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
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One Big Beautiful Bill Act,
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.
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National Defense Authorization Act: /
Supports defense related spending for Tricare Dental Program reform, Military Retirement, Federal Dental Service ranks and improving dental care for military personnel.
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7.21.2025, Protect Our TEETH Act,
Introduces new requirements for the Environmental Protection Agency regarding fluoride levels in drinking water.
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6.04.2025, POST GRAD Act, /
Reinstates the authority of the Secretary of Education to make Federal Direct Stafford Loans to graduate and professional students.
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5.14.2025, HEADS UP Act,
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, /
Requires health plans to cover medically necessary services for individuals born with congenital anomalies, particularly when these anomalies affect the teeth, mouth, or jaw.
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3.22.2025, Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act, /
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.
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3.11.2025, Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act, /
Provides an interest-free deferment option for borrowers serving in a medical or dental internship or residency programs.
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3.10.2025, Action for Dental Health (ADH) Act,
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.
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3.05.2025, States Handling Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act, /
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.
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2.24.2025, Dental and Optometric Care Access (DOC Access) Act,
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.
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2.11.2025, Oral Health Products Inclusion Act,
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.
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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.
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