New Texas Law to Fight Unnecessary Dental Work on Children

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By Tom Crosley

Governor Rick Perry recently signed a law designed to stop unnecessary dental treatment on children.  The bill was introduced by State Representative Lois W. Kolkhurst of Brenham, Texas.  Rep Kolkhurst, the daughter of a dentist, stated she introduced the bill after learning of the investigative reporting of WFAA television reporter, Byron Harris and PBS Frontline regarding unnecessary dental work being done on children receiving Medicaid benefits.

ā€œAs a mother of two children, I was shocked to learn that in 2010 there were estimated to be over 15,000 Texas children who were given inappropriate dental care, including braces on baby teeth,ā€ Kolkhorst said in a statement.

The new law increases funding to the Texas Dental Board, streamlines the action taken on dental board complaints, allows parents to be present when dental work is performed on their children, and requires certain reporting regarding corporate owned dental clinics.

Additional information can be found here:

http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/06/26/12897/impact-dentists-probe-leads-new-texas-law