On June 19, 2017, AGD sent a letter urging Congressional leaders to extend funding at current levels for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which has substantially improved access to quality, affordable health care coverage for millions of children and pregnant mothers, without delay. The program is currently set to expire Sept. 30. In the letter, AGD also underscored that while access to affordable treatment represents an important piece of the health care equation, a renewed emphasis on oral health literacy is likewise needed to fully address the problem of chronic oral health ailments affecting children.

Impact on General Dentistry: AGD will continue to monitor negotiations and encourage lawmakers to extend funding for CHIP.