GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
In 2018, PDA achieved legislative milestones with assignment of benefits
legislation. We were also successful having loan forgiveness legislation introduced
and with securing appropriations in the state budget for dental initiatives such as
Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services program.
Through the years, PDA has used dentists’ collective voice in the legislative arena to accomplish great things:
PASSED legislation limiting the time frame in which insurers
may retroactively review and deny dental claims to 24 months.
PASSED legislation prohibiting insurers from capping fees
for dental services which are not covered in a patient’s plan.
PASSED legislation requiring insurers to cover the cost of
DEFEATED legislation that would have required dentists to
submit proof of having paid taxes before renewing their dental
license, threatening their livelihood if the state made mistakes
processing this information.
REMOVED provisions in a city ordinance that required
general anesthesia when needed to treat patients of any age
with special needs or children seven years of age or younger. dentists to install amalgam separators and display a poster in their
offices needlessly alarming patients about the dangers of
“mercury amalgam.”
PASSED legislation allowing out-of-state dentists to apply DEFEATED legislation allowing municipalities to remove
for temporary licenses so that they may volunteer at charitable
events or assist during states of emergency. fluoride from water supplies without prior notification to the
public or Department of Environmental Protection.
REINSTATED funding in the state budget for Dental STOPPED the legislature from passing a bill prohibiting
Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services program.
SECURED additional funding in the state’s health care
dentists from administering general anesthesia and deep sedation
in their offices.
practitioner loan forgiveness program for dentists who agree to
practice in shortage areas in exchange for student loan forgiveness.
PASSED legislation that expands the scope of practice for
expanded function dental assistants to include some hygiene
functions performed under dentists’ direct supervision.
AMENDED legislation requiring dentists to carry malpractice
insurance by including an exemption for dentists with volunteer
licenses and those who practice in community based settings.
AMENDED legislation to safeguard patients and require
additional training and education for public health dental
hygiene practitioners practicing independently in public settings.
TRANSFORMED the dental profession by convincing
the legislature to legitimize the practice of expanded function
dental assistants, increasing dental office productivity.
To learn more about current legislative efforts visit the Government Relations page at www.padental.org/gr.
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