Bill Summary
The "Promoting Dental Health Act" is a piece of legislation aimed at reauthorizing existing programs that focus on oral health promotion and disease prevention. It updates the Public Health Service Act by extending the authorization period for these programs from the previous years of 2010-2014 and 2001-2005 to a new time frame of 2027-2031. This reauthorization is intended to ensure continued federal support for initiatives that promote dental health and prevent oral diseases, reflecting a commitment to improving public health outcomes related to oral care.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Promoting Dental Health Act" could affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Dental Care**: By reauthorizing programs related to oral health promotion and disease prevention, the act may lead to improved funding and support for community dental clinics. This could result in enhanced access to affordable dental care for underserved populations, helping to reduce disparities in oral health and ensuring that more individuals receive necessary treatments.
2. **Enhanced Oral Health Education Programs**: The reauthorization of these programs could facilitate the development and implementation of oral health education initiatives in schools and communities. This may empower individuals with knowledge about proper dental hygiene practices, preventive measures, and the importance of regular dental check-ups, potentially leading to better oral health outcomes in the long term.
3. **Support for Research and Innovation**: By extending the authorization of programs, the act could provide funding for research in oral health, leading to new findings and innovations in dental treatments and preventive strategies. This could result in the development of more effective dental care solutions, ultimately benefiting patients through improved treatment options and health outcomes.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4008 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4008
To reauthorize programs relating to oral health promotion and disease
prevention.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 5, 2026
Mr. Durbin introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize programs relating to oral health promotion and disease
prevention.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Dental Health Act''.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF PROGRAMS.
Section 317M of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-14)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``2010 through 2014''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''; and
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ``2001 through 2005''
and inserting ``2027 through 2031''.
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