ADA expresses concern for pause on financial assistance programs

Directive under Trump creates uncertainty for critical oral health programs, Association says

The ADA is expressing concern over the Trump administration’s directive to pause certain federal financial assistance programs. The Office of Management and Budget's directive has generated uncertainty for programs critical to advancing oral health, education, research and care delivery, according to the ADA. 

In a Jan. 28 letter, ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., and Executive Director Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S., said federal funding from the National Institutes of Health, Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are all integral to improving the nation’s oral health, emphasizing that the pause could result in grave risks.  

Drs. Kessler and Cohlmia outline potentially impacted areas, including the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research grants, with more than $300 million in grants supporting projects at various institutes in 2022. 

They also said the pause could affect Health Resources and Services Administration oral health programs, which were awarded more than $18 million in grants in 2023, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health initiatives, which could now experience delays in programs aimed at expanding access to fluoridation and other prevention-focused efforts. 

The letter also notes that the pause has created unintended disruptions in areas that remain unclear, such as funding for public health infrastructure, disaster relief for dental facilities and more programs that indirectly impact oral health such as workforce development support, veterans’ oral health programs and school-based health initiatives.  

“Without clear guidance from [the Office of Management and Budget], institutions and organizations that depend on these funds face challenges in planning, continuity and service delivery,” reads the letter. “Clarification on the status of these programs is urgently needed to prevent further confusion and disruption.” 

The ADA urged Congress to seek immediate clarification on the status of certain government programs related to oral health; advocate for expedited review and approval of oral health related grants; and ensure consistent communication with grantees and stakeholders.  

“As the leading voice for oral health in the United States, the ADA is committed to working with Congress to address these critical issues. We strongly encourage Congress to provide oversight and guidance to ensure that oral health remains a national priority and that funding disruptions are avoided,” the letter concludes.  

A federal judge has since temporarily blocked the directive to freeze all federal aid, which will extend through at least Feb. 3. On Jan. 29, the Office of Management and Budget issued a new memo to all department and agency heads rescinding the Monday night memo after mass confusion spurred numerous letters seeking clarification, including from the ADA.

"This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tweeted.

ADA News will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds. Follow all the ADA’s advocacy efforts at ADA.org/Advocacy.