Why is the Dental Association blocking access to dental care for thousands of low-income adults and children across the state?

House Bill 1317 would improve and expand access to oral health care for Washington’s low-income communities by allowing dental therapists to practice in clinics statewide. But the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) has prevented the bill’s passage and spread misinformation about the excellent care that dental therapists provide for years. We can’t let them stand in the way of oral health care any longer—now is the time for dental therapy!

Many low-income adults and families struggle to afford routine dental care

Washingtonians of color and people from low-income and/or rural communities have disproportionately low rates of dental care access. This is because dental care can be inaccessibly expensive, especially for people living on low or fixed incomes. Insurance often won’t cover all of the costs for procedures, even standard ones like fillings or cleanings. Even when insured through state-funded insurance like Apple Health (Washington’s state version of Medicaid), low-income Washingtonians find that dentists often reject their insurance to due low reimbursement rates. This means that instead of accessing routine care that keeps them healthy, low-income patients often only receive the care they need when they are suddenly faced with a dental emergency and rush to the ER.

Dental therapy: a proven solution to affordable, accessible dental care

There is a solution to strengthening access to dental care in low-income communities: dental therapy, a proven solution to providing excellent oral health care at an affordable rate. Dental therapists are licensed dental professionals who work in clinics under the supervision of dentists (think of how physician’s assistants work in tandem with doctors). They have the training to perform the type of preventative dental care that is essential to oral health: cleanings, fillings, sealants, and other procedures. Best of all, they’re able to offer their services at an affordable rate.

A vote for dental therapy is a vote for critical health equity

Dental therapists will meet the need for accessible, affordable dental care in Washington state. But the Dental Association, a powerful lobbying group, continues to block this bill’s passage, placing profit over the care and well-being of Washingtonians. It’s time for lawmakers to step up and vote in favor of dental therapy with House Bill 1317. Greed has NO PLACE in healthcare. Send your lawmaker an email urging them to vote yes on HB 1317! Want to take action in person? We're holding a rally at the Capitol to demand dental therapy. Email Omar ([email protected]) for more information.

Lobby Tuesdays: a chance to speak out in person!

Sent that email but want to meet with your lawmaker in person and let them know how important dental therapy is for Washingtonians? Come to Lobby Tuesday. From February 4 through March 3, we'll be bringing community members to Olympia every Tuesday to meet with their lawmaker and go to committee hearings. This is the perfect chance for you to speak with your lawmaker about a variety of issues that are important to you and your community! Sign up online and we'll handle the scheduling, and help you with transportation.