Committee Hearing: America’s Dental Care Crisis

The senate’s Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) held a hearing on the status dental care in the United States. Senators heard expert testimony on topics ranging from Medicaid reimbursement to workforce development. The hearing is relevant to several pieces of legislation under consideration by congress. Bills under consideration include the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act, Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2023, Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act, Action for Dental Health Act of 2023, and Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2024.

Members of the committee emphasized the need for bipartisan legislation. Expert testimony included commentary on workforce distribution and shortage challenges present throughout the United States, particularly in rural areas, as well as the broad effects of untreated dental disease. Low Medicaid reimbursement rates were repeatedly identified as a key area to focus on; however, all present were in agreement that Medicaid reimbursement rates are not the sole area of concern. Public education, dental disease prevention efforts, and support for dentists aspiring to treat underserved patients were also mentioned as important factors. Testimony also acknowledged the creativity of many dentists around the United States organizing to address care gaps. Further details about the hearing can be found in the video above.