AGD Capitol Connections

Support the AGD Advocacy Fund

Dec 17, 2025

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

Congress Leaves EPTC Extension Unresolved Ahead of Year-End Break

Dec 17, 2025

The fate of the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans is front and center on Capitol Hill this month. On December 11, the Senate failed to advance a bill that would provide a clean three-year extension of the EPTCs, which are set to expire on December 31, 2025.

National Conference of Insurance Legislators Approve Amended Dental Reform Model Bill

Dec 17, 2025

At its Annual Meeting in November the Health Insurance and Long-Term Care Issues Committee of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) passed an amended Dental Reform Model Law.

AGD Joins Letter to CMS on Chief Dental Officer Vacancy

Dec 3, 2025

On November 21, 2025, AGD, together with 25 other national organizations, sent a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD urging the agency to fill the vacant Chief Dental Officer (CDO) position and maintain the role as a senior, agency-wide role within the CMS Office of the Administrator.

President Trump Signs CR, Ending the Government Shutdown

Dec 3, 2025

On November 12, 2025, the House of Representatives voted 222-209, mostly along party lines, to approve a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through January 30, 2026. The Senate passed the funding bill earlier that week by a vote of 60-40, with eight members of the Democratic Caucus voting in favor to reach the 60-vote threshold required for passage.

President Trump Signs SUPPORT Act into Law

Dec 3, 2025

On December 1, 2025, President Trump signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483), into law. First enacted in 2018, the SUPPORT Act authorizes funding for community-based substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.

FDA Announces Actions to Restrict Sale of Fluoride Products for Children

Nov 12, 2025

On October 31, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new actions to limit the sale of unapproved ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children under three years of age and for children at low or moderate risk for tooth decay.

Federal Government Shutdown Continues

Nov 12, 2025

On November 10, 2025, Senate Republicans along with eight Democratic Senators began the process of reopening the government by passing a continuing resolution (CR) that would extend federal funding for most of the government through January 30, 2026.

REGISTER NOW! 2025 Virtual Advocacy Conference

Oct 29, 2025

Join us November 21 - 22, 2025 for a free, two half-day virtual event designed to keep you informed on the latest legislative and regulatory developments impacting general dentistry and gain valuable insights into current and emerging issues that could affect your practice.

AGD Advocates for Enforcement of Health Insurance Antitrust Oversight

Oct 29, 2025

The Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (CHIRA), enacted in January 2021 with overwhelming bipartisan support, marked a major victory for consumer protection. The law repealed a long-standing exemption under the McCarran-Ferguson Act, which had allowed dental insurance companies to operate unregulated by federal antitrust laws.

Federal Government Shutdown Continues

Oct 29, 2025

On October 22, 2025, the Senate held its twelfth vote on the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) that would extend current government funding levels through November 21.

Senators Introduce Bill to Expand Health Workforce

Oct 15, 2025

On September 30, 2025, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Health Care Workforce Expansion Act, which seeks to address shortages in the health care workforce, including dentistry.

Federal Government Shutdown Continues

Oct 15, 2025

The government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, continues as Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse over federal funding. On October 9, 2025, the Senate failed for the seventh time to advance legislation to end the shutdown.

Trump Administration Announces New H-1B Work Visa Restrictions

Sep 30, 2025

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation entitled, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, introducing significant changes to the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program. Under the proclamation, all H-1B petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 21, 2025, must include a payment of $100,000.

FTC Announces Workshop on Noncompete Agreements

Sep 30, 2025

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced it will host a workshop entitled, Moving Forward: Protecting Workers from Anticompetitive Noncompete Agreements. The workshop, hosted by FTC’s Labor Task Force, will feature remarks from FTC Commissioners, as well as discussions with policy experts, economists, advocates, and individuals affected by noncompete agreements.

Government Shutdown Grows More Likely as Funding Deadline Approaches

Sep 30, 2025

The federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution (CR) passed in March 2025 that funds the government through September 30, 2025. Unless Congress passes an annual appropriations act or an interim continuing resolution by that date, the government will shut down on October 1.

