Why Is The ADA Asks Congress for $44 Million?

On April 26^th, the American Dental Association (ADA) presented a request for better oral health funding in the upcoming year. The presentation was given by Dr. Tim Fagan, who is the chair of the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention. Dr. Fagan went before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human resources and Education to request this funding. The ADA is requesting for the 2019 year that a budget of $20 million be given for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Oral Health and $24 million be given for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s pediatric and general dental residencies. 

During this presentation, the focus was to encourage the prioritization of oral health by lawmakers. Oral health is very important. Tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease and is five times more common in children than asthma. The CDC and HRSA have long been involved in America’s oral health and the benefits of taking care of your mouth. The CDC and HRSA have invested in community water fluoridation, school-based programs, dental sealants, and oral health residency training.

Did you know that 78 million Americans do not have access to a fluoridated public water system? Studies have shown that if those water systems can be fluoridated, 2.5 billion dollars could be saved by Americans on dental costs. Having access to water with fluoride in it prevents tooth decay and reduces the cost of treatment. The CDC was praised for helping many states and communities incorporate and buy the equipment necessary for fluoridation of their water.

The CDC also helps provide dental sealant programs. By sealing a tooth, this saves the cost of getting the tooth treated. This presentation also put emphasis on creating funding for the HRSA’s pediatric and general dental residencies. This program is important for many dentists because it is where they get additional information on various subjects such as:

·         Child psychology and behavior

·         Pharmacology

·         Oral-facial trauma

·         Anesthesia

Many American children do not receive the dental care they need. With this new proposal for funding in the 2019 year, the ADA hopes to bring better oral health care to those who are currently struggling to keep their teeth healthy.

To make sure you are taking care of your teeth, schedule an appointment with Carolina’s Dental Choice today. Give us a call at 704-289-9519 or visit our website.