Action for Dental Health Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2001, the Action for Dental Health Act, led by Representative Kelly.

Access to oral healthcare is critical to ensuring a person's health and well-being. Too often, however, oral health is overlooked. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in both children and adults in the United States. In fact, more than one in four adults have untreated cavities, and nearly half of American adults show signs of gum disease. We need to expand access to oral healthcare, including strengthening the oral healthcare workforce.

The Action for Dental Health Act reauthorizes State oral health workforce improvement programs. These programs seek to enhance dental workforce planning and development through the support of innovative programs that meet the individual needs of each funded State.

I hope my colleagues will join me in this effort to strengthen and expand access to oral healthcare.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PALLONE. Kelly), a member of our committee, who has for a long time championed the healthcare concerns of low-income and underserved people.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bipartisan bill. Obviously, dental care is so important.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source