3 things you missed in government this week

Community water fluoridation, student loan forgiveness, licensure portability

“Three Things You Missed in Government This Week” is designed to offer a way to stay informed on the topics of the week. These updates are meant to offer brief details on legislative or regulatory topics to keep dentists engaged and up to date. To explore the ADA’s latest advocacy efforts, more information is available at ADA.org/Advocacy.
  
1.    The ADA affirmed its support of community water fluoridation amid reports that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending the practice. ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., said in a news release that the ADA relies on evidence-based research to improve the oral health of the public and looks forward to meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a comprehensive study on fluoride. 

2.    The ADA signed onto a coalition letter highlighting the success and importance of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which provides financial relief from student loans and eventual loan forgiveness for qualifying individuals. The coalition said it opposes actions that would restrict eligibility or cut resources to the program. 

3.    Nebraska became the 12th state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact after Legislative Bill 148 passed April 10 in a vote of 47-0-2. The bill also allows the state to accept multiple licensure exams, for which Gov. Jim Pillen has said he supports. He has until April 16 to sign the bill into law.