Accomplishments

2009 Bridge to Healthy Smiles Accomplishments:

$2 million in funding to Open Dental Clinics: SB 1393 establishes a dental clinic grant program and procedures for communities to apply for funding of public infrastructure grants to improve access to dental care for low income residents. $2 million to fund the construction of dental clinics was included in the Capital Bill that became law on July 13, 2009.  Public Act: 96-0067.

Dentist Deferred Compensation Incentive: HB 489 includes dentists in the Illinois Pension Code allowing them to except payment from the state to be deposited into a tax deferral investment portfolio in lieu of direct payment for services performed. This will allow dentists the opportunity to treat more public aid patients since current funding rates cover less than half of the average procedure cost. Public Act: 96-0806.

Student Loan Repayment Incentive: SB 275 enacts the existing Loan Repayment Assistance for Dentist Act and amended to include dental hygienists. This allows dentists or hygienists to apply for grants of $25,000 annually to be used toward paying down student loan debt. In exchange, these grantees agree to treat Medicaid patients in underserved areas of Illinois. Funding has not yet been appropriated for the grant program and the Bridge to Healthy Smiles Campaign will continue to advocate establishing funding for this program. Public Act: 96-0757.