A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Tribal Oral Health Sovereignty Act. It amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. The bill removes certain restrictions on the provision of dental therapist services under the Community Health Aide Program. It also ensures that the Secretary does not reduce the amounts provided for the Community Health Aide Program when establishing a national program. Additionally, it allows certified dental therapists to provide services in Indian health programs regardless of State law.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +8
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The legislation directly benefits Native Americans by expanding access to dental care services under the Community Health Aide Program.
- Scored +7
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
By removing restrictions and allowing certified dental therapists to practice in Indian health programs regardless of state law, the bill expands healthcare access.
- Scored +6
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The bill supports tribal sovereignty and improves health service delivery for Native Americans through the Community Health Aide Program.
The opposite
- Scored -4
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
The bill preempts state laws regarding the licensure, certification, registration, and scope of practice of dental practitioners within Indian health programs.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(1): This provision states that the Secretary shall not reduce the amounts provided for the Community Health Aide Program when establishing a national program. This is positive because it protects funding for the program so people can continue to receive its benefits.
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Section 2(4)(A): This provision allows an individual certified as a dental therapist to provide dental therapist services in an Indian health program, notwithstanding any provision of State law relating to licensure, certification, registration, or scope of practice. This is positive because it helps people access dental care through certified therapists without state laws getting in the way.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions outlining negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The legislation directly benefits Native Americans by expanding access to dental care services under the Community Health Aide Program. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Veterans who utilize Indian health programs will benefit from improved access to dental care services.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — By removing restrictions and allowing certified dental therapists to practice in Indian health programs regardless of state law, the bill expands healthcare access. Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill enhances access to dental care services within Indian health programs, which benefits eligible veterans utilizing these facilities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill supports tribal sovereignty and improves health service delivery for Native Americans through the Community Health Aide Program.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill preempts state laws regarding the licensure, certification, registration, and scope of practice of dental practitioners within Indian health programs.
- 11/12/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
- 10/6/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Tom ColeRepublican · Oklahoma
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas