Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2024

Bill: 118-s-4357
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Introduced: 2024-05-16
Policy area: Health
Latest action: action_date: 2024-05-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Summaries:

tv_txt: II 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 4357 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 16, 2024 Mr. Sanders (for himself and Mr. Brown ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To improve access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Comprehensive Dental Reform Act of 2024 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I—Medicare and Medicaid Subtitle A—Medicare Sec. 101. Coverage of dental services under the Medicare program. Subtitle B—Medicaid Sec. 111. Coverage of dental services under the Medicaid program. TITLE II—Public health programs Subtitle A—National Health Service Corps Sec. 201. National Health Service Corps. Sec. 202. Community based dental residencies. Sec. 203. Community-based training of dental students. Subtitle B—Oral health education Sec. 211. Authorization of appropriations for oral health education for medical providers. Sec. 212. Oral health education for other non-health professionals. Sec. 213. Dental education. Sec. 214. Oral health professional student loans. Subtitle C—Other oral health programs Sec. 221. Access points. Sec. 222. Dental clinics in schools. Sec. 223. Emergency department care coordination. Sec. 224. Research funding. Sec. 225. Mobile and portable dental services. Subtitle D—Oral health services as an essential health benefit Sec. 231. Oral health services as an essential health benefit. TITLE III—Department of Veterans Affairs Matters Sec. 301. Requirement that Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish dental care in the same manner as any other medical service. Sec. 302. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for veterans in rural and other underserved communities. Sec. 303. Program of education to promote dental health in veterans. Sec. 304. Student loan repayment program to incentivize dental training and ensure the dental workforce of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 305. Educational and training partnerships for dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons. TITLE IV—Federal Bureau of Prisons Sec. 401. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. TITLE V—Indian Health Service Sec. 501. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services under the Indian Health Service. TITLE VI—Reports to Congress Sec. 601. Reports on enrollment in coverage for oral health services. I Medicare and Medicaid A Medicare 101. Coverage of dental services under the Medicare program (a) Coverage Section 1861(s)(2) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (JJ), by inserting and after the semicolon at the end; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (KK) oral health services (as defined in subsection (nnn)); . (b) Oral health services defined Section 1861 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (nnn) Oral health services (1) The term oral health services means services (as defined by the Secretary) that are necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions. (2) For purposes of paragraph (1), such term shall include mobile and portable oral health services (as defined by the Secretary) that— (A) are provided for the purpose of overcoming mobility, transportation, and access barriers for individuals; and (B) satisfy the standards and certification requirements established under section 1902(a)(88)(C) for the State in which the services are provided. . (c) Payment and coinsurance Section 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking and before (HH) ; and (2) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: , and (II) with respect to oral health services (as defined in section 1861(nnn)), the amount paid shall be (i) in the case of such services that are preventive, 100 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for the services or the amount determined under the payment basis determined under section 1848, and (ii) in the case of all other such services, 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for the services or the amount determined under the payment basis determined under section 1848 . (d) Payment under physician fee schedule Section 1848(j)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(j)(3) ) is amended by inserting (2)(KK), after risk assessment), . (e) Dentures Section 1861(s)(8) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(8) ) is amended— (1) by striking (other than dental) and inserting (including dentures) ; and (2) by striking internal body . (f) Repeal of ground for exclusion Section 1862(a) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395y ) is amended by striking paragraph (12). (g) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2025. B Medicaid 111. Coverage of dental services under the Medicaid program (a) In general Section 1905 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(10), by striking dental services and inserting oral health services (as defined in subsection (kk)(1)) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (kk) (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), for purposes of this title, the term oral health services means services (as defined by the Secretary) that are necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions. These services shall include, in the case of pregnant or postpartum women, such services as are necessary to address oral health conditions that exist or are exacerbated by pregnancy or childbirth or which, if left untreated, could adversely affect fetal or child development. (2) For purposes of paragraph (1), such term shall include— (A) dentures; and (B) mobile and portable oral health services (as defined by the Secretary) that— (i) are provided for the purpose of overcoming mobility, transportation, and access barriers for individuals; and (ii) satisfy the standards and certification requirements established under section 1902(a)(88)(C) for the State in which the services are provided. (3) For purposes of paragraph (1), such term shall not apply to dental care or services provided to individuals under the age of 21 under subsection (r)(3). . (b) Conforming amendments (1) State plan requirements Section 