ASDA Urges Inclusion in Rural and Underserved Training Program

ASDA, along with 14 other dental organizations, signed onto a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate HELP Committee Chair Patty Murray, on December 13. The letter urges expansion of the “Pathway to Practice Training Programs” to include dental students and residents.

This program, funded under the House version of the Build Back Better Act (see more in the "From Washington" section below), provides medical students from economically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities the opportunity to attend medical school through scholarships. Recipients would work in underserved and rural areas.

ASDA supports initiatives like these that improve diversity and address the healthcare workforce shortage. ASDA urged the Senate to expand eligibility for these scholarships to include dental students and residents as their version of the Build Back Better Act is constructed.

FROM WASHINGTON

New Congressional Session Begins

On January 3, the second session of the 117^th Congress began. This session runs through December 31, 2022. Midterm elections will take place this November and the entire 435 House of Representatives and 34 Senate seats are up for election. Make sure you are registered to vote! Check your state’s voting registration process or use ASDA Action. 

House Passes Legislation Affecting Oral Health

On November 30, the House passed H.R. 1550, the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act, which would provide a national public awareness campaign around HPV. ASDA, along with 11 other dental organizations, urged this bill be brought to a vote due to HPV’s connection to oral health and potential to cause certain head and neck cancers.

On December 8, the House passed H.R. 4555, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act by a vote of 369-58. This bill authorizes funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop and implement an oral health literacy initiative across the agency. ASDA has supported this legislation in past and current congressional sessions – most recently, in a supporting letter to House leaders with 15 other dental organizations.

Both bills now go to the Senate for consideration.

Administration Extends Pause on Student Loan Repayments

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, borrowers experienced some relief through a pause on required loan payments. The interest rate was set to 0% and collections on defaulted loans stopped. The expiration date of these measures was renewed several times and ultimately set to expire on Jan. 31, 2022. However, as a new wave of COVID infections sweeps the nation, the Biden administration has extended these flexibilities through May 1, 2022.

Why does this matter? These measures align with ASDA’s F-4 Student Debt policy, which supports initiatives to reduce the burden of debt for dental students.

Speaking of policies –

Is there a particular topic on which you believe ASDA should have a policy? Does one of ASDA’s policies need updating? Submit a resolution for the House of Delegates to discuss at Annual Session. Click here for tips and resources when drafting a resolution.

Build Back Better Act Put on Hold

Since October, Advocacy Brief has been reporting on the Biden Administration’s $1.75 trillion proposed spending package, the Build Back Better Act, which included a national family paid leave program, extended child tax credits, more than $500 billion to address climate change and more. Disagreements from moderate senators, particularly Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia have prevented the bill from advancing for a vote.

Initially, the bill included adding a dental benefit to Medicare Part B – something ASDA opposed. Newer versions of the bill cut this benefit, among other cuts, in an attempt to reach across the aisle. Despite hopes this wide-ranging legislation would be voted on before the Christmas holiday, it likely will not be discussed for weeks as Congress shifts their focus to voting rights legislation.

FROM THE STATES

States Propose Legislation Affecting Oral Health

Florida: Two bills have been filed that would allow students to take initial licensure exams on manikins. HB 517 would require the use of CompeDont DTX, which is approved by the CDCA. SB 926 would allow restorations on a manikin that has typodont teeth with simulated caries, as approved by CDCA.

Missouri: SB 757 would add dental surgery, dental medicine or dental hygiene students to the list of students eligible for the medical student loan program administered by the state’s Department of Health and Senior Services. If the bill passes, dental students could be eligible for up to $25,000 in forgivable student loans each academic year in exchange for working in an area of defined need.

New Hampshire: HB 611 prohibits the introduction of fluoride into the drinking water of the state. It also prohibits a school district from introducing fluoride into a school’s drinking water. Similar legislation was filed during last year’s session but failed to move forward after it was introduced.

Wisconsin: AB 696 and SB 670 both require the state’s Department of Health Services to ensure that pregnant Medical Assistance recipients have the opportunity to see a dentist within 60 days of being referred for dentists’ services under the Medical Assistance program.

Contact advocacydept@ASDAnet.org with any questions.

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