A coalition of dental organizations sent a letter to Congress outlining priorities for fiscal year 2025 appropriations towards dental care and oral health programs, according to an Oct. 1 news release from the ADA.
Here are six things to know:
1. The letter was signed by the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Education Association, and American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research. It was sent to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.
2. The coalition requested at least $22.25 millon for the CDC's oral health division to improve the oral health infrastructure in the U.S.
3. The organizations recommended at least $43,673,000 for HRSA Title VII dental care training, with $13.5 million for pediatric and general dentistry programs, as well as $15 million for state oral health workforce grants.
4. The letter pushed for $16 million in funding to the HRSA health careers and opportunity program to increase diversity in health professions.
5. The groups recommended $13.62 million to be allocated to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Dental Reimbursement Program, which helps cut down on dental needs among individuals in the HIV/AIDS population.
6. The organizations strongly opposed the proposed consolidation of the National Institutes of Health, instead pushing for $520,163,000 in funding for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.