Advocacy

A report released by the CDA Foundation showcases the work the Foundation accomplished during the pandemic as part of a grant agreement to provide trainings and materials to educate dentists and the public on COVID-19 vaccine administration and efficacy.

To support our community members, CDA is a proud sponsor of the American Institute of Dental Public Health’s LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week Oct. 16-20. Learn more about LGBTQIA+ oral health disparities and resources to help dentists foster an inclusive practice. 

Dentists, dental schools and other eligible providers and entities in California can apply for grants up to $5 million to expand or adapt specialty clinics or to construct new clinics that serve individuals with special health care needs. 

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.

Licensed general and pediatric dentists in California who practice in a federally designated health professional shortage area can apply for educational loan repayment through the California State Loan Repayment Program. Applications reopen in July 2024.
 

The online orthodontics company SmileDirectClub must remove certain conditions from its refund policy for U.S. customers and release more than 17,000 customers nationwide from those provisions in the company’s nondisclosure agreements as a result of a lawsuit settled last week. 

Important new and ongoing services for Medi-Cal Dental patients include language translation and free transportation to and from their appointments. Learn about all the services available, as well as assistance and training to help dentists establish and provide care for Medi-Cal Dental patients. 

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.
 

CDA member-dentists can use their voice in two important ways to support dental plan reform and CDA’s advocacy efforts this year: (1) Tell your legislator to support two CDA-sponsored bills that address loopholes in dental plan standards and regulations; and (2) Tell us how your patients’ coverage is disrupting care.