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American Dental Education Association

Volume 2, No. 45, March 8, 2022
NIH and HHS Urge Policymakers to Address Oral Health Disparities

 

On March 3, the New England Journal of Medicine that not only highlights the strides that oral health has made in the United States over the past two decades, but also notes that despite those gains, oral health disparities stubbornly persist. The perspective was co-authored by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) Director Rena N. D’Souza, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Acting Science Advisor to the President and former National Institutes of Health Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.; and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A.

 

Oral health is integral to overall health. Addressing disparities in both oral health and overall health requires research and policy changes, which are discussed and analyzed in NIDCR’s recently released . This 790-page report updates the findings of the published in 2000. The new report highlights the importance of oral health and its relationship to overall health and provides a roadmap on how to improve the nation’s oral health. The information in the report is based on public research and evidence-based practices that were compiled and reviewed by NIDCR and over 400 multidisciplinary experts.

Biden Delivers First State of the Union Address

 

During his first State of the Union address, President Biden discussed three pressing issues impacting America: the Ukrainian invasion, the pandemic and the “Build Back Better” plan.

Biden began his speech acknowledging the United States’ solidarity with Ukraine, which was recently invaded by Russia. He underscored unity against Russia within the United States and among its allies, and he discussed the negative impact the United States’, United Kingdom’s and the European Union’s sanctions are having against the Russian economy and against Russian oligarchs.

 

The President went on to discuss transitioning from fighting the COVID-19 pandemic to living with it. As part of the transition, his administration will focus on “testing and treating” COVID-19 cases. Under the “test and treat” initiative, individuals will have access to COVID-19 testing kits, either through the mail or at the local pharmacy, and if they test positive, the individual can access COVID-19 treatment pills at their local pharmacy.

 

The primary goal of the administration’s transition efforts is to end shutdowns and get Americans back to in-person work. To that end, Biden also announced that federal workers will return to work on a rolling basis starting in March.

 

Finally, Biden urged Congress to pass his “Build Back Better” plan. Specifically, he pushed for addressing prescription drug costs, reviving the child tax credit and paid family leave.

 

As the speech ended, Biden concluded that the state of the union was strong.

 

A transcription of Biden’s speech can be found .
West Virginia House Votes to Increase Licensure Portability

 

On Feb. 25, the West Virginia House of Delegates that would increase licensure portability in the state. If signed into law, the bill would require licensing boards in the state to issue a license by credentials to anyone who has a held a license in another jurisdiction for at least one year, if the licensing board determines the other jurisdiction has a similar scope of practice, education, experience and examination requirements.

 

Similar laws have recently been signed or implemented in , , , , and . Additionally, is expected to send a similar bill to its Governor soon.

Wisconsin Passes Bill to Establish Certification Program for EFDAs

 

In late February, the Wisconsin State Legislature that would establish a certificate program for expanded function dental auxiliaries (EFDAs). Under the bill, EFDAs who become certified would be permitted to perform delegated tasks that are specified in the bill while under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

 

To become eligible for certification, an applicant must:

  • Successfully complete an accredited instructional program that provides training in practice as an EFDA and requires no fewer than 70 hours of classroom instruction;
  • Prior to being permitted to enroll in the instructional program, complete at least 2,000 hours practicing as a dental assistant, or at least 1,000 hours practicing as a dental assistant and hold the certified dental assistant credential issued by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc.; and
  • Maintain current proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including the use of an automated external defibrillator, achieved through instruction provided by an individual, organization or institution of higher education.

The bill also permits the state’s Dentistry Examining Board to promulgate additional rules for the certification and practice of EFDAs, but the bill prohibits the Board from promulgating rules that allow an EFDA to cut hard or soft tissue, diagnose or plan treatments.

 

The bill will be sent to the Governor for consideration.

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

  • Provider Relief Fund Reporting
  • HRSA Dental Faculty Loan Repayment
  • ADEA regarding vaccines at the state level
  • 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.

 

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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 Director of State Relations and Advocacy

 

Brian Robinson

ADEA Program Manager for Advocacy and Government Relations

 

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