Accomplishments

Bridge to Healthy Smiles Accomplishments:

$2 million in funding to Open Dental Clinics: Public Act: 96-0067 creates a dental clinic grant program and procedures for communities to apply for funding of public infrastructure grants to improve access to dental care for low income residents. Public Act 96-0957 designated $2 million to fund the construction of dental clinics in the Capital Bill that became law on July 13, 2009.  The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services initiated the application process in November 2010. Grants are currently being awarded.

Dentist Deferred Compensation Incentive: Public Act: 96-0806 includes dentists in the Illinois Pension Code allowing them to except payment from the state to be deposited into a tax deferral investment portfolio in lieu of direct payment for services performed. This will allow dentists the opportunity to treat more public aid patients since current funding rates cover less than half of the average procedure cost.

Student Loan Repayment Incentive: Public Act: 96-0757 enacts the existing Loan Repayment Assistance for Dentist Act and amended to include dental hygienists. This allows dentists or hygienists to apply for grants of $25,000 annually to be used toward paying down student loan debt. In exchange, these grantees agree to treat Medicaid patients in underserved areas of Illinois. Funding has not yet been appropriated for the grant program and the Bridge to Healthy Smiles Campaign will continue to advocate establishing funding for this program.

Provider Incentive: Public Act: 96-0926 allows dentists who are not enrolled as Medicaid providers to volunteer at nonprofit clinics, including FQHCs and public health clinics, and for the sites to bill for eligible Medicaid services provided by volunteer dentists. This legislation will lead to improved access to oral health services in underserved areas.