ADA Intensifies Washington Push on Tariffs, Research Funding, and HIPAA Rules
The American Dental Association is significantly expanding its federal lobbying efforts to reduce financial and regulatory pressures facing dental practices.
The American Dental Association (ADA) dramatically increased its federal lobbying activity during the second quarter of 2026, signaling an aggressive effort to influence policies affecting dentists nationwide.
The association spent $1.1 million on in-house lobbying during the quarter, up from $243,780 in the first quarter, and expanded its lobbying team to nine. Among its top priorities are securing funding for oral health prevention programs, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research initiatives, Veterans Affairs dental services, oral health workforce programs, and Indian Health Service dental care.
The ADA is also advocating against higher tariffs on Chinese-made dental supplies, including personal protective equipment, disposable products, instruments, and other essential materials. With tariffs increasing from 20% to 54%, many practices could face rising supply costs.
In addition, the association is lobbying on workforce policies, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage dental coverage, health savings account eligibility for oral health products, and proposed Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule changes that would impose stricter cybersecurity requirements on dental practices. Click here to read more.
