MONTGOMERY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
A coalition of Alabama dentists and dental students is calling on state lawmakers to reform the dental insurance system, warning that current practices are failing patients and threatening access to care across the state.
More than 50 dental practitioners and students gathered outside the Alabama State Capitol this week to advocate for legislation they say would put patient care ahead of insurance company profits.
“Alabama is in a crisis,” said Heath Padgett, an orthodontic resident at UAB, citing concerns over how dental insurance premiums are currently used.
Advocates argue that unlike medical insurance, dental insurers in Alabama are not required to spend a minimum percentage of premium dollars on patient care. As a result, they say patients are often left paying out of pocket or delaying necessary dental treatment.
“Our patients are asking a simple, fair question,” said Dr. Jennifer Doobrow, president of the Alabama Dental Association. “Why isn’t my dental insurance working the way I need it to and the way I expect it to?”
According to organizers, the system also discourages new dentists from opening practices in Alabama, contributing to growing gaps in care — particularly in rural areas.
Padgett noted that 24 Alabama counties are at risk of losing significant dental services in the near future. Fifteen counties reportedly have dental workforces where at least half of practicing dentists are age 60 or older. Four counties have all dentists over 60, and three counties currently have no dentists at all.
Advocates are urging lawmakers to pass House Bill 212 and Senate Bill 81, which would require dental insurers to spend at least 75% of individual plan premiums and 83% of group plan premiums on patient care.
“This bill is so important,” said Peyton Billingsley, a fourth-year dental student. “It would allow me to care for patients the way I’ve been trained, without unnecessary financial barriers. It means entering a system focused on health, not profits.”
Supporters emphasize that the proposed legislation would not increase premiums or reduce benefits for patients.
Both bills have been referred to their respective insurance committees and are awaiting further action during the current legislative session.
