Government Relations
• Dental and visions policies are included under the definition of “ health insurance policy .” It also covers CHIP and Medicaid .
• Requires licensing boards to promulgate regulations for those health care practitioners under their respective jurisdiction .
Medicaid Funding for Fee Increase
• Appropriated $ 12 million to increase fees for 31 dental services provided to children and adults in the Medicaid program , starting January 1 , 2025 . DHS will apply for a match from the federal government .
How did we convince legislators to provide more funding for dentistry in the budget ? Our public health and Medicaid dentists did an awesome job reaching out to legislators . PDA also joined forces with other dental organizations to lobby for funding and comprehensive adult services . We ’ re still working on the latter ! A bill restoring adult services passed the House and is in a Senate Committee .
Donated Dental Services program
• PDA successfully lobbied for a continuation of funding from the state for Dental Lifeline Network ’ s ( DNL ) Donated Dental Services program .
• DLN uses this funding to employ two regional coordinators who screen patients and connect them with volunteer dentists and dental laboratories who provide services and dental appliances free of charge . They handle the administrative tasks necessary to operate the program and act as a conduit between the patient and dentist before and after treatment is rendered .
• This year , DDS ’ s statewide network of 538 dentists and 114 dental labs donated close to $ 1 million in comprehensive dental services to at least 355 patients in need , including veterans .
Let ’ s keep the momentum going for the next legislative session starting in January 2025 !
8 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL