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American Dental Education Association

Volume 1, No. 28, August 27, 2019
Dental Therapy Debated in Wisconsin

 

On Aug. 21, the Wisconsin State Legislature’s Senate Committee on Health and Human Services to discuss that would license dental therapists to practice in the state. Lawmakers heard from supporters who claimed 64 of the state’s 72 counties are experiencing , and dental therapy could be a way to address those shortages. Supporters also claimed that dental therapists would be more likely to work with the state’s underserved populations, like those in rural areas or patients on Medicaid. Groups in opposition to the measure pointed out that the proposed bill, unlike dental therapy legislation passed in other states, lacks requirements for dental therapists to work with the underserved populations supporters claim they would treat. Additionally, opposition groups raised concerns about patient safety, the training requirements for dental therapists and the lack of programs to expand dental coverage to rural areas.

 

The bill currently has 10 sponsors and co-sponsors in the 33-seat Wisconsin Senate, and 25 co-sponsors in the 99-seat State Assembly. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) has also stated his support for the bill.
Maryland Initiates Adult Dental Pilot Program

 

The Maryland Department of Health recently implemented an to provide basic dental services to some low-income residents on Medicaid. Those who are eligible for the program—about 33,000 residents—will have basic services such as exams, cleanings, fillings and extractions. However, the coverage will not pay for replacing teeth or provide dentures for patients.

 

Maryland currently covers emergency-only dental care for adults on Medicaid. Most residents on Medicaid who cannot afford dental services wind up in the emergency room, where costs for treatment can be higher than providing preventive services. The goal of the pilot program, which was spearheaded by the , is to drive down health care costs and reduce the burden on emergency rooms.

 

While less than 3% of the state’s residents on Medicaid are eligible, the program currently does not have enough funding to provide services if all who are eligible were to seek care. The budget for the program is $4.2 million its first year, with half of funds being provided by the federal government. The program marks the first time since 1976 that Medicaid in Maryland has provided for adult dental care that wasn’t strictly emergency care.
Congress Faces Busy Session and Aggressive Deadlines in September

 

When the U.S. Congress returns after the Labor Day recess, it will be met by a “to-do” list of items—some of which must be done by the end of September, others will have to be completed before Congress adjourns in December.

 

The most time-sensitive business is the completion of the appropriations process before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. The U.S. House of Representatives has reported all 12 bills from Committee and passed several, including the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) bill, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 (), which contains oral health and education programs important to dental education. The U.S. Senate has not begun its process as it was awaiting conclusion of an overall spending agreement between Congress and the White House. President Trump signed that agreement on Aug. 2, just as Congress was recessing for its summer break. But the spending limits in the agreement are below the level contained in the House bills, so negotiations must take place between both the House and Senate Committees to agree on funding levels.

 

The other matter that will likely be in the limelight immediately upon Congress’s return is whether there will be a legislative response to the most recent mass shootings in Dayton, OH, and El Paso, TX. The Democratic-controlled House passed a universal background check bill earlier this year and is planning three additional bills for September. The Senate has no announced schedule for consideration of these legislative measures.

 

One of the issues that could affect the timing of funding under the LHHS bill is the current ban on research by National Institutes of Health on gun violence. Controversies surrounding that long-time ban, as well as another fight over funding for a wall at the U.S. southern border could affect whether Congress can complete its appropriations process by the end of September.

 

It promises to be an eventful month, and ADEA’s Advocacy and Government Relations will keep you informed. More to follow on this as events unfold.

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.

 

©2019

American Dental Education Association

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B. Timothy Leeth, CPA

ADEA Chief Advocacy Officer

 

Phillip Mauller, M.P.S.

ADEA Director of State Relations and Advocacy

 

Ambika R. Srivastava, M.P.H.

ADEA/Sunstar Americas, Inc./Jack Bresch Legislative Intern

 

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