Advocacy
CDA supports proposed federal rule to expand Medicare coverage of dental services tied to medically necessary conditions
A proposed rule from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services would cover medically necessary dental services as part of the existing medical services benefit in Medicare. CDA last week submitted specific recommendations on coverage of services.
Four loan repayment and scholarship opportunities for California dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, students
Dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental and hygiene students in California may be eligible for financial assistance via loan repayment or a scholarship through the Department of Health Care Access and Information.
Online demonstrations will show dental providers how to use PAVE, the new Medi-Cal enrollment portal
Starting Oct. 31, dental providers must electronically submit Medi-Cal enrollment applications and required documentation through the online portal PAVE. Dentists can attend upcoming webinars to learn how to use the portal.
Get guidance on choosing water fluoridation in your community with new California Fluoridation Manual
Local health jurisdictions and oral health advocates in California now have guidance for promoting water fluoridation in their communities based on generally accepted, peer-reviewed scientific evidence and experience.
CDA secures historic state budget wins for dentistry, oral health access
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.
Online portal for Medi-Cal providers to launch this fall
The California Department of Health Care Services plans to implement the Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment portal to simplify and accelerate Medi-Cal enrollment processes for dental providers no later than November 2022.
CDA state budget advocacy creates opportunities for dental staff training programs
The 2022-23 state budget signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom includes all of CDA’s priority asks, making significant gains for dentistry and oral health with major investments in health care workforce development.
MICRA agreement signed into law with support from CDA, TDIC and hundreds of organizations
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.
California dental students advocate for dentistry, patients during Grassroots Advocacy Days
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.
New California law helps inform patients about dental coverage options, protects dentist-patient relationship in telehealth
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.
Dental workforce shortages and expanding access to care top CDA’s advocacy agenda in 2022
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.
CalAIM now in effect, implements oral health improvements strategies for Medi-Cal program
CalAIM is a multiyear initiative by the Department of Health Care Services that aims to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of the Medi-Cal population by implementing broad delivery system, program and payment reform across Medi-Cal.