The Senate Appropriations Committee this week approved an FY 2012 funding bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. While the political climate and renewed focus on responsible spending prevent Congress from moving forward on supporting many of the yet unfunded oral health programs authorized in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Senate bill clearly protects oral health as a priority.

The Senate bill reflects the critical role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in combating tooth decay and addressing the disease early in childhood. Committee report protects the line item for oral health in the CDC budget, but it also encourages CDC to continue at current levels the work to improve state oral health infrastructure, increase collaboration with other HHS agencies to address early childhood caries (the disease that causes cavities), and improve oral health research and surveillance efforts.

While it remains a concern that funds are no longer set aside for oral health programs in the budget for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), it is encouraging that the Senate bill includes specific language to ensure that oral health remain a priority across HHS agencies, including HRSA. In addition, the Committee urges both HRSA the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to work to improve access to oral healthcare, facilitate dental workforce expansion, and improve the way that Medicaid interfaces with dental practice.

While the Senate bill is likely the best case scenario for FY 2012 funding given the current Congressional budget climate, threats still exist. Funding is slated to be cut by $50 million for Title V Maternal and Child Health Programs which are essential to addressing the health and oral health needs of America's most vulnerable populations. Additionally, programs like Medicaid and CHIP which provide dental coverage to millions of children are at risk as the 12-member "supercommittee" on deficit reduction works to find $1.5 trillion in savings by Thanksgiving.

It is therefore imperative that we continue our work to educate lawmakers on the importance of investing in oral health coverage as well as cost-effective programs that improve childrens' access to care and prevents costly disease. In order to keep Medicaid, CHIP, and other vulnerable oral health programs safe, contact your legislators and  members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and let them know that future savings should not come on the backs of America's most vulnerable families.