We tend to think of tech giants, big pharma, and the NRA when we think of lobbying. These corporations spend millions of dollars every year in Washington making sure their business practices are protected. Unbeknownst to many, the American Dental Association (ADA) lobbying rivals that of the gun lobby. Who would have thought your smiley dentist you’ve been going to since you were a child is rubbing elbows with our nation's politicians.

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As the cost of dental care continues to rise above the means of millions of Americans, the ADA and other dental lobbying groups have come under scrutiny. Critics say dental lobbying has worked to squash competition that could improve access to dental care in underserved areas and make routine checkups and fillings more affordable. 

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A recent Morning Consult poll found that the number one thing Americans want out of the Build Back Better Act is Medicare dental coverage. That comes at no surprise when you consider millions of seniors lack dental coverage. They often suffer quietly with untreated oral health diseases. Some seek refuge in Canada or Mexico. Some perish as their complications turn lethal. 

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Medicare only covers the most severe oral health issues. And that is because organized dentistry adamantly opposes it covering anything more. The dental lobby asserts that any additional coverage should only be for the poorest Medicaid recipients. However, its main concern is that Medicare would not reimburse dentists to their liking. The dental lobbyists are placing the financial desires of dentists above the health of millions of Americans over 65, which is the age group with the lowest rates of dental coverage.

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The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services argues implementing dental benefits in Medicare could take up to five years due to the shortage of dentists. But that is not a good reason to drop dental coverage from the bill. People would be willing to travel long distances to receive affordable dental care. 

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One possible solution to the rising cost of dental care is dental therapists–similar to nurse practitioners and physician assistants- but for dentist-led teams. Dental therapists would work on smaller procedures, such as fillings, and dentists would work on more complicated procedures, like extractions. But the ADA and its state affiliates have lobbied and sued to keep dental therapists from practicing in the U.S. 

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Insurance companies have joined the lobbying groups in opposing adding dental coverage to Medicare. Some of the most aggressive lobbying against dental therapists is from the Better Medicare Alliance. This group represents Medicare Advantage plans which include dental benefits. Insurance companies worry their profitable Medicare Advantage plans will be less appealing if traditional Medicare provides dental coverage.

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It is upsetting to see our government take the side of money over citizens’ health. Millions of Americans live with potentially-life threatening oral illnesses they cannot afford to get fixed only because our government is fixated on money. If the government actually cares about our health, they will add dental benefits to Medicare. I wouldn’t grit your teeth over it though. Widespread coverage might not come until us college kids need dentures.