Almost one third of Pennsylvanians do not receive regular dental care, which increases rates of opioid abuse and heart disease and overwhelms emergency rooms with preventable dental issues. More than 22% of Pennsylvania dentists are aged 65 and older and more than 18% of our dental hygienists are aged 60 and older.
 
A study from the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute found that from 2014-2024, Pennsylvania ranked first in the nation with dentists moving out of the state.  One of the reasons often cited is a lack of oversight of dental provider networks.
 
Under this proposed legislation, contracting entities may grant third-party access to provider network contracts only if specific requirements are met to ensure provider choice, greater transparency, and more predictable reimbursement and costs for patients.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.