Action for Dental Health Act advances in House, introduced in Senate

ADA supports legislation to reauthorize workforce grant program 

Bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Action for Dental Health workforce grant program advanced in the House on July 20 and was introduced in the Senate on July 23, with support from the ADA. 

In comment letters to House and Senate lawmakers, the Association expressed support for the Action for Dental Health Act, which would reauthorize the Action for Dental Health workforce grant program at $15 million annually. The House-passed bill would provide funding through fiscal year 2030, while the Senate bill would authorize funding through fiscal year 2031. 

The ADA has long supported the Action for Dental Health program, which provides federal grants to address the oral health needs of underserved populations. The Action for Dental Health funding supports disease prevention and oral health education, reduces geographic and language barriers, and expands access through initiatives such as mobile dental services and the establishment of dental homes. 

After winning House approval, the Action for Dental Health Act, H.R. 2001, is gaining momentum in the Senate. The ADA commended Reps. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, and Robin Kelly, D-Ill., for securing House passage and praised Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Ted Budd, R-N.C., for leading the bill's bipartisan reintroduction in the Senate. ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D., welcomed the legislation and its focus on expanding access to care. 

“Everyone deserves access to oral health care. Reauthorizing Action for Dental Health will maintain and expand proven programs that connect underserved communities with vital dental services they need to improve their health now and for years to come,” Dr. Rosato said. “We thank Senators Booker and Budd for championing this important legislation and helping move us closer to a future where more Americans can access the critical oral health care they need.”

In a news release, Rep. Kelly quoted the ADA as strongly endorsing the Action for Dental Health Act. Prior to its passage, Rep. Simpson spoke about the legislation, emphasizing the ADA’s statistic that nine out of 10 dentists report difficulties in recruiting dental hygienists and assistants.  

“Since it was first implemented, the Action for Dental Health Act has delivered meaningful results. It has enhanced dental services for hardworking American families, strengthened the dental safety net, and brought disease prevention and education programs directly into communities that have been overlooked for far too long,” he said. “It has also increased awareness of the importance of oral health to overall health. This is why this reauthorization is so critical.” 

According to the ADA letters, workforce shortages remain one of the ADA's highest priorities. The association cited first-quarter 2026 survey data showing that 37.6% of dentists had recruited a dental hygienist during the previous three months and 36.7% had recruited a dental assistant. Among those practices, according to the letters, more than 90% reported that recruiting hygienists was very or extremely challenging, while about 70% said the same for dental assistants. The ADA said persistent staffing shortages continue to limit practice capacity and access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. 

“Programs supported by [the Action for Dental Health Act] advance the critical goal of reducing oral health disparities in communities where access to care is most needed. We appreciate your leadership in addressing dental workforce challenges and advancing the [Action for Dental Health] program. Ensuring a strong dental workforce is essential to meeting the oral health needs of all Americans,” the ADA concluded.