- Public Inspection: CMS: Medicare Program: Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2026
- Public Inspection: CMS: Medicare Program: Fiscal Year 2026 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
- CMS: Request for Information; Health Technology Ecosystem
- VA: Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Funding Opportunity
- State: 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application
- Public Inspection: CMS: Request for Information: Health Technology Ecosystem
- HHS: Request for Information (RFI): Ensuring Lawful Regulation and Unleashing Innovation To Make American Healthy Again
- VA: Solicitation of Nominations for the Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs
- GAO Seeks New Members for Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council
- VA: Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program Funding Opportunity
- Telehealth Study Recruiting Veterans Now
- USDA Delivers Immediate Relief to Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Communities Impacted by Recent Disasters
- Submit Nominations for Partnership for Quality Measurement (PQM) Committees
- Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation of the Medicare Program (Executive Order 14192) - Request for Information
- Dr. Mehmet Oz Shares Vision for CMS
Dental Publication Focuses on Integration of Behavioral Health and Oral Health
The Journal of the California Dental Association published a special issue focused on the integration of behavioral health and oral health. The issue discuses the bi-directional relationship, a framework for integrating behavioral health and oral health in predoctoral education, and resource to support the integration of behavioral health into dental settings.
New Resource: Using Public Health Hygienists in Health Centers
The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) and the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health (PORH) created a resource for health centers interesting in adding a public health dental hygiene practitioner (PHDHP) to their team. The resource includes guidance on what PHDHPs are and are not permitted to do and information on employing a PHDHP in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).
Health Center One Step Closer to Funding for New Dental Clinic
Laurel Health Centers in Mansfield was notified that Sen. John Fetterman has advanced a one-million-dollar Congressional directed spending request to the Appropriations Committee for review on their behalf. If approved, this funding will allow Laurel Health to construct a new full-service dental clinic to provide essential dental services to patients of all ages in northcentral Pennsylvania. Families in rural areas often limit or go without access to regular dental care due to a lack of dental insurance and the high costs associated with routine cleanings and treatment. For the past several years, Laurel Health has been working diligently to bring comprehensive, affordable dental services to more underserved communities and is excited to take the next step in that journey.
National Dental and Fluoridation Associations Respond to New Fluoride Study
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently published a study that examined fluoride exposure during pregnancy. In response to the release of the study, the American Dental Association and American Fluoridation Society released statements and resources affirming support of fluoride for oral health.
Click here to read the American Dental Association statement.
Click here to read the American Fluoridation Society Key Messages.
Pennsylvania Distributes Funding to Dentists Providing Services to Medicaid Patients
As part of the FY 2023-24 state budget, the Pennsylvania state legislature allocated $12 million to be used for the purpose of making one-time payments to dentists enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) program based on an enrolled dentist’s utilization from calendar year 2022 billing of 31 dental codes as compared to the total claims billed. Per the legislation, this program is only for dentists that submitted bills for the eligible services using Provider Type 27 (Dentist). That means that care provided by FQHC dentists is not eligible for this funding as FQHCs are enrolled as Provider Type 8 and the FQHC is both billing and rendering provider.
Pennsylvania Announces Medicaid Program Dental Fee Schedule Changes
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced updates to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program Fee Schedule based upon the 2024 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) updates and based on clinical review. MAB 99-24-03 issued on May 28th can be reviewed in full on the Office of Medical Assistance Program website. See below for dental procedure codes that have been added.
- D2991 – refers to the application of hydroxyapatite
- D0190 – refers to screening of a patient
- D0191 – refers to assessment of a patient
New Economic Analysis for Dentistry Released
A new analysis from the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute shows the economic impact of dentistry in all 50 states. In Pennsylvania, the annual economic impact generated by dental offices is $16.4 billion and the average annual economic impact per dentist is $2.3 million. The full data available in Excel format includes impact measures such as direct and indirect spending, economic impact per dentist and the number of jobs within dental practices as well as jobs supported by dental offices.
Click here for the Pennsylvania infographic.
Click here for the full analysis.
New World Economic Forum White Paper Released
The World Economic Forum released a white paper, “The Economic Rationale for a Global Commitment to Invest in Oral Health.” This paper was created in collaboration with the American Dental Association, Colgate-Palmolive Company, and Henry Schein. This white paper is the first in a planned series that explores the role of various sectors in improving oral health. The intention of the authors is to inspire international health leaders, policy-makers, and private sector partners to reconnect the mouth to the body in pursuit of a healthier future for all.
Volunteer Opportunities Open for 2024 Pop-Up Dental Clinics in Pennsylvania
Looking to volunteer at a dental event in 2024? The PA Coalition for Oral Health compiled a list of pop-up clinics happening across the state. Click on the locations/dates for more information on each clinic. Looking to make a difference year-round? Free clinics rely on volunteers to provide quality, accessible healthcare in their communities. The Free Clinic Association of Pennsylvania can connect you with clinics in your region.
Click here for more info on volunteering with free clinics that see patients year-round.
Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinics
Sharon, PA – June 8 & 9
Scranton, PA – August 3 & 4
Philadelphia, PA – August 24 & 25
Erie, PA – September 7 & 8
Allentown, PA – October 19 & 20
MOM-n-PA
Reading, PA – June 21 & 22
Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA – November 1 & 2
New School Lunch Nutrition Standards Announced
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new nutrition standards that limit added sugars and sodium in children’s school meals. The change will gradually phase in added sugar limits for the school lunch and breakfast program and update total sugar limits for breakfast cereals and yogurt. Program operators are not required to make any changes to their menus as a result of this rulemaking until school year 2025-26 at the earliest. As diet directly affects oral health, limiting added sugars can improve the oral health of children and youth.