New Ill. law promotes dental homes for kids

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed a new law designed to improve access to dental care for low-income children.

Effective immediately, SB 1948 requires the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to work with the dental community to develop and promote "dental homes" for children covered under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), All Kids, and Medicaid.

Under the dental home concept, dentists would collaborate to deliver comprehensive, coordinated and family-centered preventive and restorative oral healthcare services.

The new law builds on a national campaign by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to address the dental needs of children in Head Start programs by creating partnerships with dentists and relevant organizations.

"Providing a dental home for children goes hand-in-hand with our efforts to promote preventive healthcare measures for children and families that keep them healthy, instead of just paying the bills after they get sick," HFS Director Julie Hamos stated in a news release. "Our goal is to improve the oral health of children. Establishing a dental home will help assure that children receive comprehensive dental services -- both ongoing preventive services and treatment, if needed."

SB 1948 was sponsored by Sen. William Delgado (D-Chicago) and Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero).

"This new law will help to address the issue of dental care for children who are part of the All Kids program or other state insurance program that cover our youth," stated Delgado, chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee. "Currently there are very few dentists available in some areas of the state and even fewer who accept patients under the state insurance system."