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American Dental Education Association

Volume 3, No. 74, March 26, 2025

President Trump Issues Executive Order Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education

 

On March 20, President Donald Trump signed an that would “begin eliminating the federal Department of Education.” The order would direct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.”

 

The order does not immediately close the Department of Education (ED), which cannot be done without congressional approval.

 

Trump argues that ED has failed to improve student outcomes and is redundant since states and local districts primarily control education. His efforts to reshape the federal government include downsizing the Department and redistributing some of its functions to other departments and to the states.

 

The dismantling of ED has already led to half of the staff being removed, affecting essential services like the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Cuts to the Department have impacted its ability to manage financial aid programs efficiently, leading to website outages and difficulties for students applying for loans. However, the Trump administration noted that the processing of the FAFSA applications and the Pell Grant program would remain under the Department of Education.

 

Trump also announced last week during a press conference that the Small Business Administration (SBA), led by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, will take over the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio, even though the SBA During the press conference, the administration also announced that it would move special education services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

 

When announcing the relocation of special education programs to HHS, Trump also mentioned ED’s nutrition programs would be moved to HHS. There is confusion about this statement because school nutrition programs are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture not the Department of Education.

 

A key concern is how other responsibilities of ED will be handled, particularly the distribution of federal education funds. The Department plays a crucial role in providing aid to schools serving low-income students and in enforcing discrimination laws.

 

On March 24, the National Education Association, the country’s largest teachers’ union, the NAACP and other advocacy groups, along with public school parents, sued ED, alleging that the administration exceeded its constitutional authority in trying to dismantle the department, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

 

Kentucky Senate Passes Medicaid Reform Bill With Work Requirements

 

In a late-night session, the Kentucky Senate approved , implementing major reforms to the state's Medicaid program, including controversial work requirements. The legislation, which underwent amendments shortly before voting, establishes a Medicaid board designed to enhance accountability, transparency and fiscal oversight.

 

Republican supporters claim the bill will strengthen program integrity and reduce abuse, while Democratic opponents have criticized both the rushed legislative process and potential consequences for vulnerable residents. Critics also note that similar work requirement provisions have previously been struck down by federal courts.

 

With roughly 1.4 million Kentucky residents depending on Medicaid for critical services like substance abuse treatment and mental health care, concerns remain about potential barriers to access. Gov. Andy Beshear (D) is anticipated to veto the bill, though the legislature may have sufficient votes to override his decision.

Indiana Senate Advances Major Medicaid Reform Bill

 

Indiana's , a significant Medicaid reform measure, has advanced to the Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee after the House Public Health Committee approved the bill in an 8-4 vote along party lines. The legislation, led by State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R), proposes changes to the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), including maintaining work requirements with 11 exemptions and prohibiting Medicaid program advertising.

 

A key amendment removed the program's 500,000-recipient cap, but concerns remain over the potential impact of work requirements and eligibility monitoring. Proponents argue the bill will control rising Medicaid costs, which have grown by $5 billion in four years, and ensure funding sustainability. Opponents, including health care providers and advocates, warn that added bureaucracy may lead to loss of coverage, delayed care and increased emergency room visits.

 

Gov. Mike Braun (R) supports SB 2, citing the need for Medicaid oversight and financial sustainability. However, Democratic lawmakers and advocates argue the bill could harm vulnerable populations by restricting access to essential care.

 

The debate over Medicaid's future in Indiana is expected to continue as the bill moves through the legislative process.

 

Arizona Senate Passes Expansion of Adult Dental Medicaid Benefits

 

On March 10, the Arizona Senate that would expand the state’s Medicaid dental coverage for adults to include coverage of a comprehensive set of dental benefits. The state currently offers coverage only of emergency services. But, if the bill becomes law, the state’s Medicaid contractors would be required to provide coverage of comprehensive dental care for individuals who are at least 21 years old, with a maximum annual coverage amount of $1,000 per member. The bill also removes dentures from the list of prosthetic devices that are excluded from Medicaid coverage for individuals who are at least 21 years old.

Arkansas Sends Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact to Governor; Compact Also Passes Arizona House

 

The Arkansas Senate will to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) that, if signed, would allow the state to join the

 

The DDH Compact is currently in the implementation phase. is now holding regular meetings and discussing rules for implementation. Each member state will appoint one commissioner selected by the state’s licensing authority.

 

Once implemented, the compact will establish a pathway for licensure portability for dentists and dental hygienists licensed in member states. Licensees residing in compact member states can apply for a “compact privilege,” allowing them to practice in another member state. According to the model compact developed by The Council of State Governments, license holders will be eligible to apply for compact privilege if they meet the following criteria:

  • Hold an unencumbered license as a dentist or dental hygienist in a compact member state.
  • Graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
  • Successfully complete a clinical assessment for licensure, defined as an examination or process required for licensure that provides evidence of clinical competence in dentistry or dental hygiene.
  • Pass the National Board Examination of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or another examination accepted by rule as a requirement for licensure.
  • Meet any jurisprudence requirements.
  • Complete a criminal background check.
  • Submit an application and pay applicable fees.
  • Comply with requirements to submit specified information for administrative purposes.

The Arizona House also that would allow the state to join the compact. That bill has been sent to the state Senate for consideration.

 

The compact has been and legislation to join the compact is currently active in 16 states.

 

ADEA Advocacy in Action

This appears weekly in the ADEA Advocate to summarize and provide direct links to recent advocacy actions taken by ADEA. Please let us know what you think and how we might improve its usefulness.

 

Issues and Resources

  • ADEA on teledentistry
  • ADEA on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on U.S. Dental Schools
  • ADEA policy regarding overprescription of antibiotics
  • For a full list of ADEA memos, briefs and letters click .

The is published weekly. Its purpose is to keep ADEA members abreast of federal and state issues and events of interest to the academic dentistry and the dental and research communities.

 

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B. Timothy Leeth, CPA

ADEA Chief Advocacy Officer

 

Bridgette DeHart, J.D.

ADEA Director of Federal Relations and Advocacy

 

Phillip Mauller, M.P.S.

ADEA Senior Director of State Relations and Advocacy

 

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