SAN DIEGO, CA—SEPTEMBER 23, 2026—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today announced $51 million in awards to 28 HRSA-funded health centers to improve access to dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.

The new Quality Improvement Fund – Improving Access to Dental Services for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (QIF-DNDD) investment will help health centers build on evidence-based models and test innovative approaches to improve dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The funding will support expanded and tailored preventive and other dental services, strengthen the health center workforce, and identify promising approaches that can be replicated in other communities.

“Children with neurodevelopmental disorders should not struggle to get the dental care they need,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We are investing $51 million in HRSA-funded health centers to remove barriers to care, equip providers to better serve these children, and give families more options close to home. We will identify the approaches that work, scale them across the country, and ensure more children can get the preventive care they need to live healthy lives.”

“Families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders can face significant challenges finding dental care that meets their child’s needs,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “A parent shouldn’t have to struggle to find a dental provider who is prepared to care for their child. This investment will help health centers build the skills, services, and approaches needed to make dental care more accessible and responsive to children and families — and help us learn what works so successful models can reach more communities.”

Some children with neurodevelopmental disorders may experience sensory sensitivities, anxiety, mobility challenges, or other factors that can make routine dental visits more difficult. These children can also face increased risk for oral health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, making access to routine preventive dental care especially important.

HRSA-funded health centers are well positioned to address these challenges by integrating oral health with comprehensive primary care and connecting families with services such as care coordination, transportation, outreach, and education. Health centers provide care to patients regardless of their ability to pay.

The 28 award recipients will receive up to $2 million each to implement and evaluate innovative, evidence-informed approaches to meet the oral healthcare needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in their communities.

Award recipients will also participate in collaborative learning and evaluation activities. This work will help HRSA and health centers identify patient-centered, sustainable, approaches that can be replicated in other health centers and communities.

The awards build on HRSA’s ongoing work to strengthen oral health as part of comprehensive primary care through the Health Center Program. HRSA-funded health centers provide comprehensive primary care to more than 32.7 million people at more than 16,600 service sites nationwide, including 1 in 8 children and 1 in 5 rural residents.

Visit the QIF-DNDD webpage for more information and the list of FY 2026 award recipients.

Learn more about the Health Center Program and find a health center near you.