Here are 11 federal government and policy updates that have taken place in the last month:
1. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he plans to advise the CDC to stop recommending adding fluoride to public water supplies.
2. The CDC’s oral health department was essentially shut down as part of the HHS Department’s layoffs that began April 1.
3. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association released its 2025 Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice, the first comprehensive update since 2016.
4. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at lowering drug prices and expanding access to affordable medications.
5. The Department of Commerce started an investigation into how pharmaceutical imports affect national security.
6. House Republicans, in a 216-214 vote, approved the Senate’s fiscal 2025 budget blueprint, paving the way for key portions of President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda — including potential sweeping changes to Medicaid.
7. President Donald Trump temporarily dropped tariff rates on imports for most U.S. trading partners to 10% for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations.
8. The U.S. extended its national emergency declaration related to malicious cyber threats for another year, the Trump administration announced March 27, citing ongoing risks to national security, foreign policy and the economy.
9. The White House issued an executive order March 19 aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. The order calls on states and communities to take the lead in safeguarding infrastructure and addressing risks such as cyberattacks, natural disasters and space weather.
10. A coalition of more than 25 national organizations, mobilized by the American Dental Association, advocated for the preservation and strengthening of the chief dental officer position within CMS.
11. The Resident Education Deferred Interest Act was reintroduced in the House and Senate.