Congress Introduces Bill to Include Dentists in Emergency Response

The American Dental Association issued a press release Thursday, Feb. 5 that commends, "Reps. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and Candice Miller (R-Mich.) for introducing the 'Dental Emergency Responder Act' (H.R. 903), a bill that would bolster America's capacity to respond to natural disasters or terrorist attacks by taking advantage of the extensive education, training and professionalism of the nation's dentists."

According to the release, the bill will not require additional federal spending. The thinking behind it is that because dentists receive a "sound general medical background . . . their knowledge and experience can make them valuable assets in the community response to man-made and natural disasters."

As a dentist, I'm very glad that this piece of legislation has been introduced to Congress. It makes complete sense, as dentists are very well educated and can help during emergencies.