American Teledentistry Association Disheartened by New Mexico’s Latest Barrier to Affordable, Convenient Oral Care
American Teledentistry Association’s statement on Governor Grisham’s anti-competitive veto of SB241.
The American Teledentistry Association has expressed disappointment in New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s decision to veto near unanimously-approved state legislation that supports extending access to affordable, quality oral care through teledentistry on April 5.
“Low income and rural New Mexicans seeking access to oral health care are hurting today,” says Marc Ackerman, DMD, MBA, executive director of the American Teledentistry Association. “According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, New Mexico has the highest prevalence of gum disease in the entire United States. With the number of practicing dentists in New Mexico being under 1,000, the Pew Charitable Trust has designated New Mexico a severely underserved state. Sadly, this innovative legislation fell victim to the anti-competitive and clearly protectionist misstatements propagated by the New Mexico State Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists. Governor Grisham’s decision to veto Senate Bill 241 maintains the status quo and prevents New Mexicans from getting the oral health care they desperately need.”
Senate Bill 241 is citizen-first legislation advocating for New Mexicans by expanding access to remote care, utilizing store and forward technology and empowering patients to seek oral care. SB241 passed in the State House (59-0) and Senate (37-1).
