Push for SB 2797 Aims to Expand School-Based Dental Care Across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- A new legislative proposal moving through Springfield seeks to address what supporters describe as growing barriers to dental care for Illinois children who rely on school-based services. Senate Bill 2797, sponsored by State Sen. Julie Morrison, would create a single statewide framework for the All Kids School-Based Dental Program in an effort to encourage more dentists to participate and expand access to preventive care.

School-based dental programs bring services such as cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, sealants, and referrals directly into schools. Advocates say these programs are particularly important for low-income families who may struggle with transportation, scheduling, or insurance challenges. For many children, a visit from a school dentist is their primary opportunity for oral healthcare.

Supporters of SB 2797 argue the current system is uneven. Illinois operates one statewide model administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), but Chicago maintains a separate city-run structure involving additional contracts, oversight layers, and billing requirements. Providers say those differences have created confusion and administrative burden, discouraging participation.

“For many kids, school-based dental care is their only consistent access to a dentist,” Morrison said in a statement. “We need fair, uniform rules that keep standards high while making it realistic for dentists to serve these students.”

Advocates note that participation in Chicago’s program has declined significantly over the past decade, resulting in fewer schools served and fewer children receiving care. Dentists cite overlapping oversight, logistical costs, and uncertainty around billing as reasons some providers have stepped away from the program.

Dr. Ahmed Ramaha of Universal Dental, who has provided school-based services, said clarity and consistency are key to rebuilding participation. “Dentists want to serve kids, and we support strong quality standards,” Ramaha said. “But when the system becomes confusing or overly burdensome, providers leave. A uniform statewide framework helps us focus on care instead of navigating conflicting rules.”

SB 2797 would standardize participation requirements statewide, clarify Medicaid billing procedures, ensure clinical reviews are conducted by licensed dentists, and remove statutory language allowing a separate city-run system. Supporters say those changes would reduce compliance risk and make it easier for dentists to serve schools while maintaining oversight.

The proposal has sparked broader discussion about balancing strong patient protections with maintaining access to care. Backers argue both goals are interconnected.

“The goal is simple,” Morrison said. “Protect quality, reduce unnecessary barriers, and make sure more Illinois children can get the dental care they need to stay healthy and ready to learn.”