Prioritize Oral Health Care in America

CHICAGO, May 23, 2024 – The American Dental Association (ADA) applauds members of Congress for prioritizing oral health as a critical component of Americans’ overall health and wellbeing. Beyond teeth and gums, the mouth serves as a window to the rest of the body and can show signs of infection, nutritional deficiencies and systemic diseases. Dentistry is an essential health care service because of the role it plays in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing or treating oral disease, which is integral to systemic health. Staying well depends on having access to health care, which includes oral health care. In addition, there is compelling research linking improved oral health with reduced overall health care spending.

The importance of oral health and its connection to physical health deserves priority focus in federal and state health policy to address the current barriers to accessing care. The ADA is dedicated to advocating for legislation that will improve oral health. We thank the leaders of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee for shining a light on this critical issue. We urge Congress to recognize the need for bipartisan action.

Source: Prioritize Oral Health Care in America / ADA.org

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