Today, President Trump signed into law the Action for Dental Health Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving oral health and access to oral health care.
H.R. 2422, introduced by Reps. Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Mike Simpson (R-ID) passed the House in February; in October, it passed the Senate, where it was sponsored by Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Tim Scott (R-SC).
The Action for Dental Health Act amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize oral health promotion and disease prevention programs through FY2022. Significantly, it expands eligibility of the types of organizations able to apply for Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to improve oral health through education and dental disease prevention. The grants will also be used to develop and expand outreach programs, establish dental homes for children and adults, including the elderly, blind and disabled and facilitate the provision of dental care to nursing home residents.
“This legislation is encouraging and signals oral health is a priority of Congress. Increasing oral health education and preventive oral health programs will be key to improving early diagnosis, intervention and prevention programs for our communities,” says Beth Truett, President and CEO of Oral Health America, “OHA is eager to work alongside its partners and members of Congress to improve oral health outcomes for all.”
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