Reps. Kelly, Simpson Celebrate House Passage of Bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Representative Mike Simpson (ID-02), a former dentist, celebrated the House passage of their bipartisan bill, H.R. 2001, the Action for Dental Health Act.

The Bipartisan Action for Dental Health Act supports organizations and strengthens existing resources that provide essential oral healthcare to underserved communities, including seniors, children, and families living in both rural and urban areas. By increasing access to preventative dental care, the bill also aims to significantly reduce the number of costly emergency room visits.

The Action for Dental Health Act builds on a strong foundation of bipartisan, bicameral consensus as it reauthorizes a program that has benefited communities across the country. Today’s successful passage in the House is an important step in continuing to deliver these critical healthcare resources to American families.

"Oral health care is a critical part of our overall health, and preventative dental care can reduce costs for families and improve overall well-being," Rep. Kelly said. "By reauthorizing this bipartisan program that connects people with the care they need, this legislation will help prevent serious oral health problems before they start. I'm proud to work alongside Congressman Simpson, a former dentist, to advance this reauthorization and to my House colleagues for supporting this important bill."

"As a former dentist in Blackfoot, Idaho, I have seen firsthand the value of good oral health and the consequences of neglect," said Rep. Simpson. "Since its implementation in 2018, the Action for Dental Health Act has improved dental care in communities across the country. Reauthorizing this legislation is critical to address the dental workforce needs and improve access to care for patients. As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Kelly once again to see the House of Representatives pass this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to sending it to President Trump's desk."

The American Dental Association (ADA) has strongly endorsed the Action for Dental Health Act.