CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Dental Association (WVDA) launched its “Pay More for Your Smile” campaign on Tuesday, urging state lawmakers to pass a dental loss ratio (DLR) bill during the upcoming legislative session.
During a Zoom press conference, WVDA Executive Director Hallie Mason stated that patients, employers, and dentists are frustrated and question the value of dental insurance.
“Dental benefits have remained virtually unchanged since the 1970s,” Mason said. “Most plans still have coverage caps between $1,000 and $1,500 per year.
Unlike health insurance, dental insurance has not kept pace with inflation. Families and providers are still bound by limits set decades ago.”
Mason added that West Virginia ranks 49th out of 50 states in the U.S. for oral health.
The campaign aims to reform dental care by requiring insurers to spend at least 85% of premiums on patient care. If insurance companies fail to meet this standard, they must refund the difference to policyholders. “This is about transparency, accountability, and fairness,” Mason said.
Dr. Mike Richardson, a Charleston dentist, said the measure is long overdue. “We see patients every day who need treatment but have limited insurance coverage.
People deserve better—they shouldn’t have to pay premiums while the healthcare system profits from their hardship.”
Dr. Sidney Harris-Evans, a new dentist in Parkersburg, said the reforms will benefit patients and future dental professionals.
“Insurance limits make it difficult for patients to complete treatment. These changes will ensure patients get the care they need and help retain dentists in our state.”
According to the campaign’s website, up to 40% of dental premiums go to executive compensation, profits, and administrative costs, rather than patient care. While insurance profits and executive pay are rising, patient benefits remain limited.
The American Dental Association noted that 25 states have introduced DLR bills since 2023. In West Virginia, past bills, including Senate Bill 433 and House Bills 2690 and 2785, have been reviewed but failed to pass.
