Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin have introduced bipartisan legislation called the Promoting Dental Health Act. The act aims to reauthorize funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Oral Health program for the next five years. This program currently receives $20.5 million in annual funding and supports various public health activities to promote oral health.

The funding provided by the Promoting Dental Health Act will benefit 20 states by preventing cavities, gum disease, and other serious oral health conditions. It will support dental education, data collection, school-based sealant care for low-income children, state fluoridation efforts, workforce development, and research into gaps in patient care.

Senator Marshall, who is also a physician, emphasized the importance of oral health and dental care. He stated, "Reauthorizing critical funding for this Oral Health program will help our Kansas communities promote good oral health habits and prevent disease." He further added, "I'm proud to partner with Senator Durbin in introducing bipartisan legislation to keep this successful program going and help Kansans and Illinoisans alike."

Senator Durbin highlighted the need for easily accessible and adequately funded oral health care. He said, "Dental care is a fundamental part of staying healthy." Senator Durbin expressed his hope that the Promoting Dental Health Act would ensure that the CDC Oral Health program has the necessary resources to serve more Americans, including those in Illinois.

The Promoting Dental Health Act has received endorsements from various organizations. Scott W. Cashion, President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), praised the legislation. He said, "The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry applauds the Senators' bipartisan effort to reauthorize the CDC oral health program." Cashion emphasized the positive impact of the program on the oral health of children and families.

The Promoting Dental Health Act has also earned endorsements from the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD).

This legislation aims to bolster public health efforts to improve dental health by providing continued funding and support for the CDC's Oral Health program. By prioritizing oral health and dental care, the Promoting Dental Health Act aims to prevent serious complications and promote good oral health habits among Americans from various economic backgrounds.