Grants to States to Support Oral Health Workforce Activities (SOHW)
This grant helps states create and run programs to improve dental workforce shortages in areas lacking enough dental health professionals.
Funder: Health Resources and Services Administration
Due Dates: July 17, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $400,000 per year for up to 5 years; ~$14.8 million total program funding; ~37 awards expected.
Summary: Supports states in developing and implementing innovative programs to address oral health workforce needs in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Key Information: 40% non-federal cost sharing/matching required (waived for certain insular areas); only one application per state.
Description
This federal grant program aims to help states create and implement innovative solutions to address oral health workforce shortages in federally designated Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (Dental HPSAs). The initiative supports a wide range of activities, including workforce recruitment and retention, training, teledentistry, loan repayment, infrastructure development, and targeted interventions for underserved populations such as children, tribal communities, and individuals affected by opioid use disorders. The ultimate goal is to increase access to quality oral health services for medically vulnerable and underserved communities.
