3 things you missed in government this week
Anticompetitive regulations, dental hygienists, dental loss ratio legislation
“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 is offering its perspective on how certain anticompetitive regulations impact the dental sector, in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s request for information on reducing anticompetitive regulatory barriers. The Association filed comments applauding the agency’s examination of how federal regulations may inadvertently hinder competition and choice in health care. The comments highlighted the ADA’s interest in promoting competitive, innovative and patient-centered practices in the dental marketplace, and recommended specific actions for the Federal Trade Commission to take.
2. The ADA is supporting Nevada Senate Bill 495, which would allow an alternative pathway of training for dental hygienists in the state. In a letter addressed to Fabian Donate, chair of the Nevada Senate Health and Human Services Committee, the Association said the bill aligns with the ADA’s policy and can serve as a model that other states may follow. “We respectfully urge you and your colleagues to support this legislation as written,” the ADA said.
3. Montana became the third state in 2025 to pass dental loss ratio legislation after Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 335 into law. Known as the Montana Dental Insurance Transparency and Accountability Act, the legislation requires that dental insurance coverage has a dental loss ratio that is “transparent to the public and fair to covered individuals.” Montana’s new legislation aims to create transparency of the expenditure of dental health care plan premiums, requiring annual reports and remediation if the dental loss ratio falls below a certain percentage.
