{ legislative & regulatory }


Advocacy for Access and Prevention: An ADA Council Update


by EMILY MATTINGLY, DDS profession and to the public we serve. A


The Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention (CAAP), formerly known as the Council on Access, Prevention and Inter- professional Relations (CAPIR), has evolved in name, but its mission remains steadfast. Our focus on access to care, prevention, and interprofessional collaboration continues to be central to the ADA’s strategic priorities.


As committees of the ADA House of Del- egates, Councils are responsible for reviewing policies within their purview every five years, while also providing input on policies from other Councils when requested—particularly in areas such as workforce. In addition, CAAP receives special topic assignments from the House, including population health, access to care, water fluoridation, medical-dental integration, sports dentistry, nutrition, and health literacy. The following provides high- lights from the last six months.


WATER FLUORIDATION


In February 2025, CAAP launched a Fluorida- tion Ambassador Program, which has grown to include more than 400 participants. This group meets monthly and is open to anyone interested in advancing fluoridation efforts (to join, email Dr. Jane Grover at groverj@ ada.org). Participants include members of the dental team, oral health coalitions, state dental associations, dental students, and even nursing professionals—reinforcing that fluoridation advocacy is strongest when ap- proached collaboratively across disciplines. Notably, both the National Association of School Nurses and the American Academy of


14 focus | SPRING 2026 | ISSUE 1


s Chair of an ADA Council, I am always grateful for the opportu- nity to share the work of Councils and why it matters—both to the


Pediatrics remain strong advocates for com- munity water fluoridation.


The ADA fluoridation resource page offers one-pagers, talking points, and printable materials to support this critically important public health initiative. You can access it at ada.org/fluoride.


HEALTH LITERACY


Health literacy—the ability to understand and act on health information—is foun- dational to effective patient care. Experts recommend that patient-facing materials be written at a 5th to 6th grade reading level.


Despite best intentions, studies show that approximately 50 percent of information shared with patients is forgotten immedi- ately, and much of what is retained may be misunderstood. This underscores the impor- tance of the Teach-Back method and effective communication strategies.


The Commission on Dental Accreditation now requires competency in patient com- munication, and CAAP is supporting this effort through innovative initiatives. One example is our dental student video contest, generously sponsored by Colgate for the past two years. The creativity and impact of these submissions have been remarkable. Here is a link to the winning video which can be downloaded, bit.ly/41h5YS9.


MEDICAID


Missouri continues to serve as a national leader in Medicaid reform. Increased provid- er participation has demonstrated to legisla- tors that meaningful change is possible when programs are structured for sustainability and provider engagement. We are hopeful that this momentum will continue and serve as a model for other states.


SPECIAL NEEDS PATIENTS


Individuals with special health care needs face some of the most significant barriers to accessing dental care. In response, CAAP will be presenting a comprehensive, modernized special needs policy to the House this year.


This policy reflects current understand- ing of disabilities and includes forward- thinking strategies to improve care delivery. Educational initiatives such as the NICHE curriculum—now implemented in 20 dental schools—are helping prepare future dentists with the clinical experience necessary to serve this population.


ADDITIONAL CAAP INITIATIVES


CAAP continues to expand its work across several key areas. The ADA’s new collabora- tion with the Academy of Sports Dentistry highlights the importance of prevention in athletics, including the use of mouthguards and facial protection.


We are also partnering with the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs to explore emerging sci- ence related to nutrition and non-nutritive sweeteners. This work will be featured in a three-part CE series through the Institute for Food and Nutrition Science, equipping dental teams with practical insights for patient care.


ADA Councils play a critical role in shaping policy, advancing advocacy, and support- ing the profession. By reviewing House of Delegates actions and developing meaningful resources, Councils help ensure that ADA members are positioned for success—while ultimately improving the oral health of the public.


Dr. Mattingly practices at MSM Dental in Chillicothe. Contact her at emily@ msmdental.com.


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