Details have just been released about a final FY 2017 omnibus budget bill to fund federal programs through the remainder of the fiscal year. Since Oct. 1, 2016, the federal government has been funded via several Continuing Resolutions at the FY 2016 level.

The AAPD’s top appropriations priority is Title VII funding for pediatric dentistry training. While many health programs are continued at the FY 2016 levels, and overall Title VII and VIII medicine and nursing programs will receive a 0.6 percent decrease in funding, overall Title VII oral health training will receive a $1.2 million increase. This includes $10 million directed to pediatric dentistry training, along with an additional amount for faculty loan repayment. The AAPD also obtained the following favorable report language:

"Oral Health Training—The agreement includes an additional $800,000 for the Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program under section 748 of the Public Health Service Act. The agreement directs HRSA to publish a new funding opportunity announcement and to give preference in grant awards to pediatric dentistry faculty supervising residents and to applicants providing clinical services in dental clinics located in dental schools, hospitals, or community-based affiliated sites."

The AAPD acknowledges the efforts of Congressional Liaison Dr. Heber Simmons Jr. and the firm of Hogan Lovells in obtaining this outcome. The AAPD also thanks all members who advocated for this funding during the 2017 AAPD Public Policy Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. For further information, please contact AAPD Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel C. Scott Litch at slitch@aapd.org.