U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has introduced the Promoting Dental Health Act to reauthorize funding for the CDC’s Oral Health Program for five years, according to a March 5 news release.
Here are five things to know:
- The program currently receives $20.25 million in annual funding each year to support oral health initiatives.
- Fifteen states get funding to prevent cavities, gum disease and other dental conditions.
- Funding supports dental education, data collection, school-based sealant care for low-income children, workforce development and research into gaps in patient care.
- Nearly 70 million Americans lack dental insurance and more than 60 million live in areas designated as a dental health professional shortage area.
- The American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists have endorsed the bill.
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