The dental industry will receive additional funding in several areas after Congress passed the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
President Donald Trump signed the bill Feb. 3, putting an end to the partial government shutdown that began Jan. 31.
The $1.2 trillion bipartisan bill provides funding for the HHS Department through fiscal year 2026 and extends funding for the Department of Homeland Security until Feb. 13. Another partial shutdown could take place if lawmakers do not come to an agreement on DHS funding by that date.
In addition to supporting funding for primary care, rural health and telehealth, the spending bill also funds several key areas affecting oral health, the ADA said Feb. 6.
Six key notes on oral health funding from the spending bill:
1. Oral health workforce programs within the Health Resources and Services Administration received an additional $1 million, bringing the total funding to $43 million.
2. The CDC received an additional $1 million to support oral health initiatives, with funding totaling $21 million.
3. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research was given $525 million in funding, which included a $5 million boost.
4. The Defense Department received an additional $2 million to support dental research, bringing its total funding to $12 million.
5. Funding was extended for several workforce and healthcare accessibility programs, including the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers and Community Health Centers.
6. More than $50 million was also earmarked to expand dental infrastructure and services in more than 15 states.
