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.
LUCY – HOUSTON COUNTY: Last evening concerned people in the community came together to discuss Lucy Volunteeer Fire Department. Two persons, former Chief and former Treasrer have been charged by Houston County Sheriff Department on theft of property on missing funds of the department.
Some current members have stepped up to the plate to get the volunteer fire department up and operating to serve the far south east end of Houston County. A long way for any department to travel for a fire, the members concerned about the rural community lives and property, and those paying the roof tax on structures with no fire department in the community.
Currently, Gordon Volunteer Fire Department, Cottonwood Volunteer Fire Department and Pansey Volunteer Fire Department are the primary departents that respond. Ashford Volunteer Fire Department and Lovetown Volunteer Fire Department also will respond if needed. The department has always fought water supply as ni water lines in the area.
Last evening Cottonwood Volunteer Fire Chief Randy Hall and Beau Deathridge over Cottonwood Rescue and Fire Chief of Hodgesville were on hand offering their assistance and guidance. Rehobeth Fire – Rescue Todd Phillips has offered his assistance in getting the department up and going.
NOT BECAUSE SHE IS SEEKING HOUSTON COUNTY COMMISSION SEAT, but because she was raised knowing the value of volunteer services in fire and EMS, Whitney Ingram Strength and her husband Steven have stepped up to the plate to help. Both were at the meeting last evening. Steven owns property near and years ago was a member of the department. They have had the utility bill sent to them and are paying the utility bill.
The group has decided to disband Lucy Volunteer Fire Department name. They feel then need to start fresh. Incorpation papers are being drafted to change to CHATTAHOCHEE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. The name was selected because they are near Chattahoochee State Park and serve that area. Everyone is rolling up their sleeves, taking on different responsibilities to get the department up and running.
The Houston County Volunteer Fire Departments are funded each year from a tobacco tax and roof top tax where there is a $ 35 fee ( or $ 30 ) fee for each structure. That has remained flat for years even though many strutures have been built. But homestead exemption has taken a lot of that money. The Houston County Volunteer Fire Chief and Houston County Commission has stopped funding the department. So the group are having to take from their pocket to get things up and going. The funding that belongs to the citizens who live in that area is being divided by the remaining 16 voluteer fire depatments acorss Houston County. When it should be placed in a savings account and a conservator over the funding to help get the department back up. The citizens of the community deserve for it to be managed and department operational. The department’s across Houston County receive about $ 41,000.00 a year.
Out of that funding they have to pay insurance, workmen comp in the event a fireman gets hurt, utiltiies for the building – which at these temperatures the garage bay has to be heated for the trucks to be ready. They have to pay for fuel, fire fighting gear for the fireman, and old trucks maintained. Because water is a issue ( the volunteer fire department can not control – but Houston County Commission can) they have to have large water tanker. Hard to fight a fire with no water. They have to work in maintaining a ISO Rating which requires pump testing, fire hose management, what is the departments available water supply, and more. Other than water tankers, the volunteers have no control over fire hydrants.
And responding in that area at night, DEER feel the roads belong to them and arrive in the road in a hurry. Saw three last evening and I drove at 30 miles per hour because of the deer. Think of responding to emergencies.
The President of the Houston County Fire Chief Association is Jason Reneau who also is Kinsey Volunteer Fire Chief and Mayor of Kinsey. The Houston County Commissioners are Brandon Shoupe, Chairman, D1 Curtis Harvey, D2 Tracy Adams, D3 Ricky Herring and D4 James Ivey. The Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management Director is Mark Powell. No where to be seen to get the department up and going.
The ones who are met are determined to get the department up and running. They are determined to financially responsble. The name change and leadership change has been made. And they are determined to get the citizens the fire coverage they are paying for and deserve.
The department also responds to medical emergencies in the area while EMS is responding. They also need more volunteers willing to serve as volunteer fireman.
The Friends of the Dothan Houston County Library System has announced a $78,200 donation to the Dothan Houston County Library System, the largest single contribution ever made by the organization.
Friends of the Library officials said the record-setting donation was made possible through a year of strong community support, including individual donations, fundraising activities, and the continued commitment of volunteers.
Library leaders said the funds will be used to support programs, materials, and services across the library system, benefiting patrons of all ages. The donation is expected to help strengthen educational programming, improve resources, and ensure continued access to library services throughout Dothan and Houston County.
Friends of the Library representatives said the contribution underscores the ongoing importance of public libraries within the community and expressed appreciation to everyone who helped support the organization’s efforts throughout 2025.
The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit group dedicated to supporting the local library system through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteer service.
is warning residents, businesses, and developers about scam emails falsely claiming to originate from city officials.
According to city officials, the fraudulent messages impersonate the City of Enterprise Planning and Zoning Department and Barry Mott, City Engineer and Director of Public Works. The emails reference a supposed HUD federal grant eligibility notification and instruct recipients to conduct all related communication strictly through email.
Officials say the emails may appear legitimate and often include the City of Enterprise logo along with an attached or linked “application.”
City leaders believe the contact information used in the scam may have been obtained from publicly available records, including recent Planning Commission meeting agendas or minutes.
The city emphasized it does not solicit grant applications in this manner and does not require official business to be handled exclusively through email.
The Enterprise Police Department has been notified and is aware of the situation.
Residents and businesses are urged to remain cautious by carefully reviewing sender email addresses, avoiding unsolicited links or attachments, and never sharing personal or financial information. Anyone who believes they received one of the scam emails or may have provided information is encouraged to contact the Enterprise Police Department.
