PDA’s Commitment to Improving Access to Dental Care
PDA is committed to improving the dental delivery system in Pennsylvania so every person has access to quality care. PDA members participate in a variety of volunteer efforts and state-funded insurance programs to treat disadvantaged patients. PDA is taking the following steps to improve access to care:
- PDA is a member of the Department of Public Welfare’s Dental Summit Action Committee to improve the Medical Assistance program and recruit dentists to enroll.
- PDA is a member of the State Health Improvement Program Steering Committee to improve the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
- PDA members participate in the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile program to provide a day of free dental services to the un- and underinsured.
- PDA seeks to alleviate access issues in underserved areas by promoting Pennsylvania’s loan forgiveness program and assists the Department of Health in identifying dental students and new dentists who are willing to practice in underserved areas.
- PDA works with teachers to promote dental health to school children during National Children’s Dental Health Month in February.
- PDA encourages the use of expanded function dental assistants (EFDAs) in the dental office. EFDAs can perform more functions, freeing up time for hygienists and dentists to see more patients.
- PDA supports water fluoridation as a preventative measure that can be accessed by anyone drinking from public water supplies.
- PDA manages the Senior Dental Care Program, which offers a minimum 15 percent discount on fees to income-eligible senior citizens.
