Calif. budget includes new dental director

The California Dental Association (CDA) is lauding the state Legislature's approval of a new budget plan that includes funding for a state dental director and an epidemiologist to establish and implement a state oral health program.

The 2014-2015 budget provides $474,000 in funding for the first year. The funding will allow the assessment of oral health needs in the state, the development and management of a state oral health plan, and the new state dental director to apply for and manage federal and private grants to support oral health, according to the association. The budget is awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown's signature.

"This is the most impactful state oral health achievement in decades. CDA members have collectively worked for and supported the establishment of a state dental director for many years," said CDA President James Stephens, DDS. "This is a significant step toward addressing the oral healthcare crisis facing millions of Californians through coordinated state oral health education and preventive programs led by a dental director and partnered with care provided by dentists across the state."

The dental director must be a licensed dentist. In addition to developing and implementing a state oral health plan, the dental director's role will also include establishing prevention and oral health literacy projects and working to secure funding for prevention-focused oral health and essential disease prevention services, particularly for children.