Friends,

Last week, we shared that a small group of legislators from the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate were negotiating a final budget. They released this budget yesterday and are expected to adopt it today or tomorrow.

Unfortunately, the final budget does not include either Item 200 #2h or Item 288 #7s—two measures we supported to strengthen Virginia’s health care system. Item 200 #2h would have provided funding to help Virginia Community College System dental hygiene programs recruit and retain clinical faculty, an important step in ensuring a strong oral health workforce.

Item 288 #7s, which would have directed a legislative committee to explore options for preserving Medicaid coverage for the expansion population, was also not included. However, the final budget does contain language that acknowledges the need to address federal policy proposals that could significantly impact Medicaid funding in the Commonwealth. While this language differs from what we advocated for, it signals recognition of the challenges ahead, and we will continue working to protect Medicaid coverage and ensure access to care for all Virginians.

In addition, the conference budget includes language that will make it easier for schools to provide care via telehealth and mobile health clinics. These are promising steps toward expanding access to care for children, particularly those in underserved communities. We will continue advocating for additional measures to accelerate the establishment of school-based health care programs across Virginia.

The legislative session officially ends on Saturday, but the process continues. Next, Governor Youngkin will review the legislature’s budget and propose amendments. Lawmakers will reconvene on April 2nd to respond. We will keep you updated on these developments and continue our advocacy efforts.

Finally, we invite you to join our Federal & State Health Policy Landscape Webinar on Wednesday, March 5, from 12:00 – 1:30 PM. We’ll recap Virginia’s legislative session, discuss the implications for oral and overall health, and provide insights into federal policy proposals that could affect health care access in Virginia. Register below to stay informed and engaged!

Thank You!

Strengthening Virginia's Oral Health Workforce: The Role of Dental Assistants

The Future of Public Oral Health (FPOH) Taskforce, facilitated by Virginia Health Catalyst, was established to address critical workforce challenges in Virginia's oral health system. The FPOH Taskforce has identified workforce shortages and the need for more support and development opportunities for oral health professionals, including dental assistants.

Supporting Dental Assistants Through Education and Resources

Dental assistants play a vital role in delivering high-quality oral health care, and their contributions directly impact patient satisfaction and retention. In fact, 94% of dental leaders report that dental assistants help improve patient retention. Supporting these essential team members is critical to strengthening Virginia's oral health workforce and ensuring access to care for all.

Empowered Workplaces for Dental Assistants Toolkit

The Dale Foundation's Empowered Workplaces for Dental Assistants Toolkit offers practical resources for dental practices to foster a supportive, engaging work environment for dental assistants. This free toolkit provides guidance on onboarding, professional development, and workplace culture. It also includes complimentary continuing education courses that address critical workplace issues affecting the well-being of both staff and patients—empowering dental assistants to thrive in their careers and better serve their patients. Explore the toolkit here: Empowered Workplaces for Dental Assistants Toolkit.

DA-II Scholarship Opportunity

DA-IIs (also known as Expanded Function Dental Assistants) are specially trained allied health professionals who can perform certain reversible procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist. Essentially, the dentist still drills the tooth, but the DA-II can fill it! The benefits of utilizing a DA-II are numerous—some practices have seen a 30%+ increase in production after hiring a DA-II. This not only improves financial sustainability but also ensures more patients receive timely care. Additionally, feedback suggests that DA-IIs can help reduce practitioner burnout and increase employee loyalty.

Thanks to the generosity of the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, a free scholarship is available to help cover the cost of tuition for new DA-II students. The online course starts March 9, with clinical following this summer. For more information, please contact the Dental Programs Director, Dr. Emily Kate Bowen (ebowen@mecc.edu). 

Resources like the Dale Foundation's toolkit and the DA-II scholarship will help build a more robust, resilient oral health workforce for Virginia.

Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month:

Choose Fluoridated Drinking Water

February is National Children's Dental Health Month—a time to highlight simple, effective ways to protect kids' smiles. One of the best choices? Drinking fluoridated water.

Water is the healthiest drink for children and adults. Proper hydration improves concentration and focus, supports the immune system, and reduces fatigue. Fluoridated water strengthens tooth enamel, reduces cavities by 25%, and ensures children receive consistent protection throughout the day. Leading health experts, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), recommend water with fluoride as the top beverage choice for growing children.

Nearly 6.7 million Virginians benefit from optimally fluoridated drinking water from public sources. Yet, many families rely on bottled water, which is costly—2,000 times more expensive than tap water—less regulated and typically lacks fluoride. Choosing sugary drinks over fluoridated drinking water can lead to increased tooth decay, obesity, and even food insecurity. The environmental impact is also significant, with 35 billion plastic bottles discarded each year.

By improving access to fluoridated tap water and addressing concerns about water quality, we can support better oral and overall health for children. Encourage families, healthcare providers, and policymakers to promote tap water as the healthiest and most cost-effective choice. 

Learn more about healthy beverage choices for children from the AAPD's latest recommendations and explore Catalyst's H2Outlook report.

Join the 2025 Catalyst Summit Planning Committee!

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join the Planning Committee for the 2025 Catalyst Annual Summit. The Summit is scheduled for October 17, 2025, and offers a valuable opportunity for learning and networking focused on advancing oral and overall health equity in Virginia. The Summit brings together over 200 partners to explore innovative solutions to public health challenges.

As a Planning Committee member, you’ll play a vital role in shaping this impactful event by:

• Assisting with breakout session planning and review.

• Connecting us with potential sponsors to support our fundraising goals.

• Supporting our marketing efforts to increase attendance and engagement.

Time Commitment: About 10–15 hours from March through October, including five virtual 1-hour committee meetings and additional collaboration via email or phone.

Benefits for Committee Members:



• Complimentary Summit registration ($235 value).

• An invitation to the pre-Summit dinner.

• Recognition in the Summit Program Book and event slideshow.

If you’re interested in contributing your time and talents to this important work, sign up using the form below!

Catalyst Welcomes Lauren Eggleton to the Team!

Please join us in welcoming Lauren Eggleton as the new Senior Policy Manager at Virginia Health Catalyst! Lauren brings a strong background in health policy, research, and advocacy, with experience spanning clinical research, public health, and legislative analysis. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Policy & Administration from Miami University.

Lauren has worked on critical public health initiatives, including researching rural telehealth access at the Virginia Department of Health and advocating for mental health policy reforms with Vocal Virginia. She has also contributed to pediatric oncology research at VCU Massey Cancer Center and supported COVID-19 response efforts with the Virginia Department of Health. At Catalyst, Lauren will help drive policy and advocacy strategies, track and analyze health policy developments, and support efforts to advance equitable health systems in Virginia. We’re excited to have Lauren on the team!

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