Organized Dentistry Coalition backs bill to reauthorize CDC oral health program
The Organized Dentistry Coalition, which includes the ADA and other national oral health organizations, is voicing support for legislation that would reauthorize a key federal oral health program.
In a June 12 letter to Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., coalition members thanked the senator for introducing S. 4008, the Promoting Dental Health Act, and for his continued focus on improving access to oral health care.
“Your longstanding commitment to improving access to oral health care and strengthening public health infrastructure has made an important difference for communities across the country,” the coalition wrote.
The letter highlights the ongoing burden of oral disease in the United States, noting that more than half of children and more than one-quarter of adults have cavities. It also points to gaps in access to care, including the nearly 70 million Americans without dental insurance and the 64 million people who live in dental health professional shortage areas.
According to the coalition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Oral Health plays a critical role in addressing those challenges through oral health surveillance, school sealant programs, workforce development, public education and efforts to integrate oral health into broader health systems.
“These public health strategies complement clinical care and help prevent disease before it begins, particularly for children, families, and communities facing the greatest barriers to care,” the letter states.
The Promoting Dental Health Act would reauthorize the CDC Division of Oral Health for five years. The coalition said continued federal support is important because the program currently funds only a limited number of states, with some states having gone decades without receiving core oral health public health support.
“This legislation is an important investment in public health infrastructure,” the coalition wrote. “Strong state oral health programs are essential for surveillance, prevention, school-based programs, workforce coordination, public education and cross-sector partnerships that improve health outcomes and reduce long-term costs.”
The coalition concluded by reaffirming its support for the legislation as it moves through Congress.
“Thank you again for your leadership and your commitment to improving oral health for all Americans,” the letter states. “The Organized Dentistry Coalition stands ready to support your efforts to advance this legislation and would welcome the opportunity to serve as a resource as the bill moves forward.”
