Collins, Luján, Cardin Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the bipartisan Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023, which directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop an oral health literacy strategy to reach underserved communities. This bipartisan bill aims to curb the rise in oral disease and related illnesses by providing prevention education through a five-year oral health literacy campaign.
“The Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023 would address the need to improve and increase dental services in rural and underserved communities,” said Senator Collins. “Proper oral hygiene is not only key to promoting dental health, but it can also contribute to overall health. By improving dental care education, this bipartisan bill would help to build a lifetime of healthy habits and avoid more costly interventions down the road.”
The CDC estimates that one in 10 adults in the United States finds written material on health inaccessible and complicated – and oral health is no exception. Oral health also affects more than just physical health – it can affect work and school, decreasing overall quality of life for many Americans, especially for those in underserved communities.
Illnesses related to oral health have resulted in 6.1 million days of bed disability, 12.7 million days of restricted activity, and 20.5 million lost workdays each year, significantly impacting children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations. Tooth decay is the most common chronic illness among school-age youth, affecting roughly one in 4 children. In 2012, almost one in five Americans 65 and older had untreated cavities, and over 40% had gum disease. However, most oral health ailments can be avoided by increasing oral health literacy among all populations, with an emphasis on children to ensure they develop and maintain healthy habits into adulthood.
The Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act is endorsed by:
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American College of Prosthodontists
- American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
- American Student Dental Association
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American Association of Endodontists
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists
- American Academy of Periodontology
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Delta Dental Plans Association
U.S. Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) introduced a companion bill in the House.
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