The recently enacted federal budget could lead states to remove dental benefits from Medicaid, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association said July 11.
President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act July 4. The bill is expected to increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion, and lead to a decrease in Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion. The number of uninsured individuals is expected to grow by 11.8 million more people by 2034. The legislation has been criticized by many healthcare organizations, with many leaders denouncing the bill’s cuts to healthcare.
Several dental organizations have also criticized the budget for its potential impact on Medicaid and patient care, with the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health calling the bill’s passage a “dangerous setback” for dentistry.
ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder said there are several provisions of the bill that decrease federal support for Medicaid, including new work requirements and restrictions on state financing. She said the reduction of Medicaid dental benefits could lead to increased rates of untreated oral disease, a greater strain on emergency departments and other long-term health and economic consequences.
“These changes may force states to reassess Medicaid budgets, prioritizing mandatory benefits over optional services like adult dental care,” her statement said. “We urge lawmakers to consider the full public health implications of changes to Medicaid policy and to protect oral health access as an essential component of overall healthcare. ADHA encourages dental hygienists to continue to engage with their representatives on critical issues affecting oral health.”