HHS Releases Make America Healthy Again Strategy Report

Sep 17, 2025

On September 9, 2025, HHS released its Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy, outlining over 120 initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of childhood chronic diseases.

House Appropriations Committee Approves FY 2026 HHS Spending Bill

Sep 17, 2025

On September 9, 2025, the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill provides a total of $108 billion in discretionary funding for HHS, approximately six percent below the FY 2025 enacted level, and proposes a $456 million reduction in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

White House Announces Dismissal of CDC Director

Sep 3, 2025

On August 27, 2025, Dr. Susan Monarez was dismissed from her role as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director by the White House. Her termination came less than a month after her confirmation by the Senate and was reportedly triggered by her refusal to implement directives that she and her attorneys described as “unscientific” and “reckless.”

Congress Returns from August Recess

Sep 3, 2025

As Congress reconvenes this week following its August recess, lawmakers face critical deadlines, including the need to fund the federal government beyond September 30 in order to avoid a government shutdown.

TEETH Act Introduced in House of Representatives

Aug 20, 2025

On July 21, 2025, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05), alongside Representatives Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Don Davis (D-NC), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), introduced the Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion, and Tooth Health (TEETH) Act.

Senate Appropriations Committee Approves FY 2026 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Bill

Aug 20, 2025

On July 31, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations held a full committee markup of the FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which includes significant investments in public health, education, and workforce development.

AGD Advocates at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Meeting

Aug 20, 2025

On August 5th and 6th Legislative and Governmental Affairs Chair Dr. Richard Huot and AGD Manager, Government Relations, Jay Fisher spoke with state legislators from around the country at the annual NCSL Summit in Boston.

Susan Monarez Sworn in as CDC Director

Aug 6, 2025

On July 31, 2025, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director, Dr. Susan Monarez, was sworn in by Secretary Kennedy. The Senate confirmed her nomination on July 29, 2025, by a vote of 51-47.

FDA Holds Meeting on Ingestible Fluoride Use in Children

Aug 6, 2025

On July 23, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with the Reagan-Udall Foundation, held a meeting to consider the clinical use and safety concerns associated with orally ingestible unapproved prescription drug products containing fluoride for the pediatric population.

U.S. House Hearing on Medicare Advantage

Jul 23, 2025

On July 22, 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means, Health and Oversight Subcommittees held a joint hearing entitled, Medicare Advantage: Past Lessons, Present Insights, Future Opportunities.

CMS Releases Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

Jul 23, 2025

On July 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its Calendar Year (CY) 2026 proposed rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). In the proposed rule, CMS proposed changes to the physician payment conversion factor and included other key updates that impact primary care and Medicare services.

AGD Participates in the American Legislative Exchange Council Annual Meeting

Jul 23, 2025

From July 17th through 19th Dr. Gordon Isbell, DMD, MAGD and AGD staff attended the Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC is a national organization of state legislators dedicated to free markets, limited government and federalism.

Senate HELP Committee to Vote on CDC Nominee Susan Monarez

Jul 9, 2025

On July 9, 2025, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee is scheduled to vote on the nomination of Dr. Susan Monarez to serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

President Trump Signs Reconciliation Bill into Law

Jul 9, 2025

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law a reconciliation bill that enacts significant changes to federal health care programs and tax policy. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) passed the U.S. Senate on July 1 with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote before being passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 3 by a vote of 218-214.

SUPPORT Act Reintroduced in the Senate

Jun 25, 2025

On June 18, 2025, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) reintroduced the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act.

AGD Leads Organized Dentistry Coalition Letter on Water Fluoridation on Overseas Bases

Jun 25, 2025

On June 20, 2025, AGD sent an Organized Dentistry Coalition letter urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain current water fluoridation levels on overseas military bases. The AGD initiated letter highlights the role of water fluoridation as a cost-effective public health measure essential to preventing dental disease and supporting military readiness.

