Protecting Dentists and Patients
Working in the legislative arena is often like the practice of preventative dentistry, it requires regular work and attention to many small details. When done well, the majority of potential problems can be remedied or prevented before they have a chance to take root and grow.
Legislative efforts also rely strongly on educational efforts – working to ensure legislators and regulators truly understand the issues, the potentials, and the cause and effect relationships of those items they consider. IDA continues to build and enhance relationships with legislators and regulators who are in a position to drive the state’s legislation and policy as it affects the delivery of quality oral healthcare.
Recap of 2023 Iowa Legislative Session
The 2023 legislative session ended on Thursday, May 4, with the House and the Senate passing the final portions of the state's budget for SFY24, beginning in July. While we were not able to achieve a dental Medicaid increase, we had several areas of success and strides were made in educating lawmakers on the issues surrounding the practice of dentistry in Iowa.
A key success for dentistry was the passage of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact, HF 656. The bill was signed by Governor Reynolds on April 27 (pictured above), making Iowa the first state to sign the compact into law. The compact will allow dentists and dental hygienists to obtain authorization to practice in states they are not licensed if that state is a part of the compact. The compact will go into full effect once four other states join Iowa, Tennessee, and Washington and sign the compact into law.
The 2023 session had it's challenges. Among those was HF 149, which would have created a tax on all gross dental revenues in Iowa at one and one-half percent, with the funds collected going to the state's general Medicaid fund. The IDA lobbying team worked to ensure the bill did not move forward. Although the bill is eligible for debate in the 2024 legislative session, the quick efforts by the lobbying team have ensured the bill will not move forward.
Thank you to the dentists who helped our advocacy efforts this year. Whether you spoke to your legislator as a key contact, came to the Iowa Statehouse to speak about dentistry, or contributed to IDPAC, you helped to positively impact the dental profession.
Governor Proclaims February 2022 Children's Dental Health Month in Iowa
In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring February 2022 Children’s Dental Health Month in Iowa. IDA, joined by the Iowa Department of Public Health, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Delta Dental of Iowa, Iowa Dental Board, Oral Health Iowa, Dental Connections, and the two dentists in the legislature Representative Dr. Steve Bradley and Representative Dr. Tom Jeneary, came together to celebrate the importance of oral health from an early age and witnessed the Governor signing the proclamation.
2021 Marks a Big Year for Dentistry in the Legislature
Dentistry had a successful year at the Statehouse in 2021, with two IDA-sponsored bills signed into law by Governor Reynolds. Below is an update on the 2021 IDA Legislative Priorities upon the conclusion of the legislative session in May:
Hawki Dental Benefits
Priority: Maintain the existing Hawki dental program and benefits.
IDA's priority for this session was to maintain Hawki benefits within the existing program. With the passage of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Appropriations Bill, HF891, Hawki will be maintained at its current reimbursement levels for the next fiscal year.
IDA's priority for this session was to maintain Hawki benefits within the existing program. With the passage of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Appropriations Bill, HF891, Hawki will be maintained at its current reimbursement levels for the next fiscal year.
Dental Wellness Plan & Medicaid Fee-for-Service
Priority: Increase DWP and FFS reimbursement to more closely align with Hawki rates, which will allow dentists to cover their costs and facilitate greater access throughout the state.
While the IDA asked legislators to increase dental Medicaid rates, HF891 set the reimbursement rates for Medicaid dental services to remain at current rates.
While the IDA asked legislators to increase dental Medicaid rates, HF891 set the reimbursement rates for Medicaid dental services to remain at current rates.
Do-It-Yourself Dentistry
Priority: Protect patients before they begin any orthodontia treatment.
Beginning July 1, patients seeking orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, will need to show proof of a dental examination within the previous six months or have a dental examination before beginning treatment.
This law signed by Governor Reynolds on Thursday, May 20 is designed to protect Iowans. “Beginning orthodontic treatment with undiagnosed or untreated gum disease, cavities, or other oral health conditions can lead to costly and permanent issues such as tooth loss or a crooked bite,” says Representative Steve Bradley, a dentist from Cascade, and a leading force behind the passage of the law proposed by IDA.
“This law ensures patients’ smiles are protected by requiring orthodontic treatment be preceded by a dental exam to catch any potential issues before it is too late,” stated Representative Tom Jeneary, a retired dentist from LeMars, who introduced and managed the bill.
Joining the IDA in supporting this law are the American Association of Orthodontists, SmileDirectClub, Delta Dental of Iowa, and the Iowa Dental Board.
Access to Care
Priority: Ensure patient safety by requiring licensed dentists to supervise all other oral healthcare providers.
Access to basic dental services is directly related to overall health. Lack of adequate oral healthcare can lead to the development of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease – which may result in expensive and avoidable emergency room visits. IDA strongly supports increasing access to care for vulnerable Iowans and is committed to collaborating with existing provider groups to achieve this goal. The best way to ensure patient safety and best outcomes is for licensed dentists – who undergo the most rigorous training in the field – to supervise all other oral healthcare providers. IDA also supports efforts to ensure dental offices in Iowa are fully staffed so they can provide quality dental care to Iowans.
Access to basic dental services is directly related to overall health. Lack of adequate oral healthcare can lead to the development of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease – which may result in expensive and avoidable emergency room visits. IDA strongly supports increasing access to care for vulnerable Iowans and is committed to collaborating with existing provider groups to achieve this goal. The best way to ensure patient safety and best outcomes is for licensed dentists – who undergo the most rigorous training in the field – to supervise all other oral healthcare providers. IDA also supports efforts to ensure dental offices in Iowa are fully staffed so they can provide quality dental care to Iowans.
Fluoridation Reporting Requirements
Priority: Require communities to inform their citizens before discontinuing water fluoridation.
HF390 was signed by Governor Reynolds on April 30. This bill requires water systems to notify their customers 90 days prior to any action to permanently discontinue fluoridation. Notice will be provided on water bills or other means, allowing time for community dentists and consumers to contact the water system and local government regarding the decision to discontinue fluoridation.
IDA has drafted a letter template dentists may use to dissuade their community from discontinuing water fluoridation if proposed.
Increase State Funding for the Fulfilling Iowa’s Need for Dentists (FIND) Program
Priority: Increase state funding for FIND from $100,000 to $500,000 for SFY22.
The HHS Appropriations Bill, HF891, did not increase state funding for the program.
