PA Dental Association Commends Gov. Rendell And General Assembly For Important First Step In Improving Access To Dental Health Care

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 22 Jul 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Dr. Jon J. Johnston, President of the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA), made the following statement today after Gov. Ed Rendell signed into law Senate Bill 455, which allows dental hygienists to perform basic oral health services at public settings such as schools, correctional institutions and nursing homes:

"The Pennsylvania Dental Association commends Governor Rendell and the General Assembly for taking an important first step in improving access to dental care for patients in public settings," Johnston said. "We look forward to working with the Governor and state lawmakers to build upon this effort and expand access to oral health care for all Pennsylvanians."

Johnston noted that the PDA worked with state Sen. Patricia Vance on SB 455 to improve patient safety in the legislation. Under the new law, dental hygienists in public settings must refer a patient to a dentist once a year for a check up to ensure there are no serious oral health problems in need of diagnosis and treatment.

Johnston added that the PDA is working with state lawmakers to broaden the services performed by other dental assistants, allowing more patients to be seen by dentists and improving access for all patients. In addition, the PDA is supporting legislation that would add fluoride to public water systems with 500 or more customers.

"Currently in Pennsylvania, only 50 percent of public water systems have the recommended levels of fluoride to prevent tooth decay and disease," Johnston said. "Studies show that fluoride reduces between 20 to 40 percent of tooth decay for all who drink the water. It is the easiest and most affordable way to ensure that as many Pennsylvanians as possible receive the first level of preventative oral health care."

Pennsylvania Dental Association
http://www.padental.org

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