Senate HELP and Finance Committees Release Reconciliation Texts

Jun 25, 2025

On June 11, 2025, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee released its portion of the budget reconciliation bill, which includes several provisions mirroring those in the reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22.

NADCRC Convenes to Discuss Budget, Research Advances, and Future of Dental Science

Jun 11, 2025

On May 28, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) held the 239th Meeting of the National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council (NADCRC).

House Passes Bill Reauthorizing SUPPORT Act

Jun 11, 2025

On June 4, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, by a vote of 366-57. Originally enacted in 2018, the SUPPORT Act authorized funding for community-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery programs, many of which expired in 2023.

TAKE ACTION: Urge the Senate to Preserve the PTET Deduction

Jun 11, 2025

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its reconciliation package containing a harmful provision that would increase taxes on small business dental practices. If enacted, the legislation would prevent these practices from deducting state-level pass-through entity taxes (PTET) on their federal returns.

FDA Moves to Eliminate Fluoride-Based Prescription Drugs for Children from Market

May 28, 2025

On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to remove ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market. These supplements, which have been widely used to help prevent tooth decay in non-fluoridated areas, will undergo a final safety review before the FDA takes action.

MAHA Commission Releases Preliminary Report

May 28, 2025

On May 22, 2025, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, established by the Trump Administration, released a preliminary report assessing the causes of childhood chronic disease.

House Passes Budget Bill with Restrictions on Student Loans and PTET deductions

May 28, 2025

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its budget reconciliation package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), by a vote of 215-214-1. The bill addresses multiple policy priorities for President Trump and Congressional Republicans, including an extension of expiring tax cuts under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and significant reforms to state-level financing mechanisms and beneficiary eligibility of Medicaid.

Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Seeks to Ensure Coverage for Children Born with Congenital Anomalies or Birth Defects

May 14, 2025

On May 8, 2025, Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), alongside Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) and Neal Dunn (R-FL-02), reintroduced the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), which would require all private health insurance plans to cover medically necessary treatments for congenital anomalies or birth defects.

SUPPORT Act Reported Out of House Energy & Commerce Committee

May 14, 2025

On April 29, 2025, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee mark-up of six health care-related bills, including the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R.2483).

AGD Advocates for Oral Health Policy Priorities on Capitol Hill

May 14, 2025

During the week of May 5, 2025, AGD advocates and leadership traveled to Washington, D.C. to engage policymakers on key dental health issues.

MATE Improvement Act Seeks to Include AGD as an Approved Training Provider for Prescribers of Opioids

Apr 30, 2025

In 2023, the President signed the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This legislation established a new requirement that prescribers of certain controlled substances complete a one-time, eight-hour training before registering or renewing their registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Bipartisan Call for Independent Investigation into Medicare Advantage Organizations

Apr 30, 2025

On April 16, 2025, Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Health Subcommittee member Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC) called for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the vertical consolidation of Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations (MAO) and its impact on Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) calculations.

House Passes Budget Resolution, Reconciliation Process Set to Proceed

Apr 16, 2025

On April 10, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 216-214 to approve a budget resolution negotiated between House and Senate leadership with the full support of the Trump Administration.

HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Plans to End CDC Recommendations for Community Drinking Water Fluoridation

Apr 16, 2025

On April 7, 2025, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told the Associated Press that he plans to tell public health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending the fluoridation of community drinking water as part of his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda.

OMB Issues Notice of Request for Information on Deregulation

Apr 16, 2025

On April 9, 2025, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a request for information (RFI) to “[solicit] ideas for deregulation from across the country.” According to the request, “commenters should identify rules to be rescinded and provide detailed reasons for their rescission.”

Utah is the First State to Ban Fluoride in Public Water

Apr 2, 2025

On March 27, 2025, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed a law to outlaw the addition of fluoride to public drinking water in the state. The legislation will take effect on May 7, 2025. Utah is the first state to enact such legislation, in a time when fluoride has come under increased criticism.

