DSOs gain endorsement from state legislators' caucus

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) has adopted a 2017 policy resolution supporting dental service organizations (DSOs).

The policy, "A resolution to stand in support of dental support organizations," notes that DSOs provide dental services to traditionally underserved populations and locations. The NBCSL resolution also focuses on the following areas:

• Dentists employed by a DSO who practice in low-income and underserved areas should be eligible for student loan forgiveness.
• Anticompetitive policies that limit the growth of the DSO industry and patient access provided should be resisted.
• The efficiencies and capabilities of DSOs should be taken into consideration by policymakers to address oral healthcare outcomes and drive new evidence-based treatment protocols.

The policy was adopted and ratified during the NBCSL's Annual Legislative Conference, which ended on December 5, 2016, and modified on December 16, 2016.

The primary mission of the NBCSL is to develop, conduct, and promote educational, research, and training programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of its members.

The policy resolution is available on the NBCSL website.