Dentists, dental students want dental insurance reform in Alabamaby WAKA Action 8 NewsDentists and dental students have gathered outside the Alabama State House to lobby for dental insurance reform. They’re asking lawmakers to support bills designed to ensure money from dental insurance premiums is actually spent on direct patient care. Nationally, up to 40% of dental insurance premiums can go toward administrative costs instead of patient care, they say. Right now, Alabama does not require that a set portion of premiums must be spent on care. Dentists say that causes delayed treatment, higher out-of-pocket costs and growing access gaps, especially in rural communities.