In-Depth: This bill represents a bipartisan collaboration between sponsor Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) and lead cosponsor Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), which now has the support of 50 cosponsors -- comprising 39 Democrats and 11 Republicans.

Rep. Kelly stated that this legislation:

“Helps to create healthier communities by breaking down barriers to oral healthcare and will ultimately help reduce unnecessary healthcare costs by minimizing and eliminating dental diseases in their early stages.”

A similar version of this bill was introduced in April 2014, but it stalled in committee and did not receive a vote before the full House of Representatives before the 113th Congress concluded.

Of Note: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are noticeable disparities in oral health that adversely affect certain racial and ethnic groups -- and are manifested in tooth decay, cavities, and oral cancer.

The CDC’s data from 2013 also shows that as people age, they are less likely to see a dentist each year. While 83 percent of children between the ages of two and 17 had seen a dentist in the past year, that number falls to 61.7 percent for adults between 18 and 64, and 60.6 percent for those who are 65 or older.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) Press Release
• Dental Products Report
• Yahoo! News
• American Dental Association (In Favor - Previous Version)
• American Student Dental Association (In Favor)
• Organized Dentistry Coalition (In Favor)
  

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user US Army Africa)