Session Updates

The Missouri Legislative Session ended May 15, 2026. The following is a final summary of activities on the priorities of the 2026 MDA Legislative agenda.

The G&S End of Session Pulse – A broad overview of the Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed legislation from the 2026 Regular Session of the Missouri Legislature provided by MDA lobby firm, Gamble & Schlemeier.

MDA Supported

Dental Loss Ratio

While Dental Loss Ratio legislation did not advance to hearings during the 2026 legislative session, the More for Your Smile campaign still generated meaningful momentum by continuing to educate legislators on how dental insurance functions and where gaps in transparency and accountability exist. The More for Your Smile campaign mobilized 272 individuals who sent 498 patient form letters, along with nine individuals who sent an additional 18 dental team member letters. We will re-engage this campaign in the 2027 session. 

Throughout discussions with policymakers, concerns were raised about whether Dental Loss Ratio standards could increase premiums or reduce insurer participation in the market. As additional data and examples from other states continue to demonstrate that these policies do not necessarily lead to higher premiums or widespread insurer exits, there is growing opportunity for future legislative movement. The campaign also helped position MDA and Missouri dentists as trusted advocates not only for oral health, but also for patients navigating increasingly complex dental benefit structures and insurance systems. Looking ahead, we anticipate continuing these conversations and considering future legislation focused on transparency and reporting requirements regarding how premium dollars are spent within dental insurance plans.

Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact 

The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact legislation ultimately did not advance to final passage. Unlike many other issues during the 2026 legislative session, debate surrounding the compact at times appeared to be driven more by personal conflicts between stakeholders than broader policy disagreements. Even so, senators raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of interstate compacts, potential implementation costs, the delegation of authority away from the Legislature, and whether bad actors could more easily move between states and continue practicing. With several senators facing term limits, it remains to be seen where controversy surrounding compact legislation may continue. If refiled by ADSO, ongoing discussions will help strengthen relationships with senators who will remain in office. We are appreciative that the competing proposal tied specifically to the ADEX examination did not advance.

Dental Appropriations 

The FY27 budget maintained the increased reimbursement rates for Missouri dental Medicaid providers originally implemented in 2022. The budget also maintained funding for the general anesthesia dental codes approved last year at approximately 63% of the 50th percentile usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) rate. Funding for the Donated Dental Services Program was maintained at $180,000. Funding for the Elks Mobile Dental Services van was reduced to $350,000 in the FY27 budget, compared to the $400,000 approved by the Governor last fiscal year.

Americans with Disabilities Act Website Litigation 

This bill creates the "Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation" and was signed by the Governor on May 6, 2026.

MDA Priorities Without Legislation

Periodontal EFDA (OPA) Rule Promulgation

At its May 14 open meeting, the Missouri Dental Board voted to promulgate the rule language for the Periodontal EFDA (Oral Preventive Assistant or OPA). This action represents a significant milestone in the multi-year effort to thoughtfully study, evaluate and advance this model in Missouri. The Board’s vote formally begins Missouri’s administrative rulemaking process for implementation consideration of the Periodontal EFDA role. However, it is important to note that promulgation does not make the rule immediately effective or finalized. The proposed rule must still move through several stages of Missouri’s formal administrative review process before any final implementation could occur, and that process may take several months. We will keep members informed as the process moves forward and will contact you again as soon as the formal public comment period opens.

MDA Opposed

Water Fluoridation

We are grateful that the legislation was ultimately not heard during the 2026 legislative session. As the sponsor is serving her final year, we will continue monitoring whether similar legislation is re-filed in future sessions and remain prepared to respond strategically with evidence-based education and stakeholder coordination if necessary.

Dental Hygienist Scope of Practice

We appreciate the engagement of MDA members who helped communicate concerns regarding House Bill 2137 and the importance of maintaining appropriate dentist supervision standards. The legislation ultimately did not advance during the 2026 legislative session. However, during the Missouri Dental Board meeting on May 14, 2026, the Board voted to promulgate a rule expanding the locations of public health settings in Missouri to include Special Olympics, additional governmental entities, and public and private schools. This effort was strongly supported by the Office of Dental Health. MDA remains concerned about continuity of care, particularly for vulnerable populations, and will continue voicing concerns.