27 February 2023

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AAE supports oral health literacy and awareness bill

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In a bipartisan effort supported by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), U.S. Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced legislation on Tuesday, February 14 to address oral health.

According to a Feb. 20 news release, the measure, H.R. 994, is the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023. The legislation instructs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop an oral health literacy strategy for underserved communities and aims to stop the rise of oral disease and related illnesses through a five-year oral health literacy campaign. 

"Dental health is about more than just appearances; it's a critical aspect of overall well-being," said Dr. Stefan I. Zweig, president of the American Association of Endodontists, in the news release. "Neglecting oral health can have serious negative effects on our physical and mental health. As endodontists, we are committed to safeguarding our patients' oral health and promoting the preservation of their natural teeth."

The Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act is also endorsed by:

• Academy of General Dentistry
• American College of Prosthodontists
• American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
• American Student Dental Association
• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists
• American Academy of Periodontology
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• Delta Dental Plans Association

Despite bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, the measure still needs to go through the legislative process. The AAE will work with its stakeholders in organized dentistry to monitor this important proposal and may direct grass roots action. For more information about the Association's advocacy efforts, please visit aae.org/advocacy or email: advocacy@aae.org.

About the American Association of Endodontists 

The AAE is headquartered in Chicago and represents more than 8,000 members worldwide. Endodontics is one of 12 dental specialties formally recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAE, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. For more information about the AAE, visit the Association's website at aae.org. For more patient focused information, visit findmyendodontist.com.