The outlook for US health care this year is marked by volatility and potential coverage gaps due to significant reforms in 2025, according to advisors at Manatt Health. Medicaid faces major funding cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, challenging states to fill the gap, while Affordable Care Act coverage has seen a decline in enrollment after enhanced premium tax credits expired, with consumers opting for less comprehensive plans. Medicare will focus on accountability, containment and technological innovation to manage costs and improve care, experts note.

Dentists' compensation showed mixed trends in 2025, with average income rising but median income falling, according to a DentalPost survey. Forty-four percent of dentists said they received raises in the past two years, while 32% said they had never gotten one. Fifty-seven percent said they were satisfied with their compensation, but the proportion saying they were "very satisfied" dropped.

Clinics in San Luis Obispo County, California, have improved care efficiency and accessibility after receiving funding from the Justin Community Grants Program. The funds are being used to upgrade IT systems, introduce artificial intelligence for telehealth and expand translation services, streamlining operations and benefiting both staff and patients.

Dr. Paula Izvernari, a dentist in Montclair, California, writes that oral health significantly impacts students' academic performance, noting that children with dental issues often experience pain, poor sleep and embarrassment, which lead to higher absenteeism and lower grades. She advocates for integrating dental care into the education system through school-based programs and increased policy support.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed an artificial intelligence process to identify risk factors for tooth decay by using machine learning to analyze National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Their study, published in the Journal of Dental Research, found that children younger than 5 and adults older than 65 are at higher risk for cavities, with the former group showing patterns of iron and vitamin D deficiency.

The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 grant awards, supporting innovative projects that improve access to oral healthcare, strengthen dental benefit administration, and expand research and education across diverse communities. The 2026 grantees are: The Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine (COHN), Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, University of New Haven, and University of Pikeville. [more]