# HHS Invests in Pediatric Dental Care Expansion

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded **$51 million** on September 23, 2026, to 28 HRSA-funded health centers to expand dental care access for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This funding supports the implementation and evaluation of innovative, evidence-based dental care models tailored to the unique needs of these children, aiming to scale successful approaches nationwide. This initiative reflects a targeted federal investment to improve healthcare equity and specialized pediatric dental services.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the significant federal funding directed toward specialized healthcare services, highlighting opportunities for contractors with expertise in pediatric dental care, healthcare delivery innovation, and services for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- The award to multiple health centers indicates a distributed procurement approach, suggesting potential subcontracting or partnership opportunities across regions.
- Organizations involved in healthcare service delivery and dental care innovation can align proposals and service models to meet the tailored needs emphasized by HRSA.
- Procurement teams should consider the implications for compliance, reporting, and evaluation requirements tied to evidence-based care models under this funding.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

### Key Quotes
> Children with neurodevelopmental disorders should not struggle to get the dental care they need.
> — Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., HHS Secretary

> A parent shouldnshouldnt have to struggle to find a dental provider who is prepared to care for their child.
> — Tom Engels, HRSA Administrator

### Sources
- [HHS Invests $51 Million to Expand Dental Care for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders | HHS.gov](https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-invests-51-million-dental-care-children-neurodevelopmental-disorders.html) - HHS