G o v e rn men t Relat ions
PDA’s Advocacy Goals
2019-2020 Legislative Session
PDA is the premier dental organization at the forefront of
legislative initiatives to improve the dental practice environment
in Pennsylvania for both dentists and patients. The current
legislative session, which commenced one year ago in January
2019, allows PDA two years in which to advocate on members’
behalf for these important insurance reforms, and scope of
practice and access to care initiatives:
• Assignment of benefits
• Student loan forgiveness for dentists willing to practice in
health shortage areas.
• Increased funding in the Medical Assistance program for
dental providers.
While PDA takes a focused approach in limiting its primary
advocacy efforts to these three issues, we will monitor and
address the following additional issues on an as-needed basis:
• Maintaining funding for the Donated Dental Services program.
• Prescription drug prescribing authority, abuse and patient
monitoring.
• Protecting the current dental team model and patients’
safety by limiting or restricting the unsupervised practice of
non-dentists.
• All other workforce and scope of practice issues.
• Supporting programs and policies aimed at improving
oral health.
• All insurance issues, such as balance billing, coordination
of benefits and credentialing.
• Improving patients’ ability to access dental care.
PDA’s lobbyists and staff work collaboratively with the
Government Relations Committee, Dental Benefits Committee
and Access to Oral Health Advisory Group to monitor and
respond to all legislation impacting dentistry and your patients.
All viewpoints are taken into consideration before we develop
and communicate our position on issues. PDA represents all of
you at the Capitol and the Governor’s agencies!
We will soon consider our advocacy goals for the 2021-22
legislative session. Please contact PDA’s government relations
staff at (800) 223-0016 or mss@padental.org, if you have
any ideas of your own. Your input in this process is welcomed
and appreciated.
Save the Date!
The ADA’s Dentist and Student Lobby Day is scheduled
for April 26-28, 2020, in Washington D.C.
Join hundreds of your colleagues and dental students from
across the nation to lobby Congress on a number of issues
important to your profession and your patients!
PDA has funding available to assist
members who attend this event and visit with
the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation.
Stay tuned for more information.
Registration and hotel reservations
are opening in January.
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JA NUA RY/F E B R UA RY 2020 | P EN N S YLVA N IA D EN TA L J O U R N A L