As Congress debated federal spending, important oral health programs faced funding uncertainty. The ADA made sure dentistry’s story was heard, showing lawmakers how these investments support dentists, strengthen the workforce, advance research, and improve access to care.
President Trump recently signed H.R. 6500, maintaining government funding at fiscal year 2026 levels through December 11 while Congress continues work on full-year fiscal year 2027 appropriations. For dentistry, that means current funding continues for key federal oral health programs, including:
- $525 million for National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial (NIDCR) and oral health research
- $260 million for the Indian Health Service Dental Program
- $43 million for Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Oral Health Workforce Programs
- $21 million for the CDC Oral Health Program
- $3 billion for the VA Dental Program
Strengthening the Dental Workforce
The House has also passed the bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act (H.R. 2001), which would reauthorize $15 million annually through FY2030 for the HRSA State Oral Health Workforce grant program. These grants support efforts to recruit and retain dental professionals, expand practices in dental shortage areas, strengthen dental education, and help address workforce challenges in underserved communities. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced companion legislation with efforts underway to advance in the Senate.
Why This Matters
These federal investments help address challenges dentists see every day. Workforce programs help recruit and retain dental professionals in underserved communities, research funding advances the science behind prevention and treatment, and federal dental programs expand access to care for veterans, Tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. By protecting these programs, the ADA is helping ensure that dentistry has the resources needed to meet growing patient demands.
Federal policy doesn’t stop when a bill passes. Programs need ongoing funding and reauthorization to continue making a difference.
That’s why the ADA works on both sides of the equation: advancing policies that strengthen dentistry and fighting for the federal resources needed to put them into action.
When organized dentistry speaks with a unified voice, policymakers hear directly from the profession about what dentists and their patients need.
That’s ADA advocacy at work. To learn more, visit Advocacy | American Dental Association.
