Nevada Assembly supports SB 268 to enhance dental care access for underserved communities
May 10, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Nevada Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss a significant bill aimed at improving dental care access for underserved communities. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 268, seeks to enhance the operational capabilities of Future Smiles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dental hygiene services to children in Southern Nevada.
Senator Fabian Flores, who introduced the bill, shared his personal experiences with dental care access, emphasizing that many families in his district still face similar challenges today. He highlighted the importance of Future Smiles in bridging the gap for children who lack adequate dental care, noting that the organization has served over 270,000 children since its inception in 2009.
Teri Chandler, CEO of Future Smiles, explained that the bill aims to resolve issues related to insurance reimbursement for services provided by dental hygienists without direct supervision from dentists. Currently, some insurance plans deny claims for these services, which limits the organization's ability to serve low-income families effectively. Chandler stressed that SB 268 would align state laws with insurance practices, ensuring that dental hygienists working for nonprofits can be recognized as direct healthcare providers.
The committee also heard from Warren Hardy, who reiterated the bill's narrow focus on supporting nonprofit dental hygiene programs. He clarified that the legislation does not create new services but rather codifies existing practices to ensure that children receive necessary dental care without financial barriers.
The discussions underscored the critical role of Future Smiles in providing preventive and restorative dental services to children, particularly those from low-income families. With 50% of the children served on Medicaid and 40% uninsured, the organization plays a vital role in ensuring that dental care is accessible regardless of a family's financial situation.
As the committee prepares to vote on SB 268, the potential impact on community health and well-being remains a central theme. If passed, the bill could significantly enhance dental care access for thousands of children in Nevada, aligning with broader public health goals and addressing the ongoing disparities in healthcare access.
Senator Fabian Flores, who introduced the bill, shared his personal experiences with dental care access, emphasizing that many families in his district still face similar challenges today. He highlighted the importance of Future Smiles in bridging the gap for children who lack adequate dental care, noting that the organization has served over 270,000 children since its inception in 2009.
Teri Chandler, CEO of Future Smiles, explained that the bill aims to resolve issues related to insurance reimbursement for services provided by dental hygienists without direct supervision from dentists. Currently, some insurance plans deny claims for these services, which limits the organization's ability to serve low-income families effectively. Chandler stressed that SB 268 would align state laws with insurance practices, ensuring that dental hygienists working for nonprofits can be recognized as direct healthcare providers.
The committee also heard from Warren Hardy, who reiterated the bill's narrow focus on supporting nonprofit dental hygiene programs. He clarified that the legislation does not create new services but rather codifies existing practices to ensure that children receive necessary dental care without financial barriers.
The discussions underscored the critical role of Future Smiles in providing preventive and restorative dental services to children, particularly those from low-income families. With 50% of the children served on Medicaid and 40% uninsured, the organization plays a vital role in ensuring that dental care is accessible regardless of a family's financial situation.
As the committee prepares to vote on SB 268, the potential impact on community health and well-being remains a central theme. If passed, the bill could significantly enhance dental care access for thousands of children in Nevada, aligning with broader public health goals and addressing the ongoing disparities in healthcare access.
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