Current Initiatives
The Georgia Dental Association’s 2026 Legislative Agenda outlines our priorities for strengthening the profession, protecting patient care, and advancing oral health across the state. Approved by the House of Delegates at the 2025 Summer Meeting, this agenda reflects the collective voice of our members and the issues most critical to dentistry in Georgia. It serves as our roadmap for advocacy in the upcoming legislative session and guides our engagement with policymakers throughout the year.
Overview of 2026 Legislative Agenda:
Medicaid
Increase Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
• In 2027, the Georgia Dental Association will ask for an increase to Medicaid Dental Reimbursement to better reflect market realities.
Create Rate Review Board
• This review board would review all Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for all Medicaid codes every three years. The review would happen in a staggered nature so that reviews are happening every year. The members of this review board would be appointed by the members of the Legislature.
Dental Insurance Reform
Limit time frame for retroactive denials
• Currently in Georgia, Insurance companies have up to 18 months to issue a retroactive denial. This agenda item would reduce that time frame to 6 months.
Transparency for Coverage and Fee Schedules
• The Georgia Dental Association believes that patients and their dentists, regardless of network status, should have accurate and timely information related to coverage and reimbursement levels. Because of this, this agenda item will help to create this level of transparency and accountability.
Workforce Development
Internationally Trained Dentists as Hygienists
• As one way to address the workforce shortage for hygienists, the Georgia Dental Association will seek a path to get internationally trained dentists licensed as a hygienist. This license will only allow them to work as a hygienist.
Hygiene Loan Reimbursement
• The Georgia Dental Association will seek an opportunity for hygienist to receive some loan forgiveness if they move to an underserved to practice. This program would mirror the programs already in place for loan forgiveness for dentists and nurses.
Dental Public Health
Protect Community Water Fluoridation
• There has been some advocacy around the state to end fluoride in specific communities. The Georgia Dental Association will defend fluoride in the water at the local and state level to ensure optimal oral health for our kids and future generations.
Recurring GMOM funding
• Because of the incredible turnout from patients and volunteers, the Georgia Dental Association will ask for $150,000 to support two more GMOM events in 2027.
Non-Legislative items
• Expand training for Dental Assisting programs in high schools and college and career academies.
• Create a smooth transition back into workforce for hygienists with lapsed licenses.
