Action for Dental Health Act 2014

To amend part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act to improve essential oral health care for lower-income individuals by breaking down barriers to care. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Action for Dental Health Act 2014 2. Grants to support volunteer dental projects and public-private partnerships Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 320A (42 U.S.C. 247d–8) the following new sections: 320B. Grants to support volunteer dental projects (a) Authority To make grants The Secretary shall award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities described in subsection (b) to obtain portable or mobile dental equipment and to pay for appropriate operational costs, including direct health care or service delivery costs, for the provision of free dental services to underserved populations that are delivered in a manner consistent with State licensing laws. (b) Eligible entity An eligible entity under this subsection is an organization, such as a State or local dental association, State oral health program, or a dental education, dental hygiene education, or postdoctoral dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or a community-based organization that partners with an academic institution, that— (1) is exempt from tax under section 501(c) (2) offers a free dental services program for underserved populations. (c) Application An entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such manner as the Secretary may require. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of the Action for Dental Health Act 2014 320C. Grants for public-private partnerships to improve oral health education and dental disease prevention and Medicaid and CHIP dental programs, and for other purposes (a) Authority To make grants The Secretary shall award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities described in subsection (b) to collaborate with State, county, or local public officials and other stakeholders in order to develop and implement initiatives to accomplish any of the following goals: (1) To improve oral health education and dental disease prevention, including community-wide prevention programs, use of dental sealants and fluoride varnish, and increasing oral health literacy. (2) To reduce barriers (including low reimbursement and administrative impediments) in a manner that increases dental provider participation in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) under titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act. (3) To make the health care delivery system providing dental services under Medicaid or CHIP more accessible and efficient by taking actions necessary to facilitate the establishment of dental homes for children, adults, and the aged, blind, and disabled populations. (4) To address geographic, language, cultural, and similar barriers in the provision of dental services. (5) To reduce the use of emergency departments to seek dental services more appropriately delivered in a dental primary care setting. (b) Eligible entity An eligible entity under this subsection is a State or local dental association or a State dental association foundation that— (1) is exempt from tax under section 501(c) (2) partners with public and private stakeholders to facilitate the provision of dental services for underserved populations. (c) Application An entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such manner as the Secretary may require. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of the Action for Dental Health Act 2014 .

Summary: Action for Dental Health Act 2014 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities to obtain portable or mobile dental equipment and to pay for appropriate operational costs for the provision of free dental services to underserved populations that are delivered in a manner consistent with state licensing laws. Directs the Secretary to award grants to or enter into contracts with eligible entities to collaborate with state, county, or local public officials and other stakeholders in order to develop and implement initiatives to: (1) improve oral health education and dental disease prevention; (2) reduce barriers in a manner that increases dental provider participation in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); (3) make the health care delivery system providing dental services under Medicaid or CHIP more accessible and efficient by taking actions necessary to facilitate the establishment of dental homes; (4) address geographic, language, cultural, and similar barriers in the provision of dental services; and (5) reduce the use of emergency departments for dental services more appropriately delivered in a dental primary care setting.