Addresses Importance of Oral Healthcare Access Issues
Posted: January 29, 2007
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) has issued its Legislative Agenda for the 110th Congress detailing the legislative goals and priorities of general dentists nationwide.
“General dentists remain committed to working with the new Congress on issues of importance to the entire dental profession, and access to oral healthcare for all Americans in particular,” said Bruce DeGinder, DDS, MAGD, AGD President. “We will be writing letters, meeting with legislators and their staffs, issuing press releases and hosting educational briefings on the Hill throughout this congressional session to ensure that oral healthcare remains at the forefront of any healthcare debate on Capitol Hill,” DeGinder added.
AGD ranked its federal priorities for 2007 in order of importance, which began with improved access to oral health care; increased funding of post-graduate education; regulatory issues impacting small businesses/practices; and managed care/satisfactory resolution of third party problems.
General dentists are asking Members of Congress for two immediate actions as the 110th Congress begins – to join the congressional Oral Health Caucus and restoration of funding for Title VII Health Professions Programs to fiscal year 2005 levels ($300 million).
AGD will also be working with lawmakers as they debate the reauthorization of the State Children’s Dental Health Improvement (SCHIP) Act that allows children to receive dental services. Discussions move forward on healthcare in general, and Medicaid in particular, as they both pertain to dental care.
“Healthcare issues are definitely going to be at the forefront of the congressional agenda and we need to ensure that oral healthcare is part of the discussion,” said Janet Kopenhaver, AGD’s Washington Lobbyist. “After all, preventative oral health care not only saves patients much pain and suffering, but also lowers health care costs overall – two very important healthcare issues.”
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