ADA urges Congress to increase oral health funding, restore leadership

The ADA and three partner organizations are urging Congress to strengthen federal support for oral health programs and restore senior-level dental leadership within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process.

In a joint letter to House and Senate appropriations leaders, the organizations outlined the need for sustained and increased investment in public health programs, workforce training and research to improve oral health outcomes nationwide. In addition to the ADA, the letter was signed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; the American Dental Education Association; and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research.

“We respectfully request your support for funding of programs vital to dentistry and oral health in Fiscal Year 2027. We thank you for your commitment to dentistry and oral health over the years, and we urge Congress to continue its support of programs critical to the nation’s oral health,” the organizations wrote.

The letter highlights the widespread impact of oral disease, noting that untreated conditions continue to create significant health and economic burdens. According to the letter, about 34 million school hours and 92 million work hours are lost annually due to unplanned or emergency dental care, and nearly $46 billion is lost each year due to untreated oral disease.

The groups emphasized the importance of federal investments in prevention and public health infrastructure, including programs administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Oral Health. These efforts support states and territories in tracking oral disease and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies such as community water fluoridation and school-based dental sealant programs.

In addition to funding, the organizations called for the restoration of dental leadership within HHS and its agencies to improve coordination and accountability.

“Restoring senior-level dental leadership and technical expertise across the Department of Health and Human Services would ensure public health investments are effectively administered, coordinated and accountable,” the organizations wrote.

The letter also underscores the role of Health Resources and Services Administration oral health training programs in building the dental workforce, noting that these Title VII programs are aimed at improving workforce supply, distribution and diversity. The organizations said most program graduates go on to serve in medically underserved communities or primary care settings, helping expand access to care.

Research funding is another key focus of the request, particularly for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The organizations pointed to the institute’s contributions to advances in pain management, regenerative medicine and diagnostic technologies, as well as its role in studying the connection between oral health and overall health.

For fiscal year 2027, the organizations are requesting $22.25 million for the CDC Division of Oral Health, $46 million for HRSA oral health training programs and $570 million for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, among other funding levels.

“The modest programmatic increases we are requesting, together with the continuation of programs, will help achieve the goal of ensuring optimal oral health for all Americans,” the organizations concluded.