Posted: May 09, 2006

Academy Of General Dentistry Applauds Senate Health Week

SOURCE: Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Chicago - The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) applauds Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s announcement that the week of May 8, 2006 is Health Week in the Senate. Considering the importance of health care in our nation, the AGD hopes the Senate will address some critical health care matters this week.

“The AGD is pleased to see Senator Frist acknowledge through this announcement that health care is a very important issue facing our nation today,” said AGD President Bruce A. Burton, DMD. “The Senate and the House of Representatives should specifically restore funding to key Title VII Health Professions Education programs that are threatened yet again this year.”

Title VII Health Professions programs are essential components of the health care system, and are instrumental in improving services to rural and underserved areas. “They are vital to ensure health care services are provided to all our citizens,” said Dr. Burton.

The AGD is asking Congress to restore Title VII funding to the fiscal year 2005 level of $450.2 million for the full program, and specifically $89 million for the Health Professions Programs, Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry cluster; and $8.08 million for General Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry Training Programs.

The AGD also remains concerned about cuts to the Medicaid system and reducing dental services under the Medicaid program. “Oral health care is, and should be considered, an essential primary health care component of our health care system,” said Dr. Burton. “Poor oral health only results in increased costs to our government. The AGD asks the Senate to address these concerns in conjunction with Senate Health Week, and stands ready to work with Sen. Frist and his colleagues to explain why oral health care is an integral component of every health care regimen.”