Dental industry leaders and clinicians continue to advocate for changes to insurance plans as they deal with stagnant reimbursements, legislative changes and potentially restrictive policies.
- The American Dental Association is urging Congress to strengthen oversight of dental insurance markets while ensuring that fraud prevention and competition policies do not impose unnecessary burdens on independent dental practices.
- The ADA is also backing H.R. 1521, the bipartisan Dental and Optometric Care Access Act, which would limit insurers’ ability to set fees for dental services they do not cover.
- At least three states have successfully advocated to push back against a recent change from Aetna that implemented a new administrative fee for out-of-network dentists who receive paper checks for claim payments.
- Aetna also resolved a system configuration error that caused some out-of-network Medicare Advantage dental claims to be adjudicated under Medicare medical rules rather than dental benefit rules.
- California community health centers are bracing for increased costs as a provision in the state’s 2026-27 budget will eliminate routine Medi-Cal dental coverage for many undocumented immigrants beginning July 1.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
