Nine notes:
1. The ADA covered a variety of topics in its March 5 letter, backing issues such as community water fluoridation, the expansion of adult dental coverage under Medicaid and the independence of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
2. The ADA pushed for these issues to be prioritized under the Trump Administration, highlighting the importance of oral health for overall wellbeing.
3. The ADA noted its partnership with the HHS Department to advance the integration of oral healthcare into primary care and other healthcare programs, as well as advancing oral health literacy.
4. The ADA urged the department to ensure that oral health programs are not included in any agency reductions.
5. The dental organization also reiterated its support for community water fluoridation and welcomed further discussions on research and concerns related to the practice.
6. Mr. Kennedy has previously said that the Trump administration would aim to remove fluoride from public water sources, but the administration has not confirmed that it is a policy priority.
7. Additionally, the ADA advocated for the removal of barriers that prevent health information exchange to ensure that dental professionals are integrated with other healthcare systems.
8. The ADA pushed for increased investment in the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, noting the connection between this research and other healthcare issues.
9. Lastly, the ADA said it is concerned about the HHS Department’s decision to rescind the Richardson Waiver, a policy that ensured public participation in rulemaking processes, arguing that eliminating this requirement reduces transparency in regulatory decisions.