Bill would narrow maximum interval for preventive dental visits from 120 to 90 days
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Summary
SB120 would require carriers to reduce the maximum interval between covered preventive dental visits from 120 days to 90 days and encourage tiered dental plans; dental groups and clinicians supported the proposal as prevention‑oriented and said it would especially benefit pregnant and postpartum patients.
Senate Bill 120 (the Healthy Moms and Family Smiles Act) would reduce the maximum interval insurers may impose between covered preventive dental visits from 120 to 90 days and encourage carriers to offer tiered dental coverage. Sponsor testimony emphasized maternal and pediatric oral health connections and testified that the bill would improve early detection of oral disease without increasing state costs.
Dentists and the Maryland State Dental Association supported the bill, pointing to evidence that more frequent preventive care can reduce later costs. Panelists said the measure is a compromise and that clinical judgment is still important: providers asked for flexibility to tailor recall intervals to individual patient risk. The Maryland Dental Action Coalition and other stakeholders proposed potential statutory language to specify minimum numbers of visits for high‑risk patients; the sponsor and advocates indicated a willingness to work on amendments.
Committee members asked about the trade‑offs between a fixed statutory interval and provider discretion; witnesses recommended either preserving deference to clinicians or adding risk‑based language. No committee vote was taken at the hearing.
