to get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.” The ADA has multiple resources to help dental professionals, health care providers and educators nationwide promote the benefits of oral health. For more information, go to: http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month/
[Read more…] about National Children’s Dental Health MonthInterprofessional Health Training
I just finished reading “Progress and Promise: Profiles in Interprofessional Health Training to Deliver Patient-Centered Primary Care.” This cutting-edge report was published this past December by the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative. In order to achieve the Triple Aim of better health, better care, and lower costs, “educational reform must incorporate practice redesign, and delivery system change must include a central educational mission if we are to achieve enduring transformation.”
[Read more…] about Interprofessional Health TrainingDental Coverage for Adults
Not a Lot to Smile About
Although pediatric dental services (for children up to age 19) are covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), dental services for adults are not covered. What does this mean? It means that all health plans must provide services like exams, cleanings, sealants, and some types of restoration to all children, and oral health risk assessments for children up to age 10.
[Read more…] about Dental Coverage for AdultsPerinatal Oral Health
There is a misconception among some health care professionals that preventive and restorative dental treatment during pregnancy is not safe, and is therefore not advised. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Good oral health can improve the health and well-being of pregnant women, and it contributes to improving the health and well-being of their children as well.
[Read more…] about Perinatal Oral HealthNational Primary Oral Health Conference
Healthcare Leadership in Action
I just returned from the National Primary Oral Health Conference, the largest gathering of safety-net oral health professionals in the U.S. It was truly inspiring to learn more about the progressive work being done in the arena of oral health. As the daughter of a dentist, I’ve known since childhood that there is no such thing as good overall health without good oral health. That vital concept became lost or forgotten in the years before the Affordable Care Act put the emphasis back on wellness instead of treatment for acute illness. Now both oral health professionals and primary care providers are trying to close the gap between their professions.
[Read more…] about National Primary Oral Health Conference