From ASDA

ASDA Signs Coalition Letters Supporting Loan Repayment Assistance and Fluoride

Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act

The Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act has been reintroduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 1758 and S. 1080. On March 31, 2025, ASDA signed onto a coalition letter addressed to the House Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce supporting the bill, which would make income in the form of loan forgiveness tax-exempt for faculty members who participate in the Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program.

ASDA supports the Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act to help recruit and retain qualified faculty at dental schools and residency programs across the U.S. and its territories, in alignment with the F-4 policy on Student Debt.

Fluoride

Reaffirming the safety and efficacy of community water fluoridation, ASDA signed onto a coalition letter alongside 250 organizations representing healthcare professionals.

The letter, sent to Congress members and executive branch officials, responds to Secretary Kennedy’s announcement at a Salt Lake City press conference that he would direct the CDC to stop recommending fluoride in water. Shortly after, the EPA published a press release stating that the agency will “expeditiously review” new studies on the effects of water fluoridation. This evaluation cites a 2024 report from the National Toxicology Program that studied water fluoridation at 1.5 mg/L, more than twice the recommended level of fluoride in water based on current CDC guidelines.

ASDA will continue to monitor and communicate updates regarding the status of community water fluoridation at the national and state levels.

Rejecting Proposed Cuts to HHS

On May 6, ASDA signed onto a coalition letter urging congressional appropriations committees to reject budget proposals that would significantly cut funding to the Department of Health and Human Services. Nine other oral health organizations, including the ADA, signed the letter. The Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts include targeting the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the CDC Division of Oral Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Indian Health Service Dental Program.

San Francisco Hosts Fluoride Debate

In March, San Francisco’s ASDA chapter hosted a debate on the topic of community water fluoridation. Members enjoyed a lunch while learning about the benefits of fluoride, while hearing why some individuals are concerned with the adverse effects of high levels of fluoride. Attendees walked away with an understanding of how to better navigate conversations with patients and help them access science-based resources that demonstrate the benefits of water fluoridation.

The event was supported by ASDA’s Legislative Grassroots Network event grant, awarded annually. More information about next year’s LGN event grant cycle will be available in Fall 2025.

From Washington

Changes to the Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are preparing for the reconciliation process, an expedited procedure to adopt legislation on taxes, spending, and national debt.

Congress is expected to make spending cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, which house programs relating to student financial aid, Medicaid, and oral health research, among others. ASDA will continue to monitor actions taken, cutting or providing funds to federal programs affecting oral health and dentistry.

On March 27, President Trump signed an executive order announcing plans to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services, claiming to save $1.8 billion per year. Budget cuts are targeted at the number of HHS staff and combining departments and agencies. The executive order also states that the reorganization “will not impact Medicare and Medicaid services.”

ASDA will continue to monitor the status of government agencies and funding that impact oral health.

From the States

Nebraska Joins DDH Compact

On April 14, Nebraska passed legislation to become the 12th state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. In its implementation phase, the DDH Compact increases licensure portability for individuals wanting to practice in multiple states or who have changed their mind about which states they want to practice in.

12 other states have pending legislation to join the Compact. More information about the DDH Compact can be found here.

Georgia General Assembly Sends Faculty Licensure Changes to Governor

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp will consider a bill from the legislature that expedites the process for dentists who did not graduate from a CODA-accredited school to obtain a faculty license.

The bill would require participating applicants to hold a valid license to practice in another state, territory, or country, in addition to submitting verification that they have met their dental school’s credentialing standard. Individuals who have failed any state’s licensure exam or have had their license revoked for any reason are not eligible to apply under these provisions. Should the bill become law, applicants would no longer be required to complete advanced training programs to serve as faculty members.

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