The ADA House of Delegates approved a resolution, introduced by the WSDA, relating to dental benefits that seeks to “minimize interference of dental benefit carriers into the doctor-patient relationship.” 

Resolution 32H-2018 directs the Board of Trustees to convene a task force of experts from across the Association to develop a strategy for state-based advocacy related to dental benefits. The resolution would develop policy actions that states can include in their advocacy efforts.

“The ADA believes in the vital importance of the dentist-patient relationship, and we believe this task force would help the Association and states preserve this crucial element through strategic advocacy efforts,” said Dr. Christopher Bulnes, chair of the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs. “The Council on Dental Benefit Programs works continually on dental benefits advocacy, and legislative action is a significant lever in bringing about real relief for our members and patients.”

The task force will include members of the Board, Council on Dental Benefit Programs and Council on Government Affairs, as well as House delegates and state dental association executive directors with dental benefits advocacy experience.

“We look forward to working with and sharing our efforts with other members of the ADA task force,” said Dr. Craig Armstrong, chair of the Council on Government Affairs. “We hope that our input will continue to provide valuable model legislation that can be utilized at both the state and local dental society levels working with them each step of the way. This strategy should enable us to advocate for the profession of dentistry while assisting our members in advancing the overall oral health of their patients.”