Oral health wins in $1.2T spending package

Oral health gets a funding boost in the FY 2026 funding package. AI uncovers some interesting factors behind tooth decay. Plus, regenerative dentistry is booming. 

But first, a practice in Missouri is facing a lawsuit from a patient who claims two dentists caused permanent nerve damage following a tooth extraction. 

Why do implants fail? Researchers from the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) received a $2.91 million grant to understand implant failure and how to prevent it. 

Big money in regenerative dentistry. A new forecast estimates that the global market for regenerative dentistry will hit $4.17 billion this year and $7.04 billion by 2035. 

The consequences of an underbite. New research suggests that anterior crossbite malocclusion has a potential connection with the risk of tooth loss. 

Supplements and oral health. Tricia Quartey, DMD, warned against the downsides that gummy supplements can have when it comes to oral health.  

Good vibrations. A new compound activated by the vibrations of an electric toothbrush shows promise as a tooth-whitening solution. 

Oral health and the new spending bill

The American Dental Association (ADA) highlights key components of the $1.2 trillion spending bill that address oral health. The bill allocates increased funding for oral health research and workforce development across government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and Department of Defense. The package also includes funding for dental services expansion in several states. 

Why it matters: Federal funding has a significant impact on public health and dental care delivery. (ADA)

AI digs into the reasons behind tooth decay

Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine leveraged AI to analyze a sprawling dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to better understand tooth decay. The study uncovered different subtypes of caries. It also shed light on several risk factors for tooth decay, such as lead exposure and sleep patterns. 

Why it matters: Better understanding the factors behind caries can help oral health care stakeholders develop more targeted approaches to prevention. (Penn Dental Medicine)

A guide to dental practice HR audits 

Dental practices provide essential care to their patients, but they are also employers with an obligation to follow workplace regulations. The California Dental Association (CDA) outlines key areas to focus on when conducting a human resources audit. Practices should audit areas such as timekeeping, wage statements, workplace policies, hiring practices and employee records. 

Why it matters: Regular reviews of workplace policies and compliance can help practices avoid costly issues regarding noncompliance. (CDA)

• WVU School of Dentistry gets $1.4M gift
• The appeal of general dentistry
• Are Chicago schools making it harder for kids to get dental care?
• Tips for building trust and keeping patients

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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Bianca Prieto