1902(a) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a) ) is amended— (A) in paragraph (10)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting (10), after (5), ; (B) in paragraph (86), by striking and at the end; (C) in paragraph (87), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by inserting after paragraph (87) the following: (88) provide for— (A) informing, in writing, all individuals who have been determined to be eligible for medical assistance of the availability of oral health services (as defined in section 1905(kk)); (B) conducting targeted outreach to pregnant women who have been determined to be eligible for medical assistance about the availability of medical assistance for such dental services and the importance of receiving dental care while pregnant; and (C) establishing and maintaining standards for and certification of mobile and portable oral health services (as described in subsections (r)(3)(C) and (kk)(2)(B) of section 1905). . (2) Definition of medical assistance Section 1905(a)(12) of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)(12) ) is amended by striking , dentures, . (c) Mobile and portable oral health services under EPSDT Section 1905(r)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(r)(3) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) which shall include mobile and portable oral health services (as defined by the Secretary) that— (i) are provided for the purpose of overcoming mobility, transportation, or access barriers for children; and (ii) satisfy the standards and certification requirements established under section 1902(a)(88)(C) for the State in which the services are provided. . (d) Increased federal funding for dental services (1) In general Section 1905 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d ), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended— (A) in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by striking and (ii) and inserting (ii), and (ll) ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (ll) Increased FMAP for oral health services (1) In general Notwithstanding subsection (b) and section 1903(a)(7) and subject to the requirements described in paragraphs (3) and (4), with respect to amounts expended on or after January 1, 2025, for covered oral health expenses (as described in paragraph (2)), the Federal medical assistance percentage for a State that is one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia for such expenses shall be equal to the Federal medical assistance percentage that would otherwise apply to the State for the fiscal year, as determined under subsection (b) or section 1903(a)(7), increased by 15 percentage points. (2) Covered oral health expenses For purposes of paragraph (1), the term covered oral health expenses means the amounts expended for medical assistance for oral health services (as defined in subsection (kk)) and amounts expended for the proper and efficient administration of the provision of such oral health services under the State plan. (3) Requirements For purposes of paragraph (1), the Federal medical assistance percentage applicable to covered oral health expenses under this subsection shall not apply to a State unless— (A) the State plan for medical assistance provides payment for oral health services (as so defined) furnished by a health care provider at a rate that is not less than 70 percent of the usual and customary fee for such services in the State; and (B) the State satisfies such additional requirements as are established by the Secretary, which shall include— (i) streamlining of administrative procedures for purposes of ensuring adequate provider participation and increasing patient utilization of oral health services; and (ii) the provision of technical assistance to health care providers designed to reduce the number of missed patient appointments and reduce other barriers to the delivery of oral health services. (4) Limitation For purposes of amounts expended for covered oral health services, in no case shall any increase under this subsection result in a Federal medical assistance percentage that exceeds 100 percent. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 1903(a)(7) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)(7) ) is amended by striking section 1919(g)(3)(B) and inserting sections 1905(ll) and 1919(g)(3)(B) . (e) Secretarial responsibilities (1) Technical assistance and outreach The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shall provide technical assistance to States and conduct outreach to States for purposes of educating and encouraging States to utilize and provide payment under each State Medicaid program for telehealth-enabled dental services in order to provide dental services to traditionally underserved populations in need of such services. (2) Database and annual report on dental benefits for adult Medicaid enrollees (A) Medicaid dental benefits database The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shall maintain, as accurately and up-to-date as possible, a database that contains with respect to each State (as defined for purposes of title XIX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. )) information regarding the dental benefits available for adults enrolled in the State Medicaid program, including any limits on such benefits and the amount of reimbursement provided under the State Medicaid program for such benefits. The database also shall include a separate description of the dental benefits, benefit limits, and amount of reimbursement provided under each State Medicaid program for pregnant women, if such benefits are not provided to the woman as part of early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services (as defined in section 1905(r) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(r) )), and a description of the use of dental services by children and adults enrolled in the State Medicaid program. (B) Annual report The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make available to the public an annual report regarding the information collected in the database required under subparagraph (A). Each annual report under this subparagraph shall include for each State Medicaid program and with respect to the most recent year for which data are available the yearly dental service utilization rates for children and adults enrolled in the State Medicaid program. (f) Effective date (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply