DEERFIELD — Deerfield-area State Sen. Julie Morrison is continuing her work to expand access to healthcare by leading a legislative effort aimed at improving dental care for children in schools across Illinois. Senate Bill 2797, which Morrison is sponsoring, seeks to modernize the state’s All Kids School-Based Dental Program by creating a clearer, more uniform framework designed to encourage more dentists to serve students.

School-based dental programs provide preventive services such as exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and referrals directly during the school day. Health advocates say these services help remove barriers many families face, including transportation challenges, work schedules, and insurance complexities. For some students, a school visit may be the only consistent dental care they receive.

Morrison said the proposal reflects her ongoing focus on improving access to healthcare in the northern suburbs and statewide.

“Ensuring children have reliable access to preventive dental care is an important part of overall health,” Morrison said in a recent statement. “By creating fair, uniform policies statewide, we can encourage more providers to participate and help more students receive the care they need.”

While communities like Deerfield and the broader North Shore often have strong healthcare resources, educators and health professionals note that access gaps still exist. Some families struggle with scheduling regular appointments, transportation logistics, or navigating insurance coverage. School-based programs can provide an additional safety net, ensuring children receive preventive care without missing significant classroom time.

Currently, Illinois operates a statewide dental framework, but Chicago has additional local requirements that some providers say create administrative complexity. Supporters of SB 2797 argue that establishing a single statewide structure would reduce confusion, maintain strong quality standards, and make participation more predictable for dentists across Illinois.

Healthcare advocates say consistent preventive dental care helps reduce missed school days, supports better concentration in the classroom, and can prevent more serious health issues down the road. Untreated dental problems remain one of the leading causes of avoidable school absences nationwide.

Morrison emphasized that the legislation is about strengthening access while maintaining patient protections.

“This effort isn’t about lowering standards,” she said. “It’s about ensuring that the system works effectively so more children — in the northern suburbs, Chicago, and communities across Illinois — can receive the preventive dental care they deserve.”

As SB 2797 moves forward in Springfield, local families, educators, and healthcare providers will be watching closely. Supporters say the proposal reflects a broader commitment to student well-being, equitable healthcare access, and ensuring that preventive dental care remains within reach for Illinois children regardless of where they live.