Local Sen. Julie Morrison Leads Push to Expand School Dental Access Across Illinois

HIGHLAND PARK -- Highland Park-area State Sen. Julie Morrison is leading a legislative effort aimed at improving access to dental care for children across Illinois — including students in the northern suburbs — through proposed reforms to the state’s school-based dental program.

Senate Bill 2797, sponsored by Morrison, would establish a single statewide framework for Illinois’ All Kids School-Based Dental Program. The initiative is designed to make it easier for dentists to provide preventive care in schools while maintaining consistent standards and oversight.

School-based dental programs bring services such as exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and referrals directly to students during the school day. Health advocates say these programs help eliminate common barriers for families, including transportation challenges, busy work schedules, and insurance navigation.

While northern suburban communities often have strong healthcare resources, Morrison noted that access gaps still exist — even in areas like Highland Park, Deerfield, and surrounding communities — particularly for working families, lower-income households, and students without consistent dental homes.

“For many children, school-based dental care is a practical way to ensure they receive preventive services on a regular basis,” Morrison said in a recent statement. “Our goal with SB 2797 is to keep quality standards high while creating clear, fair policies that encourage more dentists to serve students across Illinois.”

Currently, Illinois operates a statewide dental framework, but Chicago maintains additional local requirements that some providers say create confusion and administrative challenges. Supporters of SB 2797 argue that a unified statewide system would reduce those complications, making participation more predictable for dentists and expanding access for students in all regions.

Advocates emphasize that the issue extends beyond any single community. Students in urban neighborhoods, suburban districts, and rural areas alike can face barriers to routine dental care. Untreated oral health problems can lead to pain, missed school days, difficulty concentrating, and broader health concerns.

The proposed legislation would standardize participation requirements statewide, clarify billing procedures, and align clinical oversight with licensed dental professionals. Supporters say these changes would maintain strong patient protections while encouraging broader participation from dental providers.

Morrison said the effort reflects a broader commitment to student health and equity.

“This is about making sure every child — whether they live in the northern suburbs, Chicago, or elsewhere in Illinois — has reliable access to preventive dental care,” she said. “Healthy kids learn better, miss fewer school days, and have a stronger foundation for the future.”

As SB 2797 advances in Springfield, local educators, families, and healthcare professionals will be watching closely, recognizing that school-based dental access remains an important part of supporting student well-being across the region.