The American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement commending Congress for passing the Action for Dental Health Act. In a press release, the association points out that, for years, dentists have worked to improve access to oral health care for underserved Americans and have championed this patient-benefiting legislation.
The ADA has advocated for this legislation since 2014. The Action for Dental Health Act supports nationwide efforts to improve the dental health of underserved populations and will promote programs that deliver care more easily to those without it, while bringing education and disease prevention to communities in need.
“This is a tremendous victory for dentistry and patients everywhere,” said Jeffrey M. Cole, DDS, ADA president. “The Action for Dental Health initiative shows that our profession believes all Americans deserve good dental health. The ADA is pleased to see Congress prioritizing legislation that will improve access to oral health care.”
This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Ill) and Congressman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), DMD, will help improve essential oral and dental health services to these underserved communities. The Action for Dental Health Act targets federal funding to provide dental care to vulnerable populations, especially children, seniors, and those living in rural, urban, and Native American communities.
The legislation originally passed the U.S. House of Representatives in February with 90% of members voting in favor. A slightly amended version was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bill Cassidy (R-La), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Tim Scott (R-SC), and passed in October 2018. The bill was reconciled in time for passage before the 115th session of Congress ends later this month. The ADA thanked the co-sponsors of the bill who helped recognize the need to make oral health care a priority. President Trump signed the Action for Dental Health Act into law on December 11, 2018.
