For immediate release

Contacts: Robert Raible raibler@ada.org 202-789-5166 Jeanine Collins collinsj@ada.org 312-440-2886

American Dental Association Statement on House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Medicaid Fraud Hearing Washington, D.C., April 25, 2012 The American Dental Association believes that dentists should adhere to the highest ethical standards as set by the profession for the benefit of patients and the public. It is our belief that one fraudulent act is one too many.

It is important that committee members hear from experts who understand the oral health delivery system and the way state programs connect Medicaid children with dentists. All children deserve high quality, safe dental care.

The ADA further believes that a states ethical and legal standards must be applied equally to all dentists and to all dental practicesregardless of ownership statusthat provide services within that state.

Too many state Medicaid programs suffer from inefficiencies, administrative red tape, weak oversight, and chronic underfunding. Addressing these problems will help ensure that every

Medicaid-eligible child receives the oral health care he or she needs in a way that does not waste taxpayer dollars.

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About the American Dental Association The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 156,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at www.ada.org.