Policy & Advocacy
ANOHC's federal policy positions and advocacy work
ANOHC speaks as a unified national voice on oral health policy, guided by a Policy Committee that represents coalitions from across the country. Here’s how it works:
1. Monitor the landscape. The Policy Committee tracks federal legislation, regulatory changes, and emerging issues that affect oral health access, coverage, and care across the country.
2. Listen to member coalitions. The committee stays in close contact with coalitions nationwide, gathering firsthand insight into how policy issues are playing out in states, territories, and communities.
3. Act on behalf of the network. Drawing on that input, the Policy Committee shapes ANOHC’s policy positions and leads advocacy efforts, representing coalitions’ shared priorities to federal and national partners.
Below you will find ANOHC’s current policy documents, position statements, and advocacy materials available for download.
11
Policy Documents
Federal comment letters and testimony
01
Policy Committee
Includes coalition leaders from across the country
40
Member coalitions
Represented in every position ANOHC takes
ANOHC's policy tenets
These six positions guide ANOHC’s advocacy work and reflect the unanimous consensus of our member coalitions.
Affordable and quality oral health care
Support access to affordable and quality oral health care for all, including comprehensive dental coverage for Medicaid participants, and expansion of Medicare to include dental coverage.
Health insurance coverage
Support increased access to health insurance coverage for uninsured Americans and the maintenance of the requirement that all insurance plans available on the marketplace include dental coverage for children under 18, guaranteeing access to basic dental care for children.
Strong state oral health programs
Support strong state oral health programs by maintaining and expanding funding through federal sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Safe, fluoridated drinking water
Support drinking water that is safe, trusted, fluoridated, and the beverage of choice.
A robust oral health workforce
Support efforts to prepare a robust oral health workforce that is well prepared to adequately address population needs, especially for vulnerable communities.
Public health prevention initiatives
Support prevention efforts through public health initiatives, including vaccines, fluoride varnish, and school-based services.
Download ANOHC policy materials
Letter
ANOHC Comments on Proposed HEDIS Measure Retirement
2026
Letter
ANOHC Letter to EPA: Review of Science on Fluoride in Drinking Water
2026
Sign-on Letter
ANOHC Sign-on Letter to CMS on Adult Dental Services in Essential Health Benefits
2026
Sign-on Letter
ANOHC Sign-on Letter to CMS on Medicaid Community Engagement Interim Final Rule
2026
Testimony
ANOHC Testimony to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on CDC and HRSA Funding
2026
Letter
ANOHC Letter to Senate HELP Committee on Older Americans Act Reauthorization
2024
Letter
ANOHC Letter to House Committee on Energy and Commerce on NIH Framework
2024
Testimony
ANOHC Testimony to Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee on Health Disparities
2023
Letter
ANOHC Letter to HRSA on MCH Block Grant Guidance
2023
Letter
ANOHC Letter to CMS on Medically Necessary Medicare Dental Coverage
2022
Want to shape ANOHC's next policy position?
ANOHC policy positions are developed by member coalitions working together. If your coalition has ideas for advocacy priorities, we want to hear from you.