Legislation to Advance Dental Workforce Needs Passes House Committee

  • by AGD Staff
  • May 22, 2026

AGD is pleased to share that H.R. 2001, the bipartisan legislation to reauthorize critical dental workforce grant programs, passed by a unanimous vote in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on May 21.

This strong bipartisan support reflects broad recognition of the urgent need to strengthen the dental workforce. H.R. 2001 will help expand dental education, training, and recruitment efforts particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to care remains a significant challenge. During this year’s AGD Hill Day, our members advocated on this piece of legislation in their Congressional meetings.

There is still additional work needed to ensure passage of this legislation, but the unanimous support indicates that this bipartisan and commonsense legislation will continue to advance. AGD leaders and members will continue advocating for its full passage through the House and Senate.

This matters to you because it:

  • Supports the next generation of general dentists.
  • Improves patient access to essential oral health services.
  • Strengthens the foundation of general dentistry as the cornerstone of oral healthcare delivery.
  • Advances our shared goal of integrating oral health into overall health.

Thank you to all AGD members who contacted their representatives and helped make this possible. Your advocacy truly makes a difference. Watch for more information on next steps and ways you can support the process.