to calendar quarters beginning on or after January 1, 2025, without regard to whether or not final regulations to carry out such amendments have been promulgated by such date. (2) Delay permitted for State plan amendment In the case of a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines requires State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by this section, the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply with the requirements of such title solely on the basis of its failure to meet these additional requirements before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. For purposes of the previous sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year legislative session, each year of such session shall be deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature. II Public health programs A National Health Service Corps 201. National Health Service Corps (a) In general Section 331 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254d ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(3), by adding at the end the following: (F) The term dental therapist means, with respect to a State or Tribal government that licenses or certifies such dental therapists, a mid-level dental practitioner who— (i) (I) is licensed to practice under the law of the State; or (II) is certified to practice under the Community Health Aide Program of the Indian Health Service under section 119 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act; and (ii) provides preventive and restorative services directly to the public, commensurate with the scope of the practice. ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting dental therapy programs and after schools at which ; and (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting dental therapists, after dentists, . (b) Facilitation of effective provision of corps services Section 336(f)(3) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254h–1(f)(3) ) is amended by inserting dental therapists, after midwives, . (c) Scholarship program and loan repayment program (1) Scholarship program Section 338A of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254l ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting dental therapists, after dentists, ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting including dental therapy, after or other health profession, . (2) Loan repayment program Section 338B of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254l–1 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting dental therapists, after dentists, ; and (B) in subsection (b)(1)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting dental therapist, after nurse practitioner, ; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting dental therapy, after mental health, ; and (iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by inserting , including dental therapy after health profession . (3) Authorization of appropriations Section 338H of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 254q ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking this section and inserting this subpart ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (d) Authorization of appropriations with respect to oral health professionals To carry out this subpart with respect to dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists, in addition to the amounts authorized under subsection (a), there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2025 through 2028, which shall be used to provide an emergency expansion for scholarships to, and loan repayments on behalf of, such oral health professionals. . 202. Community based dental residencies Section 340H of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256h ) is amended by adding at the ending the following: (k) Additional funding For the purpose of expanding dental residencies at teaching health centers that operate graduate medical education programs, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 . 203. Community-based training of dental students (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ) shall establish a pilot program under which the Secretary awards grants to eligible entities for the purpose of supporting the community-based training of dental students. Such grants shall be for a 5-year period, beginning in fiscal year 2025. (b) Eligible entities To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall— (1) be a Federally-qualified health center, rural health center, or Tribal health facility; and (2) submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Selection of awardees (1) In general The Secretary shall award 6 grants under this section to eligible entities described in subsection (b). In making such awards, the Secretary shall ensure that each entity receiving a grant operates in a different State (including each of the several States and the District of Columbia), territory, or Tribal territory. (2) Priority In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that— (A) have a focus on training students in rural and underserved areas; (B) partner with dental professional schools and programs associated with a historically Black college or university (as defined by the term part B institution in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1061 )) or minority-serving institutions (as described in section 371 of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q )); or (C) are located in a State or geographic area without a dental school. (d) Use of funds An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section— (1) shall use such funds to establish a training program for dental, dental hygienist, dental therapy, and dental assistant students in a community-based, outpatient setting; (2) may use such funds— (A) to support faculty and preceptor wages and living stipends for trainees; (B) to purchase equipment, education tools, and make renovations or alterations to a training site; and (C) to provide supportive services such as child care, transportation, and food assistance to enable students to persist in and complete a training program; and (3) may use up to 5 percent of the grant amount for planning and development, data collection and reporting, other administrative purposes. (e) Reporting (1) Reports from eligible entities Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit such reports on the program supported by the grant as the