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 state funding.
Click here to listen to the interview.
Dr. Rutherford points out that dental disease is an infectious disease and the bacteria that cause tooth decay are often transmitted from moms to babies. Dental care during pregnancy can promote healthier pregnancies and lead to better oral health for thousands of mothers and their children.
Preventing dental disease and treating problems early before they become expensive to treat or require costly emergency room care is a smart investment that saves money for taxpayers.
Oral Health Watch
23 hours ago
Public health helps communities thrive. It prevents illness, promotes well-being, and creates the conditions for healthier lives. When we invest in public health, we invest in stronger communities. #PublicHealthWeek #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Community water exemplifies public health at its best: effective, equitable and preventive. Public health is essential to fostering healthier communities and advancing health equity. #teethmatter #PublicHealthWeek
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Every child deserves a chance to grow up cavity free. Tooth decay is largely preventable but prevention only works when families have access to tools like water fluoridation, preventive care and oral health support. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Does oral health care access matter for caregivers and parents? 💯 Kids learn by example, and when they see the adults in their lives make oral health a priority, children are more likely to do the same. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
7 days ago
Oral health care access can shape economic opportunity and stability. When people cannot get the preventive and restorative dental care they need, the consequences can affect confidence, employment, financial security, and how others perceive you. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Good oral health starts early, and Washington’s Access to Baby & Child Dentistry (ABCD) program connects income-eligible families with providers trained to care for young kids, helping set children on a lifelong path to better oral health.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
The best way to fight cavities is to stop them before they start. Brush. Floss. Drink fluoridated water. Skip sugary drinks. Preventing decay is easier, less painful, and far less costly than treating oral disease later. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 weeks ago
Nearly 45% of parents say they have missed work because of their child’s oral health problems. Good oral health supports healthier kids, stronger families, and greater stability at work and at home. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 weeks ago
Prevention is public health in action. Communities with access to fluoridated water experience reduced oral disease, less mouth pain, and lower overall oral health care lower costs. #teethmatter