Dentists and dental students from across Alabama gathered at the Alabama Statehouse on Jan. 28, 2026, urging lawmakers to advance two bills aimed at reforming dental insurance practices. The legislation, SB81 and HB212, seeks to improve transparency and ensure that more insurance premium dollars are spent directly on patient care.
The event was hosted by the Alabama Dental Association (ADA) as part of its “More for Your Smile” campaign. Supporters argue that current dental insurance models often delay or deny care, despite patients paying monthly premiums with the expectation of receiving timely treatment.
According to the ADA, many Alabamians face coverage limits and claim denials even when dentists recommend care. At the same time, insurers are not required to disclose how much of premium revenue is spent on patient services versus administrative costs. National data suggest that up to 40 percent of dental insurance premiums go to insurers rather than patient care.
“Dental insurance reform is a national conversation, not just an Alabama issue,” said Michele Huebner, executive director of the Alabama Dental Association. She emphasized that policy decisions directly affect patient access to care and the long-term stability of the dental workforce.
SB81 and HB212 would establish a dental loss ratio in Alabama. Under the proposals, insurers would be required to spend at least 75 percent of premiums from individual stand-alone dental plans and 83 percent from group plans on direct patient care. Insurers would also have to report spending to the Alabama Department of Insurance and issue refunds if they fail to meet the standards.
“These bills set a clear expectation that coverage leads to care,” said Dr. Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, president of the ADA. She described the legislation as a patient-focused effort to improve accountability and restore trust in dental insurance.
New dentists and students say insurance barriers already affect their career decisions. Heath Padgett, a dental resident, said delays and denials make it harder to deliver proper care. Fourth-year dental student Peyton Billingsley noted that many classmates are considering practicing outside Alabama due to student debt and uncertainty about insurance support.
Insurance challenges also contribute to workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas. Alabama has one of the lowest dentist-to-patient ratios in the country. Twenty-four counties are at risk of losing significant dental services, with several counties already lacking any practicing dentist.
The ADA is calling on legislators to pass the bills, citing growing public support. Nearly 10,000 messages have been sent to lawmakers from voters urging action.
“Patients are frustrated with paying for coverage they can’t fully use,” said Dr. Leigh Kent, chair of the More for Your Smile campaign. “Dental insurance should open the door to care, not create barriers.”