Stating Our Viewpoint
The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) frequently testifies at public hearings to support or oppose legislation that affects the dental profession and patients. In addition, the MDS submits written testimony and position statements to various legislative committees and regulatory bodies as part of the legislative process.
2024-2025 Testimonies & Position Statements
June 11, 2025, Joint Committee on Public Health Hearing
On Tuesday, June 11, 2025, the Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing at the Massachusetts State House to review two concerning anti-fluoridation bills:
S.1517 and H.2548 – An Act banning artificial fluoridation schemes
If enacted, these bills would ban community water fluoridation across Massachusetts, stripping local boards of health of their authority and overriding decades of evidence-based public health practice.
Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) President Dr. Abe Abdul submitted formal testimony opposing both bills, along with a strong letter from Dr. Fran Clairmont, chair of the MDS Government Affairs Committee.
2023-2024 Testimonies & Position Statements
MDS leadership and members testify at MassHealth dental rates hearing
On February 9, 2024, MassHealth, through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), held a public hearing regarding proposed dental rates. Specifically, EOHHS proposed amendments to update rates for certain dental services, effective for dates of service on or after June 1, 2024.
At the hearing, MDS President Dr. Abe Abdul presented testimony and submitted a letter on behalf of the Society, which was developed by the Dental Practice and Benefits Committee and approved by the MDS Board of Trustees. Dr. Mouhab Rizkallah, chair of the Dental Practice and Benefits Committee, and numerous other MDS members also testified in support of this position letter.
Regulation 101 CMR 314.00: MassHealth Rates for Dental Services
Testimony of MDS President Dr. Abe Abdul and MDS Dental Practice & Benefits Committee Chair Dr. Mouhab Rizkallah (February 9, 2024)