Dental leaders across the U.S. are growing more concerned with the accessibility of oral healthcare as federal threats loom.
The dental industry has been dealt several blows over the last few weeks regarding funding, research, workforce development and policy. Many dental leaders in the U.S. were left scrambling last month after the Health and Human Services Department unexpectedly gutted the CDC oral health division as part of its restructuring plan.
Additionally, lawmakers are considering slashing funding for Medicaid and the National Institutes of Health while cutting workforce programs as part of budget reconciliation efforts. Adding fuel to the fire is skepticism by lawmakers and other federal officials about fluoride, leading to objections from medical and dental organizations who have long endorsed the mineral as a successful public safety measure when used at recommended levels.
Source: Federal funding uncertainties: Can dentistry do more with less? / Becker’s Dental