TDA Legislative Recap 2026
The 2026 legislative session proved that when Tennessee dentists show up, the trajectory of public health policy changes. These legislative victories were the result of a multi-pronged strategy that began months before the first gavel fell, combining proactive education, technical workgroups, and a massive grassroots response.
Building the Foundation: Tennessee Dentists’ Day on the Hill
The foundation for this year’s success was laid during the third annual Tennessee Dentists’ Day on the Hill. Member dentists from across the state traveled to Nashville to ensure the profession had a seat at the table before key votes were cast.
TDA members meet with Rep. Jody Barrett during Tennessee Dentists' Day on the Hill.
The impact of this in-person presence was undeniable. Member dentists canvassed 132 legislative offices and held 21 formal meetings, in addition to dozens of personally scheduled sessions. Beyond public health and scope of practice, our advocates drove meaningful dialogue around strengthening dental insurance reform enforcement. There was interest among legislators in enhancing reporting measures through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to ensure that the 2024 dental insurance reform bill is being properly upheld for the benefit of both providers and patients.
TDA members with Rep. Caleb Hemmer.
Defending Community Water Fluoridation
The relationships solidified during Day on the Hill provided the leverage needed to protect the state’s public health infrastructure. Anticipating a return of anti-fluoridation policy, the association used Day on the Hill to proactively educate lawmakers. Members utilized evidence-based resources that detailed the safety and proven efficacy of community water fluoridation (CWF).
This early education proved vital. Shortly after Day on the Hill, two anti-fluoridation bills—SB0162/HB2396 and HB2471/SB2304—began moving through the committee process. The TDA immediately launched a targeted grassroots response to ensure that the momentum from Day on the Hill translated into direct pressure on the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee and the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.
 Dr. Leon Stanislav testifies before the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee. |
 TDA Executive Director Andrea Hayes testifies before the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. |
To provide clinical expertise on the record, the TDA called upon Dr. Leon Stanislav and Executive Director Andrea Hayes to provide formal testimony. Their insights, combined with over 400 member emails, led to a significant victory: SB0162 was defeated by a single-vote margin, officially ending the bill for the year. Meanwhile, SB2304 was sidelined to General Subcommittee, removing it from the legislative calendar for the remainder of the session.
Navigating Scope of Practice
Presence at the Capitol also allowed the TDA to manage two distinct legislative tracks regarding dental hygiene scope of practice. The goal was to ensure any changes prioritized the team-based care model and patient safety.
- The Consensus Approach. Since last September, a dedicated TDA workgroup has been engaging with the Tennessee Dental Hygienists’ Association (TDHA) on HB1991/SB1926. This early collaboration allowed the TDA to guide the issue and provide timely feedback during the bill’s development. Because of the workgroup’s engagement, several problematic proposals were eliminated before the formal language was ever drafted. This consensus solution maintains appropriate clinical oversight while addressing workforce needs.
- The Administration’s Proposal. Simultaneously, the TDA monitored a separate push from the Governor’s administration tied to the federal Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. This program, which provided Tennessee with nearly $207 million for 2026, included policy commitments to pursue “unrestricted scope of practice” for dental hygienists by 2027.
The TDA moved quickly to review the Administration’s proposed language (HB 2556 / SB 2244) and provided formal testimony to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The association highlighted critical flaws, including a lack of collaboration with the dental community and the potential risk to patient safety. By deploying legislative contact dentists to voice these concerns, the TDA successfully advocated for the consensus-based model over the Administration’s broader proposal. As a result, the Senate version of the Administration’s bill was sent to General Subcommittee, effectively ending its progress for the session.
National Reach: Impacting Federal Policy in Washington, D.C.
The momentum from Nashville carried directly into our nation’s capital this March. Nearly 500 dentists and dental students from across the country gathered for the 2026 ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day, and we were proud to have a dedicated delegation of TDA members among them.
Our representatives took the Tennessee perspective to Congress, advocating for federal solutions to the systemic challenges facing the profession. Key priorities included:
The Tennessee delegation at the U.S. Capitol during ADA Lobby Day.
- Insurance Reform. Closing federal dental insurance loopholes through the Improving Dental Administration Act to ensure administrative transparency and fairness.
- Student Debt Relief. Championing the REDI Act to help offset the unprecedented educational debt carried by dental and medical residents.
- Federal Leadership. Protecting dental leadership and ensuring oral health infrastructure is prioritized across federal agencies.
By participating in ADA Lobby Day, TDA members ensured that Tennessee’s voice is heard at every level of government.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for 2027
While we celebrate these successes, the TDA remains future-focused. To that end, we will be convening specialized workgroups over the summer on issues important to the profession including:
- Workforce Development & Scope of Practice
- Fluoridation Policy
- Dental Insurance Reform
These groups will focus on developing refined messaging, gathering additional clinical and technical resources, and identifying key partnerships. By conducting these deep dives now, we will be fully prepared to launch a comprehensive advocacy campaign for our entire legislative agenda when the General Assembly reconvenes next January.
Stay Engaged
Whether it was a workgroup meeting in September, a formal meeting during Day on the Hill, or a quick email sent during a committee vote, every action contributed to a successful session. Our advocacy works because our members participate.
Sign up for TDA Advocacy Action Alerts by texting TNDENTAL to 50457 or by visiting our advocacy web page.