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Two CDA-sponsored bills signed into law this year are the latest legislative outcomes to benefit California dentists and their patients, but these successful reform efforts follow several successful bills sponsored by CDA in recent years as part of a multi-year, multi-pronged strategy.

The shortage of dental assistants impacts the productivity of the total practice. CDA members benefit from easy-to-implement training programs and staffing support plus legislative advocacy pursued on behalf of California practices.

In another legislative victory for California dentists and their patients, Gov. Gavin Newsom last night signed the latest CDA-sponsored bill strengthening dental plan coverage requirements and transparency. 
 

A coalition of health care organizations including CDA has filed a ballot measure for the November 2024 election to protect and expand funding for California’s Medi-Cal program, improving access to care for generations to come.

In a victory for California dentists and their patients, Gov. Newsom has signed CDA-sponsored legislation that will help dental offices communicate the details of dental plan coverage to their patients. Plans also will be required to disclose whether a patient’s plan is state or federally regulated.

In a live virtual meeting on May 10, members learned about CDA’s litigation against Delta Dental of California and key legislation to improve dental plan transparency and coverage. The presenters also highlighted tools and resources available to CDA members to help ease dental plan frustrations and challenges. 

For the first time since 2019, California dental students were able to meet in person with legislative staff and have a meet-and-greet with Assemblymember Jim Wood, DDS, at the state Capitol as part of CDA’s Grassroots Advocacy Days.
 

Two CDA-sponsored bills introduced this month, including one authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood, DDS, continue CDA’s legislative efforts to hold dental insurance plans accountable and move toward more meaningful dental coverage.

Legislation introduced this month tackles California’s dental assistant workforce shortage on two fronts – both by updating scope of practice and creating new pathways to licensure, including by shortening the current required on-the-job training.