Secretary may require. (2) Reports to Congress Not later than 1 year after the date on which the program under this section terminates under subsection (f), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the program. (f) Sunset The grant program under this section shall terminate on September 30, 2029. (g) Appropriations To carry out this section, there is appropriated, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $4,500,000 for fiscal year 2025, to remain available through the end of fiscal year 2029. B Oral health education 211. Authorization of appropriations for oral health education for medical providers Section 747(c) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 293k(c) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) Oral health education In addition to other amounts authorized under this subsection for purposes of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2025 through 2028 for the purpose of educating nondental medical professionals (including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists and particularly such professionals who provide care to children and pregnant and postpartum women) about oral health, including issues such as oral hygiene instruction, topical application of fluoride, and oral health screenings, with the goal of integrating oral health care into overall health care. . 212. Oral health education for other non-health professionals Subpart I of part C of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 293k et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 748 the following: 748A. Oral health education for other non-oral health professionals (a) In general The Secretary may make grants to, or enter into contracts with, an accredited public or nonprofit private hospital, educational institutions, or public or private nonprofit entities that the Secretary has determined to be capable of carrying out such grant or contract to educate individuals, such as community health workers, social workers, nutritionists, health educators, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to promote oral health education and literacy and to provide support for behavior change and assistance with care coordination with respect to oral health. (b) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. . 213. Dental education Section 748 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 293k–2 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1)(H), by striking pediatric training programs and inserting pediatric dental training programs ; and (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting Requirements for award .— ; (B) by amending the matter preceding paragraph (1) to read as follows: With respect to training provided for under this section, the Secretary shall award grants or contracts only to eligible entities that meet at least 7 of the following criteria: ; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking have a record of training the greatest percentage of providers, or that have demonstrated significant improvements in the percentage of providers, who enter and and inserting train significant numbers of providers who ; (D) in paragraph (3)— (i) by striking have a record of training and inserting intend to train ; and (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting and have faculty with experience in treating underserved populations. ; (E) in paragraph (8), by inserting or have established after establish ; and (F) by adding at the end the following: (9) Qualified applicants that require not less than 200 hours of community-based education rotations. . 214. Oral health professional student loans Subpart 3 of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 295f et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 779. Oral health professional student loans (a) In general The Secretary shall establish and operate a student loan fund for oral health professional students, including dental hygienists, dental therapists, and dentists. (b) Content The Secretary shall establish and operate the student loan fund program under subsection (a) in the same manner and subject to the same terms as the loan fund program established with schools of nursing under section 835. (c) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. . C Other oral health programs 221. Access points Subpart X of part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256f et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 340G–2. Funding for oral health services (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall establish a program to award grants to eligible entities to provide oral health services, or to contract with private dental practices to provide comprehensive oral health services, to low-income individuals and individuals who are underserved with respect to oral health care. (b) Technical assistance The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to entities receiving grants under subsection (a) to provide technical assistance to such entities in order to— (1) with respect to oral health care services, increase utilization and efficiency and minimize missed appointments, contract with offsite providers, recruit providers (including oral health specialists), and operate programs outside the physical facilities to take advantage of new systems to improve access to oral health services; (2) address barriers to access to such services and conduct targeted outreach to special populations such as pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, and individuals residing in long-term care facilities; or (3) contract with private dental practices that will provide oral health services other than preventive oral health care, including restoration and maintenance of oral health, in order to meet the need for oral health services in the community. (c) Eligible entities To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), an entity shall— (1) be— (A) a Federally qualified health center (as defined in section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act); (B) a safety net clinic or a free clinic (as defined by the Secretary); (C) a health care clinic that provides services to Tribal organizations or urban Indian organizations (as such terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act); or (D) any other interested public or private sector health care provider or organization that the Secretary determines has a demonstrated history of serving a high number of uninsured and or low-income individuals or those who lack ready access to oral health services; and (2) demonstrate a clear need to expand oral health care services beyond preventive oral health care. (d) Allocation for hiring oral health care specialists A portion of the funds available under this section shall be allocated toward hiring oral health care specialists, such as oral surgeons and endodontists, at entities receiving grants under this section. (e) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028. . 