AAPD Campaign Gains Congressional Support for Oral Health Access

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US: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has led a successful advocacy campaign to broaden access to oral health care for children served by Medicaid and individuals with disabilities. 

Gaining Bipartisan Political Support

The AAPD has gained bipartisan political support within Congress, resulting in the submission of letters to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) by the U.S. Senate and House. These letters commend recent federal efforts to address the national crisis related to operating room access for necessary dental surgeries.

Delay in care for oral health surgeries not only results in extended illness, pain, and economic burden for patients but also affects a child’s ability to learn, eat, and function. Policy makers are urging CMS to expand access to oral health surgeries by allowing dental care to be provided in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). 

Support for Underserved Communities 

Starting from January 1, 2023, hospitals can easily provide the necessary oral health surgeries, while ASCs can expand access to care sites, providing support for those in rural and underserved communities.

The Health Task Force of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) has submitted a separate letter to CMS, asking for immediate action to support the AAPD’s message. The AAPD acknowledges the legislators, particularly Representatives Drew Ferguson (R-GA) and Terrie Sewell (D-AL) and Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), for their leadership in advancing the congressional letters. The Academy also recognizes CMS for their efforts so far and anticipates further progress this year.