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American Dental Education Association

Volume 3, No. 59, November 20, 2024
NIH Advisory Board Reconstituted

 

Members of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) newly reconstituted expressed strong concerns over the reform proposals put forth by congressional Republicans, calling them “depressing” and “alarming.” These proposals, which aim to increase oversight, streamline NIH’s bureaucracy and reduce its funding, were discussed during the board’s first meeting in nearly a decade. Board Chair Andrea Hayes Dixon, M.D., emphasized the need for the NIH to rebuild trust and improve communication with lawmakers, particularly Republicans, who are pushing for greater control over the agency’s structure and research priorities.

 

Under former NIH Director Francis Collins, the review board had become dormant, and its revival is seen as a response to Republican criticisms and calls for more accountability. The 2024 omnibus appropriations law included a provision to restart the board, which was recently populated by appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

 

Reconstituting the review board was a key part of the GOP proposals released earlier this year by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

 

As Cassidy is poised to become the Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in January 2025, the future of NIH's oversight and structure remains a key point of contention. Rodgers is retiring from Congress, but her successor on the Energy and Commerce panel is expected to continue her push for more oversight and restructuring at NIH.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Nominated for HHS Secretary

 

President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a decision that has sparked controversy due to Kennedy's outspoken vaccine skepticism and unorthodox views on public health. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, has promoted conspiracy theories and questionable medical advice, including misinformation about vaccines and alternative treatments like hydroxychloroquine. Of particular concern for the oral health community is Kennedy’s statements asserting his intention to remove all fluoride from the water system. He has also advocated for better nutrition, ending the "chronic disease epidemic," and combating corporate influence on public health. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee a large federal agency responsible for regulating food and medicine, managing health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and conducting critical medical research.

 

Kennedy’s history of spreading false health claims, such as the debunked theory linking vaccines to autism, has raised alarms about his fitness for the position as has his disregard for established scientific consensus. While Kennedy has been praised by certain Republicans for his stance on nutrition and health reform, his lack of formal medical training and his past attacks on public health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further complicate his potential confirmation.

 

His appointment raises concerns among public health experts and Democrats, who argue that his controversial views could undermine the nation’s health infrastructure and erode public trust in essential health agencies. The U.S. Senate's confirmation of Kennedy remains uncertain. Ultimately, the appointment could have significant implications for public health policy and the future direction of HHS.

Nevada Adopts New Regulations for Dental Therapists, Adds Dental Specialties

 

On Nov. 1, the Board of Dental Examiners of Nevada issued for dental therapists. The new regulations:

  • Create a new definition of “direct supervision” for early career dental therapists who are required to practice under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist before obtaining enough clinical hours to practice more independently. The new definition of “direct supervision”:
    • Creates new documentation requirements;
    • Requires a supervising dentist to examine a patient either face-to-face or by use of electronic means before the dental therapist performs a procedure; and
    • Requires a supervising dentist to provide instructions for treating a patient before the dental therapist begins treatment.
  • Prescribes the procedures that a dental therapist is authorized to perform only after an authorizing dentist examines the patient, and the procedures that may be performed without an authorizing dentist examining the patient before the procedure.
  • Requires an applicant to pass a simulated clinical examination in dental therapy or a comparable examination administered by the Western Regional Examining Board in order to be eligible for a license.
  • Requires a written practice agreement to include certain provisions regarding the maintenance of records and responding to medical emergencies.
  • Summarily suspends a dentist from supervising a dental therapist if an investigation reasonably finds that the health, safety or welfare of the public or a patient is at risk.
  • Prescribes new continuing education requirements for dental therapists.

Finally, the new regulations also add dental anesthesiology, oral medicine and orofacial pain to the list of specialties for which the Board may issue a specialist license.
Colorado Governor Proposes Medicaid Payer Freeze

 

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’s (D) fiscal year includes a plan to for most Medicaid providers. The recommendation comes as the state faces an estimated $900-million budget shortfall. Additionally, the Governor’s proposal includes reversing $40 million in increases that were approved for specified providers in this year’s budget, including dental and behavioral health services. The state’s General Assembly will need to approve next year’s budget. As reported by The Colorado Sun, this proposal is viewed as an opening bid in what is expected to be a difficult negotiation with the General Assembly.

 

ADEA Advocacy in Action

This appears weekly in the ADEA Advocate to summarize and provide direct links to recent advocacy actions taken by ADEA. Please let us know what you think and how we might improve its usefulness.

 

Issues and Resources

  • ADEA on teledentistry
  • ADEA on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on U.S. Dental Schools
  • ADEA policy regarding overprescription of antibiotics
  • For a full list of ADEA memos, briefs and letters click .

The is published weekly. Its purpose is to keep ADEA members abreast of federal and state issues and events of interest to the academic dentistry and the dental and research communities.

 

©2024

American Dental Education Association

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B. Timothy Leeth, CPA

ADEA Chief Advocacy Officer

 

Bridgette DeHart, J.D.

ADEA Director of Federal Relations and Advocacy

 

Phillip Mauller, M.P.S.

ADEA Senior Director of State Relations and Advocacy

 

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