A program to provide dental care in rural Alaska Native villages has stirred controversy among members of Congress and the health community.

The program allows dental health aides to perform certain procedures normally performed by dentists. Supporters, including many Alaska Natives, say it allows village residents to receive care they might not otherwise receive.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, disagrees. He tried to limit the scope of the program, saying the federal government shouldn't provide substandard health care under the trust responsibility.

The American Dental Association is siding with Coburn. The group says the health aide program will lead to serious problems.

The committee ended up voting down Coburn's proposal last month but narrowed the program to Alaska. Members acknowledged the lack of funding for Indian health programs but indicated there was little they could do about it.

Get the Story:
Rural health aides say dental association ignores reality (AP 11/23)

Relevant Links:
American Dental Association - http://www.ada.org

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