Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2024

The Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2024 would expand dental coverage under Medicare and Medicaid, requiring both programs to cover oral health services starting January 1, 2025. Under Medicare, preventive dental services would be covered at 100% and other services at 80%, while Medicaid would require states to cover oral health services with an increased federal funding rate of 15 percentage points. The bill creates new programs including community-based dental residencies, dental clinics in schools, mobile dental services, and student loan repayment for dental professionals. It also establishes demonstration programs for alternative dental providers in Veterans Affairs, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Indian Health Service settings to improve access for underserved populations. The legislation aims to improve oral health access for seniors, low-income individuals, veterans, prisoners, and tribal communities through expanded coverage and new service delivery models.