AAE Supports Ohio Dental Benefit Reform to Protect Specialty Care
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) continues to advocate for policies that protect endodontists, preserve patient access to specialty care, and strengthen the future of the profession. Most recently, the AAE submitted formal support for Ohio House Bill 845, legislation aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and fairness in dental benefit plan administration.
Our advocacy efforts are driven by the experiences and engagement of our members. Across the country, endodontists consistently share concerns about increasing administrative burdens, reimbursement uncertainty, prior authorization challenges, and payment practices that negatively affect the delivery of patient care. These real-world experiences help shape the AAE’s legislative priorities and strengthen our ability to advocate effectively on behalf of the specialty.
Ohio H.B. 845 addresses several issues that directly impact dental providers and patients, including restrictions on mandatory virtual credit card payments that impose unnecessary transaction fees, safeguards surrounding prior authorizations, and increased transparency related to third-party leasing arrangements and provider network access. These reforms are designed to reduce administrative complexity and improve fairness within the dental insurance system.
For endodontists, these issues are particularly important. Endodontic care is often urgent and essential to relieving pain, treating infection, and saving patients’ natural teeth. Delays in treatment, reimbursement uncertainty, and growing administrative obstacles can interfere with timely care and place additional strain on specialty practices.
The AAE believes legislation like H.B. 845 helps protect the integrity and sustainability of specialty dental care. Advocacy at both the state and federal levels plays a critical role in ensuring that endodontists can continue providing high-quality care while navigating an increasingly complex insurance environment.
Equally important is the collaboration between the AAE and its members. Effective advocacy depends on strong member engagement, communication, and grassroots involvement. When members share their experiences and challenges, they help inform policymakers about how insurance practices affect providers and patients alike. Together, these collective efforts strengthen the voice of the specialty and support meaningful reform.
Protecting endodontics means protecting access to care for patients. The AAE remains committed to working alongside members, state dental societies, and legislators to advance policies that support specialty practice, reduce unnecessary burdens, and preserve the ability of patients to receive timely, high-quality endodontic treatment.
As advocacy efforts continue across the country, member involvement remains essential. The AAE encourages all members to stay engaged, share their perspectives, and participate in advocacy initiatives that help shape the future of the profession.