Current Initiatives
Protecting Dentistry. Advancing Oral Health.
The Georgia Dental Association advocates year-round to protect the profession, support dentists and their practices, and improve oral health across Georgia. From mobilizing members on current issues to building relationships with policymakers, GDA works to make sure the voice of Georgia dentistry is heard.
GDA is mobilizing dentists to speak up about dental insurance policies that restrict access to paper checks and limit reimbursement choices. We’ve prepared letters for Delta Dental, Aetna, and the Georgia Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire so you can quickly add your voice to this advocacy effort. Together, Georgia dentists can make it clear that reimbursement choice matters.
Learn More About GDA's Advocacy Letters
Legislative receptions give Georgia dentists an opportunity to build relationships with the policymakers who shape decisions affecting their practices, patients, and profession. By connecting with legislators before an issue arises, dentists can establish a foundation for meaningful dialogue when policy concerns come up. Throughout the year, GDA Government Affairs creates these opportunities to bring dentists and policymakers together for conversation, connection, and relationship building.
Learn When You Can Meet Policymakers
The Georgia Dental Association’s 2027 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 2026 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.
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 manner 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 hygienists. This license will only allow them to work as a hygienist.
Hygiene Loan Reimbursement
- The Georgia Dental Association will seek an opportunity for hygienists to receive some loan forgiveness if they move to an underserved 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.
Learn More About Water Fluoridation
Recurring Georgia Mission of Mercy 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 the workforce for hygienists with lapsed licenses.
