Wednesday, Jan 20, 2016

In 2015, the ADA advocated for a number of issues to improve outcomes for dentists and the patients they serve. This infographic highlights a number of those legislative wins.

Secure $6 million for Military Dental Research Funding
This legislation funds research that ultimately helps treat and rehabilitate injured soldiers, and prevents military personnel from getting dental disease.

Increase support for the Action for Dental Health Bill
The bill provides grants that can be used to improve oral health education and disease prevention, as well as creating programs that benefit children and adults, including the elderly, blind and disabled.

Increase funding by nearly $5 million for the Indian Health Services Division of Oral Health
The funding will help American Indian communities purchase much-needed equipment, expand their clinics to provide care to more people, and improve electronic dental records.

Expand funding by $17 million for dental access, prevention and research in 2016
The additional money funds the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Institute to improve oral health through research and important health information.

Among the key priorities for 2016 are:

Federal Non-Covered Services Act
The bill would eliminate the insurance company practice of setting prices on procedures not compensated by plans, or non-covered services.

Protecting Seniors Access to Proper Care Act of 2015
This would reverse a requirement that dentists who prescribe Part D covered drugs to be enrolled in Medicare or officially opt out.

Source: www.ada.org