## Legislative bill overview

H.R. 389 aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program to support the integration of oral health and primary care services. The bill seeks to improve access to oral health care, particularly for underserved populations, by promoting collaborative care models that combine oral health and general health services. It also emphasizes the importance of preventive care and education in oral health.

## Why is this important

This bill addresses a critical gap in health care by recognizing the link between oral health and overall health outcomes. With oral diseases often going untreated, especially in low-income communities, this legislation is significant as it seeks to enhance health equity. By integrating oral health into primary care, it could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced long-term health costs associated with untreated oral diseases.

## Potential points of contention

• Funding and resource allocation: Concerns may arise about how the program will be funded and whether existing resources can be stretched to accommodate this new initiative.


• Implementation challenges: There may be logistical issues in integrating oral health services into primary care settings, particularly in rural or underserved areas.


• Professional resistance: Dentists and primary care providers may resist collaborative models due to concerns over scope of practice and compensation structures.


• Measuring effectiveness: Questions may be raised about how to evaluate the success of the program in improving health outcomes and whether it will achieve the desired impact.