Bill Summary
This legislation aims to amend the Public Health Service Act by reauthorizing a grant program focused on addressing dental workforce needs. Specifically, it updates the funding allocation for this program, increasing it from $13,903,000 per year for the fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to $15,000,000 per year for the fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The new funding will remain available until it is fully expended. This amendment reflects a commitment to enhancing the dental workforce, addressing shortages, and improving access to dental care.
Possible Impacts
The proposed legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program for addressing dental workforce needs can have several impacts on people. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Access to Dental Care**: By increasing funding from $13.9 million to $15 million for the dental workforce grant program, the legislation aims to support initiatives that can expand the dental workforce. This could lead to more dental professionals being trained and deployed, particularly in underserved areas, thereby improving access to dental care for individuals who might otherwise lack it.
2. **Improved Public Health Outcomes**: Enhanced funding for dental workforce development can lead to better preventive care and oral health education. As more practitioners become available, communities may see a reduction in dental diseases and associated health issues, resulting in better overall public health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for families and individuals.
3. **Economic Opportunities**: The reauthorization of the grant program could stimulate job creation within the dental sector. As funding supports the education and training of new dental professionals, it can lead to new job opportunities for graduates and increased economic activity in related fields, such as dental hygiene, dental assisting, and public health outreach roles. This could positively impact local economies, especially in communities that are currently facing a shortage of dental care providers.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2001 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2001
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program
for addressing dental workforce needs.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 10, 2025
Ms. Kelly of Illinois (for herself and Mr. Simpson) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program
for addressing dental workforce needs.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. ACTION FOR DENTAL HEALTH.
Section 340G(f) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
256g(f)) is amended by striking ``$13,903,000 for each of fiscal years
2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended''.
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