AUGUSTA – A bill from Assistant House Majority Leader Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that will improve access to oral health care for Maine children is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the measure on Thursday.
LD 1746 provides funding for mobile dental health clinics to be held at public schools, bringing critical oral health care services to children where they already are. It also provides training and education to primary care providers on minimally-invasive dental disease treatments for infants and young children that can be delivered in pediatricians’ offices.
“Dental disease is the most common chronic condition affecting Maine children, and if left untreated, it can harm physical health, school performance, self esteem and more,” said Gramlich. “By improving access to preventive care and catching problems before they become emergencies, we can make sure kids don’t have to miss school or suffer preventable pain.”
"This bill is an essential next step in a series of key investments in children's oral health made across the last four legislative sessions. With Representative Gramlich leading the charge and with unanimous bipartisan support, three positions previously cut from the state's Oral Health Program were restored, and the Maine CDC's School Oral Health Program has been expanded to offer screening and preventive services for all public schools statewide,” said Becca Matusovich, executive director of the Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine.
“Now the funding of LD 1746 builds on these earlier successes to provide immediate relief for children who are suffering from dental disease. This bill will make timely treatments to stop cavities more widely available in schools and doctors’ offices, and we are grateful for this collaborative effort to help all Maine children access the care that they need and deserve," said Matusovich.
The new law will go into effect 90 days after the final adjournment of the legislative session.
Gramlich is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents Old Orchard Beach. A longtime licensed master social worker, she currently serves as the assistant House majority leader.
Contact: Brian Lee (Gramlich) | 305-965-2744