3 things you missed in government this week

FDA meeting, water fluoridation guidelines, Medicare Advantage

“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 Food and Drug Administration held a hybrid public meeting to gather input on the clinical use and safety concerns associated with orally ingestible unapproved prescription drug products containing fluoride in the pediatric population. ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., shared remarks during the public comment section of the meeting, while several ADA National Fluoridation Advisory Committee members spoke on panels.

2.     A bill introduced in Congress aims to strengthen the scientific basis behind federal water fluoridation guidelines. The Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion and Tooth Health Act, or TEETH Act, would require the Environmental Protection Agency to commission an independent, rapid-response evidence review from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine before proposing updated fluoridation recommendations.

3.     ADA leaders are calling for targeted reforms to ensure that seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans receive meaningful access to dental care as Congress examines the future of the program. In a letter to congressional subcommittees overseeing the joint hearing on Medicare Advantage, the ADA outlined several concerns and recommendations focused on transparency, competition and provider participation in Medicare Advantage.