Committed to advancing the profession of dentistry and promoting oral health, the Kentucky Dental Association (KDA) hosts an annual meeting, provides members with a range of resources and benefits, and advocates for various legislative measures. In 2024, the KDA is working to address increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, student debt, and insurance reform.
The KDA believes that the current Medicaid rate structure is unsuitable for residents and doesn’t provide sufficient access to care. Member dentists support earning less than usual to help community members in the greatest need of dental services. Moreover, the KDA Executive Board hopes to work with the state legislature and the Department of Medicaid Services to increase reimbursement rates.
Regarding student debt, the KDA advocates for loan forgiveness programs and encourages legislators to boost state funding to higher-learning institutions. Dentists in Kentucky have an average of $350,000 in student loan debt upon graduating. Therefore, graduates are less likely to start their practice in rural and underserved areas. Student loan forgiveness could help address this issue.
The KDA supports legislation promoting transparency in dental care benefits for insurance reform. It supports direct payment to providers via dental benefit plans and limits how long dental insurers can request refunds for mistakes in paid claims.
The KDA’s other legislative priorities for 2024 include advancing workforce sustainability, tax reform, and improving access to telehealth services.
Christopher C. Babcock 