A Voice for Dental Reform
Join Shelbey Arevalo a dental billing expert as she joins the California Dental Association (CDA) as they lead the charge for meaningful reform in dental insurance practices. Discover how these legislative changes will impact dental professionals and improve patient access to care.
AB 371: Restoring Patient Power
Assignment of Benefits
Requires dental plans to honor patients' AOB requests, allowing out-of-network providers to be paid directly—reducing financial burden on patients.
Network Adequacy
Ensures patients don't face unreasonable travel distances or appointment delays—addressing a top reason people avoid dental care.
Legislative Timeline
Introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), with hearings scheduled for April 2025.
SB 386: Ending Virtual Credit Card Payments
The Problem
Virtual credit card (VCC) payments drain dental practices financially through processing fees and operationally through time-consuming opt-out procedures.
The Solution
SB 386 would allow dental providers to permanently opt out of VCC payments, protecting bottom lines and providing more transparency in payment methods.
The Impact
Dental practices can reduce unnecessary expenses and administrative burden, allowing more resources to be directed toward patient care.
Dental Loss Ratio: Transparency in Insurance Spending
What is DLR?
Requires dental insurers to spend a minimum percentage of premium dollars on patient care, not corporate overhead.
Massachusetts Model
Made headlines by requiring dental insurers to spend at least 83% of premiums on patient care or refund the difference.
NCOIL Model (Linked)
The National Council of Insurance Legislators created a model DLR bill to guide states in 2024.
California Status
Currently doesn't enforce any DLR, allowing insurance companies to keep a larger share of unspent premiums.
How Dental Providers Can Get Involved
Take action to support dental insurance reform through these key approaches:
Join Your State Dental Association
For California providers, the California Dental Association (CDA) is your best resource for legislative advocacy. Subscribe to Inside California Dentistry for updates on bills and hearings.
Use the CDA's Dental Plan Action Center
Learn about active bills, send pre-written letters to legislators, and track bill progress through this dedicated hub for dental reform legislation.
Participate in Advocacy Days
Attend CDA Legislative Day in Sacramento or testify at Assembly hearings on bills like AB 371 to directly engage with lawmakers.
Contact Your Representatives
Make a difference by sharing your story as a provider with your local legislators, using CDA templates or your own personal experiences.
National Reform Through the ADA
The American Dental Association (ADA) leads efforts on federal and national model legislation like Dental Loss Ratio. Stay informed and take action through the ADA Advocacy Hub and Action Alerts to support reforms that benefit both providers and patients across the country.
Join the Movement for Dental Reform
Stay Informed
Subscribe to updates from the CDA and ADA to receive the latest information on dental legislation and advocacy opportunities.
Share Your Story
Personal experiences from providers and patients are powerful tools for change. Make your voice heard with legislators and at hearings.
Participate in Advocacy
Attend legislative days, join committee meetings, or volunteer with dental advocacy groups to directly influence policy.
Continue Patient-Centered Care
"Let's keep doing our part — one conversation, one claim, one reform at a time." - Shelbey Arevalo