A Virginia dentist recently attended President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to draw attention to challenges facing dental providers, WVIR reported Feb. 24.
President Trump discussed several topics during his Feb. 24 address, including affordability, immigration and trade. He also briefly spoke about healthcare, including the expiration of ACA subsidies, TrumpRx and Medicaid fraud.
Cameron Roberts, DDS, dental director of the Augusta Regional Dental Clinic, attended the State of the Union as a guest of U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va.
Mr. Kaine said he chose to bring Dr. Roberts to shed light on what dental providers are experiencing amid high demand and looming funding cuts.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to lead to a decrease in Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion. The cuts have led several states to weigh cuts and limitations to Medicaid dental coverage in an effort to reduce spending.
More than 300,000 Virginia residents are at risk of losing coverage over the next two years due to the expiration of ACA subsidies and new Medicaid work requirements, which will lead to increased demand at clinics.
Dr. Roberts said patients who have already lost coverage have turned to Augusta Regional Dental Clinic, but the clinic’s staff is forced to turn away dozens of people each day. The clinic also has limited options for referrals.
Mr. Kaine said a local FQHC referred to the recruitment of hygienists as “almost impossible.”
Dr. Roberts told WVIR he plans to continue advocating for rural providers.
