AGD Advocates for Oral Health Policy Priorities on Capitol Hill

During the week of April 27, 2026, AGD advocates and leadership traveled to Washington, D.C. to engage policymakers on key dental health issues. Keynote speakers included the Health Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions, a Health Policy Advisor for Rep. Marc Veasey, the Chief Advocacy Officer for the American Dental Education Association, and the Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs for the American Dental Association.

AGD advocates met with key Members of Congress and their staff to discuss the critical issues facing general dentists, such as workforce shortages, insurance reform, and dental school loans. AGD urged Members of Congress to cosponsor and enact the following bills:

Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act), which would allow dental students to defer payments on their federal student loans until the completion of their residencies;
Action for Dental Health Act (H.R. 2001), which would reauthorize grants to support dental health workforce initiatives in areas with dental health provider shortages; and
Improving Dental Administration Act (H.R. 7931), which would apply dental insurance reforms and patient protection laws to self-funded dental plans and the carriers.

Impact on General Dentistry: The AGD remains committed to advocating for policies that advance oral health and promote access to quality dental care. Following its successful Congressional fly-in, the AGD will continue working to drive meaningful legislative action in support of general dentists and their patients.