222. Dental clinics in schools Part Q of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 280h et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 399Z–3. Dental clinics in schools (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants to qualified entities for the purpose of funding the building, operation, or expansion of dental clinics in schools. (b) Qualified entities To receive a grant under this section, a qualified entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Requirements An entity receiving a grant under this section shall— (1) provide comprehensive oral health services at a dental clinic based at a school, including oral health education, oral screening, fluoride application, prophylaxis, sealants, and basic restorative services; (2) develop a coordinated system of care by referring patients to an available qualified oral health provider in the community for any required oral health services not provided in the dental clinic in the school, including restorative services, to ensure that all the oral health needs of students are met; and (3) maintain clinic hours that extend beyond school hours. (d) Authorization of appropriations For purposes of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. . 223. Emergency department care coordination Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 280g et seq. ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 399V–8. Emergency department care coordination with respect to dental care (a) In general The Secretary shall establish a grant program to facilitate individuals receiving dental care at facilities other than hospital emergency departments, under which the Secretary awards grants to eligible entities to cover costs related to construction and renovation, equipment, staff, outreach and education, and any other allowable uses, with respect to the entity's facilities, as the Secretary determines appropriate. (b) Eligible entities To be eligible to receive a grant under this section an entity shall— (1) be— (A) a Federally qualified health center (as defined in paragraph (4) of section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act) or rural health clinic (as defined in paragraph (2) of such section); (B) a private dental practice; or (C) any other interested public or private sector health care provider or organization, such as a dental school, that the Secretary determines has the capacity to serve in a coordinated, cost-effective manner, a high number of individuals who lack access to oral health services; and (2) partner with a hospital or urgent care center. (c) Oral health education for primary care and ED health care providers The Secretary shall allocate a portion of the amounts appropriated under subsection (e) toward medical education for primary care and emergency department physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to be trained in oral health. (d) Report Not later than January 1, 2028, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the best practices determined by the program established under this section to address oral health needs of individuals who go to emergency departments in need of oral health care. (e) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2025 through 2028. . 224. Research funding (a) In general For the period of fiscal years 2025 through 2027, there is authorized to be appropriated for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary ) such sums as may be necessary to conduct, in consultation with the heads of agencies and offices of the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration— (1) research on— (A) the prevention of oral disease; (B) oral disease management; (C) evidence-based strategies to prevent tooth decay; (D) rigorous, multidisciplinary research-based approaches to overcome disparities in oral health; (E) perinatal, postnatal, and childhood oral health issues, including the integration of dental providers in settings where pediatricians practice; (F) access, quality, and outcomes with respect to oral health services; and (G) other topics as the Secretary determines appropriate; and (2) an evaluation of oral health service delivery to underserved and vulnerable populations, including an evaluation of workforce models to enhance oral health service delivery. (b) Supplement not supplant Funds appropriated under this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local public funds provided for activities described in subsection (a). 225. Mobile and portable dental services Subpart X of part D of title III of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256f et seq. ), as amended by section 221, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 340G–3. Mobile and portable dental services (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants to Federally qualified health centers (as defined in paragraph (4) of section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act), rural health clinics (as defined in paragraph (2) of such section), nonprofit dental clinics, and dental schools to provide mobile and portable, comprehensive dental services that provide for the restoration or maintenance of oral health and function (including dental services provided by licensed providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision) and outreach for dental services to underserved populations. (b) Eligible entities To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including information to demonstrate that the entity is capable of providing coordinated care and continuity of care to patients. (c) Use of funds Eligible entities receiving a grant under this section shall deliver the dental services described in subsection (a) at locations such as senior centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools, licensed child care centers that serve eligible individuals who receive benefits under the State Children's Health Insurance Program under title XXI of the Social Security Act or the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act, and facilities that provide services under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 or under the Head Start Act. (d) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary. . D Oral health services as an essential health benefit 231. Oral health services as an essential health benefit Section 1302(b) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( 42 U.S.C. 18022(b) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (J), by striking oral and ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (K) Oral health services for children and adults. