CHICAGO--The Academy of General Dentistry has applauded 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.
"While the Senate has adopted an amendment increasing these budgets, the House of Representatives has not," stated Janet Kopenhaver, AGD's Washington Lobbyist. "We need the Senate to fight for this funding once the fiscal year appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services goes to conference."
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."
