Fiscal Year 2026 & 2027 Appropriations
The ADA supports the continuation and increased investment in federal oral health programs that focus on workforce development, access to care, oral health literacy, dental research, nutrition, Native American health, military readiness and care for our veterans.
ADA News: Letter to request support for funding of programs to dentistry and oral health in FY 26
ADA News: ADA calls for increased resources for Indian Health Service
One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1
Enacted by Congress in July 2025 with several provisions relevant to dentists and dental practices through provisions relating to tax policy, student loans, state Medicaid programs and other impacts.
ADA News: ADA opposes small business tax hike
National Defense Authorization Act: H.R. 3838/S. 2296
Supports defense related spending for Tricare Dental Program reform, Military Retirement, Federal Dental Service ranks and improving dental care for military personnel.
ADA News: House passes defense bill with ADA-supported dental provisions
7.21.2025, Protect Our TEETH Act, H.R. 4556
Introduces new requirements for the Environmental Protection Agency regarding fluoride levels in drinking water.
ADA News: Organized Dentistry Coalition supports Protect Our TEETH Act
6.04.2025, POST GRAD Act, H.R. 3711/S. 1948
Reinstates the authority of the Secretary of Education to make Federal Direct Stafford Loans to graduate and professional students.
ADA News: ADA supports bill restoring need-based eligibility for student loans
5.14.2025, HEADS UP Act, H.R. 3409
Healthcare Extension and Accessibility for Developmentally disabled and Underserved Populations (HEADSUP) Act of 2025 will fund services for individuals with developmental disabilities to provide specialized dental treatment.
5.08.2025, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, H.R. 3277/S.1677
Requires health plans to cover medically necessary services for individuals born with congenital anomalies, particularly when these anomalies affect the teeth, mouth, or jaw.
ADA News: Bill would ensure health insurance covers needed treatment
3.22.2025, Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act, H.R. 1758/S.1080
Excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, payments received under the federally funded student loan repayment program for full-time faculty members of dental schools with programs in general, pediatric and public health dentistry.
ADA News: Coalition advocates for bill supporting dental training programs
3.11.2025, Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, H.R. 2028/S.942
Provides an interest-free deferment option for borrowers serving in a medical or dental internship or residency programs.
ADA News: Millions of student loan borrowers could face garnished wages
ADA News: Bill would reduce student loan burden for dentists, physicians
3.10.2025, Action for Dental Health (ADH) Act, H.R. 2001
Reauthorizes Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) program focused on addressing dental workforce needs. The bill increases the funding from $13,903,000 to $15,000,000 annually and extends the funding period from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
ADA News: Federal bill would extend funding to address dental workforce
3.05.2025, States Handling Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act, H.R. 2332/S. 1101
Authorizes the use of the Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history record for administration of certain licenses and improves professional licensing authority for those seeking a license under an interstate compact.
ADA News: ADA urges passage of SHARE Act
2.24.2025, Dental and Optometric Care Access (DOC Access) Act, H.R. 1521
Establishes federal standards for health plans offering dental or vision benefits, focusing on payment amounts for non-covered services, contract duration, and provider lab choice. Providers can charge standard rates (except for dental cleanings), contracts are capped at two years unless extended by provider consent, and states retain enforcement authority with primacy in case of conflicts.
ADA News: House introduces bill to limit noncovered services provisions in dental plans
2.11.2025, Oral Health Products Inclusion Act, H.R. 1219
Allows individuals to use funds in a flexible spending arrangement (FSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), or health savings account (HSA) to pay for over-the-counter oral health products.
ADA News: New bill would allow oral care items to be purchased through FSAs, HSAs
Reauthorizes funding for Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) programs to support and educate health care professionals on about their mental health.
ADA News: ADA urges reauthorization of mental health bill