Here are 10 things to know about the society’s agenda:
1. The ISDS filed legislation to reauthorize the Illinois Dental Practice Act for another 10 years.
2. The current act is set to expire Dec. 31, 2025.
3. The reauthorization recognizes all 12 dental specialties approved by the American Dental Association.
4. The new bill extends the timeframe for dental hygienists to treat patients in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities from 45 to 180 days under general supervision.
5. In addition, the Dental Practice Act Reauthorization creates a temporary dental hygiene license for dental students in their 4th year, allowing them to gain experience and earn income while completing their dental education.
6. The organization is prioritizing changes to the dental insurance system in the state, including direct payments to dentists, creating exemptions to the electronic claims submission mandate and clarifying existing laws on virtual credit card payments.
7. The ISDS is also continuing to study and monitor dental loss ratio policies and reporting data from other states.
8. The third main policy on the organization’s 2025 agenda is increasing Medicaid dental reimbursement rates for children’s dental services.
9. Illinois currently ranks as the 49th state for children’s dental Medicaid reimbursements.
10. ISDS is pursuing legislation to increase rates, which would improve access to care, reduce emergency treatments and address oral health disparities.