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (6) Oral health services For purposes of paragraph (1)(K), the term oral health services means services (as defined by the Secretary), that are necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions. . III Department of Veterans Affairs Matters 301. Requirement that Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnish dental care in the same manner as any other medical service (a) In general Title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 1701(6)(B), by striking as described in sections 1710 and 1712 of this title ; (2) in section 1710(c), by striking the second sentence; (3) in section 1712— (A) by striking subsections (a) and (b); (B) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively; and (C) in subsection (a), as redesignated by subparagraph (B)— (i) by striking Dental appliances and inserting The Secretary may furnish dentures, dental appliances ; and (ii) by striking to be furnished by the Secretary under this section may be procured by the Secretary and inserting under this section and may procure such appliances ; (4) in section 1712C(h)— (A) by striking section 1712 of this title and inserting this chapter ; and (B) by striking outpatient dental services and treatment, and related dental appliances, under such section 1712 and inserting dental services and appliances under this chapter ; and (5) by striking section 2062. (b) Conforming amendment Section 1525(a) of such title is amended by striking medicines under section 1712(d) and inserting medicines under section 1712(b) . (c) Clerical amendments Such title is further amended— (1) in section 1712, in the heading for such section, by striking Dental care and inserting Appliances ; (2) in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 17, by striking the item relating to section 1712 and inserting the following new item: 1712. Appliances; drugs and medicines for certain disabled veterans; vaccines. ; and (3) in the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 20, by striking the item relating to section 2062. 302. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for veterans in rural and other underserved communities (a) Demonstration program authorized The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental health care services for veterans who are entitled to such services from the Department of Veterans Affairs and reside in rural and other underserved communities. (b) Telehealth For purposes of alternative dental health care providers and other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, dental services provided under the demonstration program under this section may be administered by such providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision when appropriate and feasible. (c) Alternative dental health care providers defined In this section, the term alternative dental health care providers has the meaning given that term in section 340G–1(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256g–1(a)(2) ). (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the demonstration program under this section. 303. Program of education to promote dental health in veterans (a) Program required The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a program of education to promote dental health for veterans who are enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs established and operated under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code. (b) Elements The program required by subsection (a) shall provide education for veterans on the following: (1) The association between dental health and overall health and well-being. (2) Proper techniques for dental care. (3) Signs and symptoms of commonly occurring dental conditions. (4) Treatment options for commonly occurring dental issues. (5) Options for obtaining access to dental care, including information on eligibility for dental care through the Department. (6) Available and accessible options for obtaining low or no-cost dental care, including through dental schools and Federally Qualified Health Centers. (7) Such other matters relating to dental health as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Delivery of educational materials (1) In general The Secretary shall provide educational materials to veterans under the program required by subsection (a) through a variety of mechanisms, including the following: (A) The availability and distribution of print materials at facilities of the Department (including at medical centers, clinics, Vet Centers, and readjustment counseling centers) and to providers (including members of Patient Aligned Care Teams). (B) The availability and distribution of materials over the Internet, including through webinars, My HealtheVet, and VA.gov. (C) Presentations by the dental program office of the Department of information, including both small group and large group presentations, and distribution of such information to all locations in which the program is being carried out. (2) Selection of mechanisms In selecting mechanisms under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall select mechanisms designed to maximize the number of veterans who receive education under the program. (d) Construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or revise the eligibility of any veteran for dental care under the laws administered by the Secretary. