The ADA is urging lawmakers to prioritize oral health as they examine strategies to address rising health care costs.
In a Dec. 3 letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, the Association stressed that rising costs place a strain on patients, families, employers and taxpayers. Oral health, the ADA said, is inseparable from overall health, and the design and financing of dental benefits have a direct impact on whether individuals can obtain appropriate care when it is needed or must wait to be treated until their oral health problems grow even more serious, often leading to increased pain and higher overall costs. This problem is especially felt by low-income and medically vulnerable populations.
“Oral health is inseparable from overall health, and the design and financing of dental benefits have a direct impact on whether individuals can obtain timely, appropriate care or instead delay treatment until problems become more serious, painful, and costly, especially among low-income and medically vulnerable populations,” the letter stated. It was signed by ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D., and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D.
Source: ADA calls for stronger dental benefits, transparency measures in Senate cost review / ADA News