Here are 10 federal updates from the last 30 days dental leaders should know:
1. A coalition of dental organizations called on the Department of Education to modify implementation dates for upcoming student loan changes.
2. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin introduced the Promoting Dental Health Act to reauthorize funding for the CDC’s Oral Health Program for five years.
3. U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel introduced a resolution to affirm the safety and efficacy of the use of fluoride in the U.S.
4. The World Health Organization released a new guideline supporting environmentally sustainable, less invasive and affordable oral healthcare.
5. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry warned the Environmental Protection Agency that its current fluoride assessment plan could have negative repercussions on children’s oral health.
6. The American Dental Association is urging lawmakers to support scientific oversight of potential federal fluoride regulations.
7. U.S. Reps. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., and Herb Conaway, D-N.J., introduced a bill that would uphold state regulations for self-funded dental plans.
8. The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report March 9 examining market shares of dental and vision insurers, along with the impact of vertical integration.
9. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., introduced a bill that would use revenue from a wealth tax to reverse Medicaid cuts and expand dental coverage under Medicare.
10. The ADS asked that federal investment and support be provided to help boost small and rural practices’ adoption of artificial intelligence tools.
