On October 30, 2024, the AGD sent a letter to House and Senate Leadership of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, including House Subcommittee Chair Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Senate Subcommittee Chair Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), House Subcommittee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), and Senate Subcommittee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). The letter expressed support for continued investment in critical dental workforce and oral health related programs.

Specifically, the AGD requested support for funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VII dental and oral health programs. The letter also highlights the importance of funding the following initiatives that are vital to general dentistry: (1) the General Dentistry Residency program, which funds intensive postgraduate training programs designed to train the general dentist in the management of medically complex and special needs patients in both outpatient and hospital settings while increasing knowledge in the practice of dentistry; and (2) support for oral health awareness and education across relevant HRSA divisions. 

Impact on General Dentistry: Oral Health Training Programs increase access to high-quality dental health services in rural and other underserved communities by increasing the number of oral health care providers working in such areas and improving training programs for these providers. Further, the importance of oral disease prevention in the form of oral health literacy is often overlooked, much to the detriment of our nation's oral health needs. The vast majority of oral health ailments can be avoided by increasing oral health literacy and awareness. The AGD will continue to advocate for sufficient funding for these important programs.