East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson and Congresswoman Robin Kelly of Illinois have reintroduced the bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act. The bill aims to continue support for organizations providing oral health care to underserved populations, particularly seniors and children in rural areas.

"Since its implementation, the Action for Dental Health Act has made a meaningful difference in expanding access to oral health care in communities across the United States," stated Rep. Simpson. He emphasized the importance of reauthorizing this legislation to remove barriers to oral care, promote disease prevention, and improve oral health education. As co-chair of the Oral Health Caucus, he expressed pride in collaborating with Congresswoman Kelly on this initiative.

Rep. Kelly highlighted the connection between dental health and overall health, stressing the necessity of reliable oral healthcare access. "I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with my colleague, who’s also a dentist, for the third time to reduce healthcare costs for hardworking families," she said.

Brett H. Kessler, D.D.S., President of the American Dental Association, underscored the significance of the Act in preventing dental diseases and improving access to care. "Reauthorizing this vital program extends the important work of tackling the access challenges faced by many Americans while advancing the important goal of decreasing dental health disparities in our rural and underserved areas where better access to care is critical," he remarked.

The bill's supporters aim to address dental workforce development needs and ensure sufficient resources are available to meet national oral health care demands.