Dental School Deans' Letter to Secretary Sebelius on ACA Pediatric Dental Benefit

On September 20, 2011, shortly after 53 dental and children's health organizations sent a letter to Secretary Sebelius supporting an evidence-based pediatric dental benefit in the Exchanges, 42 of the nation's dental school Deans also sent a letter to the Secretary calling for a benefit that reflects current scientific evidence, current teaching, and the most effective approaches to quality oral health services for children.

The Deans have asked federal regulators to endorse a set of dental services that honor professional guidelines and recommendations including 'Bright Futures Oral Health' and reflects the following evidence-based pediatric oral health guidelines and policies:

• The American Dental Association’s Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry recommendations on use of fluorides and dental sealants.
• The joint US Food and Drug Administration/American Dental Association Guide to Patient Selection for Dental Radiographs.
• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Clinical Guideline on Risk Assessment and Caries Management.
• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Policy on Model Dental Benefits for Infants, Children and Adolescents and Individuals with Special Care Needs.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Policy on Oral Health Risk Assessment Timing and Establishment of the Dental Home.

To read the letter in its entirety, please download the above PDF.