Oral Health Policy
As part of their individual missions, many Network partner organizations engage in state and federal policy efforts to expand access to oral health care for all. These partners come together to share information, align strategies, and advance oral health advocacy at state agencies, the Maine Legislature, and, when needed, at the federal level. Working collaboratively, partner organizations develop and support policy proposals that reflect shared priorities and common goals.
COHN also convenes a Policy Team of advocates to help shape and advance a long-term strategy that integrates both legislative and administrative advocacy across Maine state departments, while coordinating with other organizations working to improve child health and well-being.
If you are interested in getting involved in oral health advocacy efforts, please fill out our form.
Oral Health Bills Archive
LD 1746: An Act to Reduce Dental Disease and Ensure Access to Essential Preventive Dental Care Among Maine Children
This bill included two key positions for the Maine CDC Oral Health Program, which were made permanent through the Governor's budget. Two additional components of the bill - growing the expanded School Oral Health Program model as piloted in Cumberland County and training primary care providers to use silver diamine fluoride - were carried over to the next session.
Status: Partially enacted, other components carried over
What's Next: Advocate for funding off the special appropriations table for the components that were carried over
Resources:
LD 1746 Infosheet
LD 1837: An Act to Increase Oral Health Services
Sponsored by Representative Lori Gramlich, LD 1837 would make two temporary positions at the Maine CDC Oral Health Program permanent, clarify that the SOHP is for all public schools, and direct MaineCare to consider an alternative payment pilot for financing school-based oral health services.
Status: LD 1837 passed unanimously out of the Health and Human Services committee and went “under the hammer” in the House and Senate. The Appropriations and Financial Affairs committee has carried over the bill for funding consideration in next year’s legislative session.
What's Next: Advocacy to ensure there is funding in the supplemental budget to continue the two positions this bill would make permanent
Resources:
LD 1837 text & status
LD 1837 Infosheet
LD 1501: An Act to Protect Oral Health for Children in Maine
Sponsored by Representative Lori Gramlich, the bill expanded Maine’s school-based oral health program to all public schools statewide by 2025 (currently only about 1/3 of schools participate) and reestablished an Oral Health Coordinator position at the Maine CDC. During the 2021 session, the bill received unanimous support from the Health and Human Services Committee and was passed by the full House and Senate. The Appropriations Committee carried over the bill into the next session when it was incorporated into the supplemental budget and signed into law.
Status: Incorporated into the supplemental budget and signed into law
What's Next: Advocacy for sufficient funding for the School Oral Health Program and for the Oral Health Coordinator position at the Maine CDC to be filled
Resources:
LD 1501 Infosheet
LD 1501 text & status
LD 1399: An Act to Improve Oral Health and Access to Dental Care for Maine Children
This bill established within the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of MaineCare Services one Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment Dental Coordinator position. The MaineCare EPSDT Coordinator position is a critical role for meeting the state’s responsibility to ensure that all children have access to key preventive care mandated by Medicaid’s Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment program.
Status: Passed.
Resources:
LD 1399 text & status
LD 1399 Infosheet
Useful Links
How to Testify at the Maine Legislature
Path of Legislation (from Bill to Law)
To check bill status, click here and put LD number in first box to get a wide range of information about the bill