ODA Members Help Lobby Federal Dental Bills

The ADA recently hosted the annual ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day. On April 25, more than 450 dentists and dental students from around the US gathered virtually to learn about several ADA bills that address key legislative issues affecting the profession. And then on April 28, they participated in virtual meetings with our congressional delegation and their staff to advocate for those bills. Participating ODA members included Drs. Chris Fagan, Paul Mullasseril, Raymond Cohlmia, Matt Cohlmia, Kara Tims, Lindsay Smith, Dan Wilguess, Doug Auld, Rieger Wood and Juan Lopez; and Lynn Means, ODA Executive Director. The ADA bills lobbied this year included: HR 2079, the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act, would ensure that Provider Relief Fund assistance is not taxable and that expenses tied to this assistance are tax-deductible.

HR 885, the Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act, would provide small businesses with a tax credit of up to $25,000 for personal protective equipment (PPE). HR 1916 and S 754 are companion bills known as the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) and would require all private group and individual health plans to cover medically necessary services resulting from a congenital anomaly or birth defect. This would include inpatient and outpatient care and reconstructive services and procedures, as well as adjunctive dental, orthodontic, or prosthodontic support. HR 1918, the Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act, would • Provide a chance for borrowers to refinance their federal student loans to take advantage of lower interest rates. • Eliminate loan origination fees. • Delay the accrual of interest for many low- and middle-income borrowers while they are in school. • Allow medical and dental residents to defer payments until after completing their residency programs. HR 2160, the Student Loan Refinancing Act, would enable borrowers to refinance their federal student loans every six months to take advantage of lower interest rates.

we’re in this together.

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