House Legislation Reforming Prior Authorization Rules is Re-Introduced

Apr 2, 2025

On March 27, 2025, Representatives Mark Green (R-TN), Kim Schrier (D-WA), and Greg Murphy (R-NC) re-introduced H.R. 2433, the Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025.

The Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act is Re-Introduced

Apr 2, 2025

On February 27, 2025, Representatives Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) re-introduced H.R. 1758, the Dental Loan Repayment Assistance Act. On March 14, 2025, Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) reintroduced S. 1080, the companion bill in the Senate.

HHS Announces Significant Workforce Reduction and Reorganization

Apr 2, 2025

On March 27, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would be undergoing a significant workforce reduction alongside a number of additional administrative and organizational changes.

Trump Nominees for NIH, FDA, and CMS Move Forward While CDC Nominee is Withdrawn

Mar 19, 2025

On March 13, 2025, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to favorably report the nominations of Dr. Martin Makary to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to be Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), by votes of 14-9 and 12-11, respectively.

Congress Passes Continuing Resolution to Avert Government Shutdown

Mar 19, 2025

On March 14, 2025, Congress passed a six-month continuing resolution. The narrowly focused bill largely extends current funding for most federal agencies and programs through September 30, 2025 – the end of the fiscal year.

House of Representatives Passes Budget Resolution

Mar 5, 2025

On February 25, 2025, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution in a 217-215 vote. Unlike the Senate’s two reconciliation bill approach with their first bill focusing on border security, defense and energy policies, the House is pursuing a single reconciliation bill approach.

White House Issues Executive Order (EO) on Health Care Price Transparency

Mar 5, 2025

On February 25, 2025, the White House issued an EO entitled, “Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate, and Actionable Healthcare Pricing Information.”

Everyone Can Participate in AGD Advocacy Without Going to DC or your State Capitol

Feb 20, 2025

Advocacy doesn’t just happen in Washington, DC or in your state capital. This week U.S. Representatives and Senators are home for Presidents’ Day recess. During this week they will be meeting with their constituents just like yourself.

Senate Confirms Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

Feb 20, 2025

On February 13, 2025, the Senate voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), by a vote of 52-48. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was the lone Republican to vote against Mr. Kennedy’s confirmation, in addition to every Democratic Senator.

Trump Administration Attempt to Pause Federal Financial Assistance Temporarily Halted

Feb 5, 2025

On January 27, 2025, the Trump Administration, through the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), released a memorandum entitled, Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs to the heads of executive departments and agencies.

Senate Committees Hold Nomination Hearings for HHS Secretary Nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Feb 5, 2025

On January 29 and 30th, 2025, the Senate Finance and Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) Committees respectively held confirmation hearings for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

DEA Releases Telehealth Rules

Jan 22, 2025

On January 15, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released a proposed rule establishing a framework for practitioners to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances via telemedicine without a prior in-person medical evaluation entitled, Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Outlines Health Agenda for 119th Congress

Jan 22, 2025

On January 7, 2025, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) was named Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for the 119th Congress, a key position overseeing more than 50 percent of federal spending with jurisdiction over federal tax policy; federal social safety net and health care programs, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; and implementation of foreign trade agreements.

Donald Trump Sworn In as 47th President

Jan 22, 2025

On January 20th Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, beginning his second term. Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed a multitude of executive orders and national proclamations, including actions to strengthen border security, increase domestic energy production, and reduce the size of the federal workforce.

JAMA Pediatrics Releases Review of Studies on Water Fluoridation Effects

Jan 8, 2025

On January 6, 2025, JAMA Pediatrics released a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis entitled, Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores. This review of 74 international studies on the effects of fluoridation in water concluded that most of the studies associated drops in children’s IQ with increasing levels of fluoridation in water.

Congress Passes Stopgap Measure to Extend Government Funding

Jan 8, 2025

On December 20, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government at Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 levels through March 14, 2025.