House passes National Defense Authorization Act
ADA-backed provisions expand military dental care and support readiness
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 8800, for fiscal year 2027 on July 22, advancing annual defense policy legislation that includes several ADA-supported provisions aimed at improving access to dental care for service members and military families.
The National Defense Authorization Act sets Defense Department spending levels and policies each fiscal year. Congress has passed the act annually for the past 65 years. Specifically, the 2027 bill authorizes approximately $1.1 trillion for 2027. The amount allocated for defense programs in 2027 is $252.4 billion more than the $891.4 billion in discretionary funding approved for fiscal year 2026.
Ahead of the House vote, the ADA sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., expressing support for several oral health provisions included in the bill.
“This legislation contains dental priorities that will strengthen our armed services and bolster military readiness levels. A commitment to oral health is a commitment to the full-body health of our brave men and women in uniform,” reads the letter, signed by ADA President Richard Rosato, D.M.D., and Executive Director Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S.
Among the ADA-backed measures is Section 701, which establishes no-cost TRICARE Dental Program coverage for Selected Reserve members in certain pay grades. The ADA said the provision would remove cost barriers to routine preventive dental care and help strengthen military readiness.
Drs. Rosato and Nadershahi also expressed support for Section 702, which would allow eligible military dependents to receive treatment from dental residents at military dental treatment facilities on a space-available basis. They said the provision would expand access to care for military families while providing additional clinical training opportunities for dental residents.
In addition, the House bill authorizes $131 million for dental readiness measures within the Combat and Operational Medicine account. The ADA said the provisions reflect the important role oral health plays in military preparedness.
“Military dental measures are a matter of national security,” Drs. Rosato and Nadershahi wrote. "By protecting the oral health of all service members, the United States maintains a deployment-ready force capable of defending our interests around the world.”
They expressed support for federal efforts to ensure the military has the necessary resources to protect Americans, urging lawmakers to preserve the aforementioned provisions as Congress continues work on the fiscal year 2027 legislation.
The House-passed bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to study whether the Department of Defense’s Reserve Component dental program is adequate to support reserve members’ medical readiness and deployability.
“The ADA will continue to partner with Congressional leaders to ensure the highest level of oral healthcare for our brave military members,” Drs. Rosato and Nadershahi concluded.
