Major Issues
Bills Supported in 2025 Legislative Session
AB 280 — Aguiar-Curry | Ensuring Accurate Provider Directories
Summary: AB 280 mandates that health care plans maintain accurate provider directories and strengthens enforcement of directory standards. CAO supports this bill to ensure that patients can reliably find and access orthodontists and dental providers within their networks.
AB 341 — Arambula | Dental Care for People with Disabilities
Summary: This bill would establish the Oral Health for People with Disabilities Technical Assistance Center, tasked with providing training and support to regional centers across California. The goal is to improve access to care for individuals with complex health and developmental needs by equipping providers with the knowledge and resources to deliver appropriate treatment. CAO supports this measure to ensure dental professionals are equipped to care for all patients, especially vulnerable populations.
AB 350 — Bonta | Insurance Coverage for Fluoride Treatments
Summary: AB 350 would require health care service plans and insurers to cover fluoride varnish treatments for children under 6 years of age as a preventive dental benefit. This bill addresses disparities in oral health among children and helps ensure early intervention to prevent cavities. CAO supports this as part of broader prevention efforts in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
AB 371 — Haney | Dental Plan Transparency and Access
Summary: AB 371 strengthens consumer protections by ensuring dental plans provide more transparent information on benefits and coverage. It expands access to key preventive services and improves plan disclosure requirements. CAO supports this bill because transparency in coverage helps families make more informed decisions about care and ensures that cost isn’t a barrier to necessary dental services.
AB 376 — Tangipa | Tax Relief for Wildfire Survivors
Summary: This bill would exclude insurance proceeds received by wildfire survivors for fire-related damages from being taxed under California’s personal income tax. CAO supports this bill because many of our members have been impacted by wildfires, and this relief would allow for full use of recovery funds to rebuild and restore their homes and practices.
AB 489 — Bonta | Preventing AI Misrepresentation in Health Care
Summary: AB 489 prohibits artificial intelligence systems and chatbots from presenting themselves as licensed health care professionals. The bill ensures only licensed individuals can offer treatment advice or appear to be clinical authorities. CAO supports this bill to protect patients from misleading and potentially dangerous interactions with non-human systems impersonating licensed orthodontists or other providers.
AB 755 — Tangipa | Tax Exemption for Federal Disaster Assistance
Summary: AB 755 would exempt federal disaster relief payments from being subject to California income tax. This includes payments made directly or indirectly to individuals, households, or businesses. CAO supports this bill because orthodontic providers affected by disasters should be able to fully use federal assistance for rebuilding and recovery.
AB 873 — Alanis | Infection Control Reforms for Dental Assistants
Summary: This bill proposes reforms to infection control and training requirements for dental assistants, including more flexible certification pathways and curriculum updates. CAO supports this as part of our broader workforce development goals to recruit and retain skilled dental assistants without unnecessary regulatory burdens.
SB 351 — Cabaldon | Restricting Private Equity Influence in Health Care
Summary: SB 351 would place restrictions on private equity control in health care decisions by requiring full disclosure and oversight of acquisitions, ownership interests, and decision-making structures. CAO supports this bill as a measure to preserve clinical integrity and protect patients from profit-driven care models that can compromise outcomes.
SB 386 — Limón | Allowing Dental Providers to Choose Payment Methods
Summary: SB 386 ensures that dental providers can choose how they receive payments from health plans, including opting out of virtual credit card payments, which often incur fees. CAO supports this bill because it protects small practices from unnecessary administrative costs and helps preserve resources for patient care.