Why It Matters
The American Dental Education Association (ADA) is lobbying on higher education and oral health matters. The organization's lobbying signals concern about proposals that could reshape dental education funding and student loan programs, particularly as dental graduates typically face substantial debt burdens and rely heavily on federal loan programs.
By the Numbers
The ADA reported $171,000 in lobbying spending for the third financial quarter of 2025, filed on July 30. The organization conducts in-house lobbying through two active lobbyists: Bridgette DeHart, the director of federal government relations and advocacy, and Tim Leeth, advocacy and government relations adviser.
The Bottom Line
Senators and representatives have introduced bills addressing dental coverage gaps in federal health programs. Dental students currently graduate with over $300,000 in debt on average, with 85% relying on Grad PLUS loans to finance their education. Federal budget proposals have also raised concerns about potential cuts to health research and oral health programs. The impact of the ADA's lobbying is yet to be seen.
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