Dentists and dental students in Alabama are calling for reforms to dental insurance policies, warning that current practices are limiting access to care and discouraging providers from working in the state.
At a news conference held at the state capitol, a coalition of oral health professionals highlighted systemic issues within dental insurance plans.
They noted that insurers are not required to allocate a fixed percentage of premiums toward patient care. As a result, patients often delay or forgo necessary treatment due to cost concerns.
The group also emphasized that these policies create barriers for dentists looking to establish new practices in Alabama. Financial uncertainty and low reimbursement rates, they said, make it difficult for providers to operate sustainably.
Access to dental care remains uneven across the state. Many counties face shortages of practicing dentists, with some areas relying on an aging workforce and others lacking providers entirely.
To address these challenges, advocates are urging lawmakers to pass proposed legislation that would set minimum spending requirements for dental insurers. Under the proposal, 83% of premiums from group plans and 75% from individual plans would be directed toward patient care.
Supporters argue that the measure would improve transparency, prioritize patient needs, and expand access to dental services without increasing premium costs.