Oral Health

Smile Survey

The 2023-2024 Washington Smile Survey is a statewide point-in-time snapshot of oral health and treatment needs among second- and third-graders. During the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, we conducted our sixth survey. More than 8,800 children from 87 randomly selected schools in Washington participated. Dental screenings were completed by licensed and calibrated dental hygienists and dentists.

We know that untreated disease often comes from children being unable to get dental care. The info we gather in the smile survey helps us understand the treatment needs of children in our state.

Key findings from the 2023-24 survey indicate that children had worse oral health compared to the 2015-16 survey. We also saw that children from lower-income households, some populations of children of color, and those who are experiencing homelessness had much higher rates of untreated tooth decay with multiple cavities, and lower rates of preventive care and treatment.

Read the full 2023-2024 Smile Survey Fact Sheet (PDF).

Oral Health Across the Life Span

"Oral Health is essential to the general health and well-being of all Americans..."
"Oral health means more than sound teeth. Oral health is integral to overall health..."

Oral Health in America, A Report of the Surgeon General 2000

Good oral health is important for good general health and quality of life. Oral health affects both physical health and mental health. It affects how we grow, enjoy life, look, speak, chew, taste food and socialize. Dental care remains the top unmet health care need for low income adults, older adults, and children with special health care needs. But dental disease is largely preventable by practicing simple behaviors at home. Learn ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease and enjoy better overall health.

Articles

  • Dental Crisis in America:The Need to Expand Access (PDF). A report from Chairman Bernard Sanders Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions 2-29-2012.
  • New York Times: Preschoolers in Surgery for a Mouthful of Cavities. "I have parents tell me all the time, 'No one told us when to go to the dentist, when we should start using fluoride toothpaste' - all this basic information to combat the No.1 chronic disease in children." Dr. Jonathan Shenkin, a pediatric dentist, on an increase in the number of preschoolers with cavities.

Resources

Check out the Oral Health Improvement Plan (PDF). Learn more about Washington's oral health needs and collaborative solutions. Help improve the oral health of your community! Join your local oral health coalition.

Fluoridation of Drinking Water

You may have heard that the federal Department of Health and Human Services has recommended a level of 0.7 milligrams per liter as optimal for fluoride in drinking water throughout the United States.

The State Board of Health, which oversees the state's fluoridation of drinking water rule, has revised the rule to reflect this new standard. The new rule was adopted by the Board on March 9, 2016 and went into effect May 9, 2016.

Learn more about fluoride in drinking water: