In a bipartisan effort supported by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), U.S. Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced legislation on Tuesday, February 14 to address oral health.
The measure, H.R. 994, titled the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023 instructs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop an oral health literacy strategy for underserved communities and aims to stop the rise of oral disease and related illnesses through a five-year oral health literacy campaign.
"Dental health is about more than just appearances; it's a critical aspect of overall well-being," said Dr. Stefan I. Zweig, President of the American Association of Endodontists. "Neglecting oral health can have serious negative effects on our physical and mental health. As endodontists, we are committed to safeguarding our patients' oral health and promoting the preservation of their natural teeth. We're thrilled that Congress is taking up this important issue, and we proudly support this proposal alongside organized dentistry."
The Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act is also endorsed by:
Academy of General Dentistry
American College of Prosthodontists
American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
American Student Dental Association
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Association of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists
American Academy of Periodontology
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Delta Dental Plans Association
Despite bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, the measure still needs to go through the legislative process. The AAE will work with its stakeholders in organized dentistry to monitor this important proposal and may direct grass roots action. For more information about the Association's advocacy efforts, please visit aae.org/advocacy or email: advocacy@aae.org.
