3 things you missed in government this week

Community water fluoridation, Nebraska joins licensure portability compact, proposed budget cuts

“Three Things You Missed in Government This Week” is designed to offer a way to stay informed on the topics of the week. These updates are meant to offer brief details on legislative or regulatory topics to keep dentists engaged and up to date. To explore the ADA’s latest advocacy efforts, more information is available at ADA.org/Advocacy. 

1.    The ADA signed onto a joint letter April 15 affirming the safety and effectiveness of community water fluoridation amid federal efforts to cease the practice. The letter highlights the reductions in the prevalence of tooth decay after community water fluoridation was introduced in the U.S. in the 1950s and ’60s.  

2.    Nebraska became the 12th state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact after Gov. Jim Pillen signed Legislative Bill 148 into law April 14. The compact supports license portability by allowing dental professionals to practice in all participating states instead of obtaining individual licenses in the states where they want to practice.  

3.    A budget proposal outlined by the White House Office of Management and Budget recommends cutting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ overall discretionary funding by 30%. If approved, the overall fiscal year 2026 budget would drop to $80.4 billion compared to the fiscal year 2025 budget of $116.8 billion. Significant structural changes include consolidating the National Institutes of Health's 27 institutes into eight and eliminating chronic disease and workforce programs impacting oral health. These proposals, subject to congressional approval, have raised concerns among health experts about their potential impact on disease prevention and health research.