Links

Legislative Update

December 2007

By Kevin Baker

It's been a busy year on the legislative front for dentistry. The ADA, with ASDA in support, has targeted several issues and had much success in the nations capital. A summary of legislative happenings is provided below:

Appropriations (money) for dental research, education, military, and Indian Health. With aggressive lobbying through the year, there was a 150% increase in funding on the Dental Health Improvement Act. This has special interest to students because it involves loan forgiveness in underserved areas. There was also $10 million allocated to general practice and pediatric dental residencies. In addition, a $10 million dollar increase from current funding was given to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, dentistrys primary sect of research in the National Institute of Health. This was an issue discussed at the 2007 National Dental Student Lobby Day. Our voices make a difference!

Medicaid and SCHIP. The ADA was instrumental in the creation of House Resolution (H.R.) 2472 and was in support of H.R. 2371, both of which support funding toward dental services for low-income, underserved children.

Scope of practice for dental hygiene. Dental hygiene has been lobbying heavily at the state level for increased independence from the dentist. The ADA has devoted large amounts of time toward education of state legislators in anticipation of hygiene-purposed legislation.

Meth mouth. The ADA had developed bills that aim to prevent people from becoming addicted, hoping to prevent large restorative expenses seen at the state correctional facilities.

Amalgam (the ongoing battle). The ADA testified at a House hearing on the environmental impact of amalgam. Organized dentistry has taken a proactive role in the amalgam controversy, offering solutions like amalgam separators.

Access to care in Alaska. This issue continues, although it has cooled down quite a bit. There are no current lawsuits purposed by the ADA against the DHAT practices in Alaska. Legislation has recently been introduced which would make tax-free the loan repayment money offered to dentists who join the Indian Health Service.

2007 ASDA National Dental Student Lobby Day

Dental legislative issues were lobbied for in Washington DC on 3/27/07 at the ASDA National Dental Student Lobby Day. Talk to your class ASDA Legislative Liason if you'd like more info.

Issue #1: SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Plan)

In Colorado, known as CHP+, almost every state has a similar plan to help those children too poor for medical/dental insurance but too rich for Medicaid. It consists of a federal grant to states plus a matching program for additional funding. The program is being reauthorized at a federal level and the ADA/ASDA are purposing that dental be included with medical in the core of services provided. Dental is typically optional and benefits can be dropped by a state to save money. Also purposed is to add a "wrap-around" to the plan so that chidren with employer sponsored medcal insurance but no dental insurance are covered just the same as children without medical or dental insurance. Finally, it was purposed to to have each state report consistent and equal statistics so that assessment of the plan in the future is possible.

Issue #2: The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

This is a bill that has not passed the House or Senate yet but will be up for vote soon. It gives the FDA authority to regulate labeling of chewing tobacco and also requires some changes in the ingredients of chewing tobacco, including reduction of carcinogens.

Issue #3: The Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act of 2007

Basically repeals the $2500 limit on student loan interest deduction so that you can deduct even more of your student loan interest next year and in the future. It also raises the income level to $100,000 before you are disqualified for the interest deduction.