Dentists Urge Bill Passage to Slash Pediatric Dental Wait Times

URGENT UPDATE: Dentists are sounding the alarm as they advocate for a critical bill aimed at drastically reducing wait times for pediatric dental care in Maine. During a public hearing on October 4, 2023, Yarmouth dentist Michael Dowling revealed shocking statistics about the delays children face, highlighting a case where a 5-year-old patient waited nearly nine months for necessary dental surgery due to severe oral health issues.

“This child needed four fillings, four extractions, and eight crowns,” Dowling stated, emphasizing the urgent need for action. The proposed legislation, known as L.D. 2123, seeks to not only shorten these wait times but also increase reimbursement rates for general anesthesia, a critical factor in treating young patients.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, addresses a growing crisis where children on MaineCare—the state’s Medicaid program—often wait from several months to over a year for dental procedures that require anesthesia. Dowling further explained that current reimbursement rates are so low that dentists lose between $300 to $400 for every hour spent administering anesthesia. “We are not asking to profit from this care. We are simply asking to break even,” he insisted.

The Maine Dental Association echoed these sentiments, with executive director Therese Cahill stating that if the bill passes, it would alleviate bottlenecks in pediatric dental care. “Thousands of children need general anesthesia for dental work,” Cahill noted, indicating that many dentists are ready to help but are hindered by financial constraints.

The estimated cost to implement increased reimbursement rates is $130,000 annually, funded through taxpayer dollars, according to the bill’s fiscal note. While the Maine Department of Health and Human Services did not provide live testimony at the hearing, officials submitted a letter raising concerns about the bill’s language, suggesting a wait for a state review of MaineCare rates scheduled for this year. In the letter, Michelle Probert, director of the Office of MaineCare Services, confirmed that the department supports improving access to dental services.

No committee vote was taken on the bill during Wednesday’s session. Typically, votes are conducted in follow-up workshops, leaving many advocates anxious as they await the next steps.

As the situation develops, the stakes are high for Maine’s children in need of dental care. Families are watching closely, hoping for swift action to ensure their children receive timely treatment. The outcome of this legislative effort could change lives, cutting down wait times and improving the overall health of young patients across the state.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and as committee discussions continue on the future of pediatric dental care in Maine.