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Federally qualified health center The term Federally Qualified Health Center means a Federally-qualified health center as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B) ). (2) Vet center The term Vet Center has the meaning given that term in section 1712A(h) of title 38, United States Code. (f) Effective date This section shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 304. Student loan repayment program to incentivize dental training and ensure the dental workforce of the Department of Veterans Affairs (a) Program required The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs has sufficient staff to provide dental services to veterans, shall implement a loan reimbursement program for qualified dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons who agree— (1) to be appointed by the Secretary as a dentist, dental hygienist, or oral surgeon, as the case may be, under section 7401 of title 38, United States Code; and (2) to serve as a dentist, dental hygienist, or oral surgeon, as the case may be, of the Department pursuant to such appointment at a dental clinic of the Department for a period of not less than five years. (b) Maximum amount The Secretary may reimburse not more than— (1) $75,000 for each dentist participating in the program under subsection (a); (2) $10,000 for each dental hygienist participating in such program; and (3) $20,000 for each oral surgeon participating in such program. (c) Selection of locations The Secretary shall monitor demand among veterans for dental care and require participants in the program under subsection (a) to choose from dental clinics of the Department with the greatest need for dentists, dental hygienists, or oral surgeons, as the case may be, according to facility enrollment and patient demand. 305. Educational and training partnerships for dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into educational and training partnerships with dental schools, including dental programs within a community college, to provide training and employment opportunities for dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons. IV Federal Bureau of Prisons 401. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons (a) Demonstration program authorized The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, may carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to increase access to dental health services for prisoners within the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. (b) Telehealth For purposes of alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, dental services provided under the demonstration program under this section may be administered by such providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision when deemed appropriate and feasible. (c) Alternative Dental Health Care Providers Defined In this section, the term alternative dental health care providers has the meaning given that term in section 340G–1 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256g–1 ). (d) Authorization Of Appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the demonstration program under this section. V Indian Health Service 501. Demonstration program on training and employment of alternative dental health care providers for dental health care services under the Indian Health Service (a) Demonstration program authorized The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Indian Health Service, may carry out a demonstration program to establish programs to train and employ alternative dental health care providers in order to help eliminate oral health disparities and increase access to dental services through health programs operated by the Indian Health Service, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations (as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act ( 25 U.S.C. 1603 )). (b) Telehealth For purposes of alternative dental health care providers and any other dental care providers who are licensed to provide clinical care, dental services provided under the demonstration program under this section may be administered by such providers through telehealth-enabled collaboration and supervision when deemed appropriate and feasible. (c) Alternative dental health care providers defined In this section, the term alternative dental health care providers has the meaning given that term in section 340G–1(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 256g–1(a)(2) ). (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the demonstration program under this section. VI Reports to Congress 601. Reports on enrollment in coverage for oral health services (a) Secretary of Health and Human Services The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to Congress the following reports: (1) Cost-benefit analysis Not later than October 1, 2028, a report that provides a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis regarding the expansion of coverage for dental services pursuant to this Act, including whether the provision of such services resulted in a reduction in total health care costs for individuals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. (2) Annual report on enrollment, utilization, and expenditures in dental insurance plans Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, an annual report containing detailed information on— (A) enrollment in private insurance plans providing pediatric and adult dental coverage, whether such coverage is provided through a qualified health plan (as defined in section 1301(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( Public Law 111–148 )) or a stand-alone dental plan; (B) the utilization of oral health services by children and adults who receive dental coverage under a qualified health plan or a stand-alone dental plan; and (C) expenditures related to oral health services by individuals and families who receive dental coverage in a qualified health plan or stand-alone dental plan. (b) Comptroller General (1) Medicaid and Medicare Not later than January 1, 2028, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the implementation and utilization of the expanded coverage for dental services pursuant to this Act for individuals enrolled in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. (2) Demonstration programs Not later than January 1, 2028, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the demonstration programs described in sections 302, 401, and 501, including— (A) the extent to which the programs improved access to oral health care and increased utilization of oral health services; and (B) an examination of the training provided under the programs to alternative dental health care providers and the quality of care provided by such providers.