Testimony and Position Statements

The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) often speaks at public hearings to support or oppose legislation that would have an impact on our profession and dental patients. In addition, the MDS frequently submits written testimony and position statements to various legislative committees and regulatory bodies.

2024-2025 Testimonies and 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 authority from local boards of health and overriding decades of evidence-based public health practice.

Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) president Dr. Abe Abdul submitted formal testimony opposing both bills—alongside a strong letter from Dr. Fran Clairmont, chair of the MDS Government Affairs Committee.

2023-2024 Testimonies and 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 prosed dental rates. Specifically, EOHHS proposed amendments to update rates for certain dental services, effective for dates of service on or after June 1, 2024, seen here.

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 Abdulwaheed and Chair MDS Dental Practice & Benefits Committee Dr. Mouhab Rizkallah (February 9, 2024)