Enacted defense bill includes dental provisions

Congress passed – and President Trump signed into law on Dec. 18 – the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 119-60). The bill, which authorizes 2026 defense spending and sets policy for the Department of Defense (DoD) and related agencies, includes several dental-related provisions. Section 735, sponsored by Rep. Brian Babin, DDS (R-Texas) and supported by the ADA, is aimed at strengthening accreditation standards for military dental treatment facilities. More specifically, it directs the DoD inspector general to review remaining accreditation gaps in military dental facilities, identify barriers to compliance and assess resources needed to meet accreditation requirements established under the FY 2021 NDAA. The bill also includes Section 717, requiring the DoD to outline plans for prioritizing active-duty medical and dental staffing at military treatment facilities to address shortages and patient needs.