On June 14, 2023, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a legislative hearing entitled, Examining Proposals that Provide Access to Care for Patients and Support Research for Rare Diseases. One of the bills considered during this session was H.R. 3843, the Action for Dental Health Act of 2023. This bill was introduced by Representative Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-2) and Representative Michael K. Simpson (R-ID-2) to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize grants to address dental workforce needs. During the hearing, Representative Kelly highlighted the importance of oral health to an individual's self-esteem. She added that individuals are unable to afford oral health care more often than other types of health care. Her remarks can be found at 2:26:15-2:27:20. Representative Greg Pence (R-IN-6) also voiced his support for the bill, emphasizing the need to bolster the dental workforce. His remarks can be found at 3:08:00-3:08:51. 
 
Impact on General Dentistry: The AGD will continue to closely monitor and track this bill as it moves through the legislative process. Without policies that adequately support the dental workforce, dentists are unable to provide care for their patients. The AGD strongly supports policies that will help the current workforce, as well as the pipeline of future dentists, such as student loan forgiveness and policies that support the staffing and operational needs of dental practices.  The AGD stands by its policy that an alternative oral health provider model like the mid-level provider model is not a viable workforce alternative.