Article Details

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.

Update 11/9/22: The CDA-endorsed ballot measure in Massachusetts – Question 2 – passed in Tuesday's election and will require dental insurance companies to spend at least 83% of premium dollars collected on dental services as opposed to using the money for administrative costs and executive compensation.

The California 2022-23 state budget signed by Gov. Newsom includes all of CDA’s priority asks with major investments in health care workforce development and $50 million to build and expand facilities and infrastructure to provide care for dental patients with special health care needs.

May 23 update: Gov. Newsom signed legislation enacting the agreement that revises the state’s MICRA law following approval by the state Legislature on bipartisan and nearly unanimous votes. The legislation takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Student representatives from six California dental schools met earlier this year with state legislators to discuss critical issues affecting dentistry and oral health as part of  Grassroots Advocacy Days. The students highlighted solutions through state budget funding and CDA-sponsored legislation.

A new California law will help inform patients who use telehealth about their health plan coverage limitations and options so they can make informed choices about the care they receive. It takes effect in January 2023.
 

CDA’s legislative and budget advocacy agenda for 2022 is focused on two key areas: addressing dental workforce shortages that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding access to dental care for vulnerable populations. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Jan. 10 released a state budget proposal that pulls from a projected surplus of $45.7 billion to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, combat the climate crisis, confront homelessness and cost of living and improve safety on community streets.