Implications of healthcare reform for state oral health program infrastructure and capacity

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. The law is bringing much needed reforms to the health care system, with substantial enhancements of the public health system, in general, and specifically for public oral health programs. The provisions impacting oral health are broad and could be a major step forward in public health efforts to improve the Nation's oral health. From near universal dental insurance for children to strengthened prevention efforts, the major changes will result in an oral health care system that is more fair and just. State oral health programs are a critical juncture linking state and federal resources to local programs, but often lack the resources to accomplish basic public health functions. The presenter will review some of the major provisions affecting oral health, the status of the appropriations process, and the potential impact on state oral health programs and the local programs within their jurisdiction.