Snohomish Health District periodically evaluates the oral health of Snohomish County residents by participating
in state and local oral health assessments.
Oral Health
In 1993, the University of Washington conducted a survey of children in 2nd and 3rd grade using the methodology for decay,
missing and filled teeth. Snohomish County was ranked in the bottom quartile of oral health of Washington State children.
Washington State, in 1994 began monitoring the oral health of children at five year interval using criteria developed
in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control. Snohomish County participated in comparable surveys, in 2000 and 2005.
SMILE Survey 2000
Snohomish County SMILE Survey 2000 found that caries experience was in the middle quartile of oral health as compared
to the Washington State SMILE Survey 2000. Improvement was partially attributed to the implementation of water
fluoridation in 1993.
there was an increase in the number of children that did not need dental treatment. Since 1995, Snohomish
County has been actively working to improve access to dental care for children.
Every three years the Snohomish Health District has been participating in surveys to support increased
federal funding for dental services for those with low incomes. The Health Professional Shortage Area survey,
tracks changes in the number of dental providers in Snohomish County and the communities they serve.
The Medical Assistance Administration Health Recovery Systems Administration periodically publishes information on
the utilization of dental services of those with Medicaid coverage. Email or call our dental program staff for
information about utilization of dental care of people with Medicaid coverage. MAA/HRSA resources
