Alabama Dentists Push Back Against Broken Dental Insurance
Alabama dentists say dental insurance is broken and patients are paying the price.
A growing coalition of Alabama dentists, dental hygienists, and dental students is urging lawmakers to address what they describe as a failing dental insurance system — one that limits patient access, strains providers, and threatens the long-term viability of dental care across the state. More than 50 practitioners and students recently gathered at the Alabama State Capitol to advocate for reform they believe is long overdue.
At the center of the issue is how dental insurance premiums are spent. Unlike medical insurance, dental plans in Alabama are not required to allocate a specific percentage of premium dollars toward patient care. As a result, a significant share of premiums can be diverted to administrative costs, executive compensation, and corporate profits, while patients face low annual maximums, delayed care, or lost benefits at year’s end.
Oral health professionals say this lack of accountability directly impacts access to care. Patients often postpone or forgo necessary treatment due to coverage limitations, while dentists struggle to sustain practices—especially in rural and underserved communities. Workforce data paints a concerning picture: many Alabama counties face an aging dental workforce, with some nearing the loss of all practicing dentists and others already lacking any dental providers.
To address these concerns, advocates are supporting HB 212 and SB 81 during the current legislative session. These bills would establish a dental medical loss ratio (MLR), requiring insurers to spend at least 75% of premiums from individual plans and 83% from group plans on patient care. The legislation would also require greater transparency into how remaining premium dollars are used.
Supporters emphasize that the proposed reforms would not raise premiums or reduce benefits. Instead, they aim to ensure patients receive the care they pay for, strengthen Alabama’s dental workforce, and create a system centered on oral health, not profits. Both bills are currently awaiting action in their respective insurance committees. Click here to read more.
