Several dental industry leaders want the next White House administration to invest more in public oral health education initiatives and expand medical and dental benefits for patients.
Many healthcare policies are under the spotlight as the U.S. gears up for its 2024 president election.
Three dental leaders recently spoke with Becker's to discuss the policies they would like to see prioritized by the next White House administration.
Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for length and clarity.
Question: What healthcare- or business-related policies would you like to see the next White House administration prioritize after the election?
Phil Cassis. Co-Founder and CEO of Providence Dental Partners (Atlanta): I believe it will be important for the next administration to fund several important initiatives in advancing healthcare and wellness in our country. Specifically, we have a need for public health awareness campaigns that educate society on the oral systemic connection. Research has increasingly shown that the health of the mouth, teeth and gums is closely associated with the overall health of the body. Yet healthcare policies widely and continually focus on reactively treating diseases instead of proactively preventing them. If we are going to decrease co-morbidity rates, we have to expand medical/dental benefits that focus on optimal dental care and early detection.
Understanding the oral-systemic connection highlights the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene not only to protect the mouth, but safeguard overall health. Regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing, and addressing oral health issues promptly can have far-reaching benefits beyond just a healthy smile. The oral systemic connection underscores the need for a more integrated approach to healthcare, where dental professionals and general healthcare professionals collaborate more closely to ensure comprehensive care for patients. The next administration can lead this initiative by funding public health awareness and education campaigns.
Huzefa Kapadia, DDS. Kapadia Dental Care (Waterford, Mich.) and Detroit Sterling Dental: I would like them to prioritize good dental benefits for lower income individuals and the elderly. I see and treat significant issues with both demographics. If they can streamline billing, reduce the red tape typically involved with these government programs, that would be great.
For example, if a root canal/core and crown is covered, we have the potential to save a lot more teeth, and help patients lead a better quality of life. I used to see my grandparents in India, who all had dentures. Not a single one would wear them and I thought to myself, in America we have a lot more opportunities and are able to educate the public in treating caries, periodontal disease and abscessed teeth. I've noticed we have patients who are in their 90s with fantastic teeth. One of my patients is 97 and only missing three teeth. That's amazing, and that is the benefit of quality dental care provided throughout their lifetime. I hope it continues.
Norton Travis. Chief Strategy Officer of Prohealth Dental (New Hyde Park, N.Y.): ProHEALTH Dental has a unique model of providing dental services through clinical affiliations and partnerships with large healthcare providers and systems. This model’s foundation and mission is to promote the importance of oral health as a key element of overall health and well-being and the need for integrated medical and dental care. The recent Medicare policy change of allowing coverage for certain limited dental services is a good first step to recognizing the essential role that oral health plays. The new administration should and must advance this policy and broaden coverage for oral health services. The clinical literature is clear that poor oral health, especially periodontal disease, is correlated with numerous serious medical conditions. Indeed, the most recent NIH report identified over 60 medical conditions that could be mitigated through improved oral health. Thus, an expansion of coverage will both improve overall health and reduce healthcare costs — both important goals for the new administration. As we say at ProHEALTH Dental, it’s time to "Put your health where your mouth is!"