HHS Invests $51 Million to Expand Dental Care for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Summary - DentalSpire
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HHS Allocates $51 Million to Enhance Dental Services for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • By

  • Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)

  • September 23, 2026

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Objective:

To support expanded dental-care access for children with neurodevelopmental disorders through funding to health centers.

Approach:
  • Funding Allocation: 28 health centers received awards totaling $51 million to enhance dental services.
  • Quality Improvement Fund: Investment designated as QIF-DNDD to improve access to dental services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Service Expansion: Health centers will expand and tailor preventive and other dental services and enhance their workforce.
  • Evidence-Based Models: Centers will build upon evidence-based models and evaluate innovative methods for dental care improvement.
Key Findings:
  • Children with neurodevelopmental disorders face challenges in accessing dental care due to sensory sensitivities and other factors.
  • Routine dental visits are crucial as these children are at higher risk for oral health problems.
  • HRSA-supported health centers integrate oral health into primary care and provide services regardless of payment ability.
Limitations:
  • The effectiveness of the funded strategies will need to be evaluated over time.
  • The success of replication in other communities is contingent on the outcomes of the initial implementations.
Sources:

Original Source(s)

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