Grants to States to Support Oral Health Workforce Activities | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Grants to States to Support Oral Health Workforce Activities (HRSA-16-038)

What is the Grants to States to Support Oral Health Workforce Activities opportunity (HRSA-16-038)?

HRSA-16-038 is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), listed under CFDA 93.236. It supports state-led efforts to design and implement practical approaches that strengthen the oral health workforce and expand access to high-quality oral health care in underserved communities.

What is the main goal of this grant program?

The core goal is to help states create and carry out workforce-driven programs and delivery models that measurably expand access to quality oral health care in areas with serious dentist shortages. The emphasis is on strengthening the workforce and improving delivery approaches, not simply paying for direct dental services.

Which communities or locations are the primary focus of the program?

The program focuses on places with significant dentist shortages, specifically Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (Dental HPSAs), as well as other areas that a state formally identifies as having a dental workforce shortage.

Is this grant meant to fund dental services directly?

The emphasis described is not on funding dental services alone. Instead, the program focuses on building and implementing workforce-driven programs and innovative delivery models that expand access and improve quality for underserved populations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is state-centered and intentionally narrow. Only governor-appointed state government entities may apply. Examples mentioned include offices such as the state dental director and state-run universities or dental schools.

Can a state-run university or dental school apply?

Yes, state-run universities and dental schools are specifically listed as examples of eligible governor-appointed state government entities that may apply.

What level of involvement is expected from the state government?

The state is expected to be actively involved, not just a passive sponsor. Applications must describe how state government will manage and coordinate the project, including statewide coordination, the state investment of resources, and how the project aligns with or leverages state policies and regulations to address workforce and access gaps.

Is there a required cost share or matching funds requirement?

Yes. A major statutory requirement is a non-federal match of 40 percent or greater. Applicants must demonstrate a credible plan to meet this match using non-federal sources.

What sources can be used to meet the required 40 percent (or greater) match?

The requirement must be met with non-federal sources. The description indicates this may include state funds, permissible partner contributions, or other non-federal investments, and applicants should be prepared to explain how this support contributes to sustainability and statewide impact.

Why does the program require a non-federal match?

The match is described as a way for states to demonstrate real commitment and to strengthen sustainability and statewide impact of the proposed program through non-federal investment.

Does this opportunity prioritize workforce diversity?

Yes. The program prioritizes workforce diversity as a practical strategy to improve access and quality. Applicants are encouraged to recruit, train, and retain an oral health workforce that reflects the state population, including individuals from groups underrepresented in the oral health workforce and people from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds.

How does the program connect workforce diversity to better outcomes?

The description ties diverse perspectives and lived experience to stronger innovation and better patient care, particularly in underserved settings, with the goal of improving access and quality.

What does HRSA mean by "innovation" for this grant?

Innovation is defined broadly as new ideas, methods, and/or approaches that address oral health workforce needs. Applicants are expected to explain what is new or different about their approach and why it is likely to improve access and quality for underserved populations. Innovation is not limited to technology.

Do applicants have to choose specific program focus areas?

Yes. Applicants must select one or more of six focus areas that function as the program's allowable directions.

What are the six focus areas applicants can choose from?

The six focus areas described are:

• Integrating oral health and primary care delivery systems in underserved communities (including stronger medical-dental coordination and workflows)
• Supporting oral health providers practicing in advanced roles designed to expand access in underserved areas
• Using teledentistry as practice support to reach patients facing geographic or resource barriers
• Implementing community-based prevention programs such as water fluoridation and dental sealant initiatives
• Establishing or expanding oral health services and facilities in Dental HPSAs (including community-based dental sites, freestanding clinics, school-linked facilities, and mobile or portable clinics)
• Offering grants or low-interest/no-interest loans to dentists who participate in Medicaid to increase capacity (such as purchasing equipment or offsetting overhead to extend hours and see more patients)

What does "integrating oral health and primary care" mean in this program?

The description frames integration as strengthening medical-dental coordination and workflows in underserved communities to improve how patients access and receive care across primary care and oral health settings.

What does the focus area about "advanced roles" refer to?

It refers to supporting oral health providers practicing in advanced roles specifically designed to expand access in underserved areas. The opportunity description emphasizes access expansion through workforce role design and practice approaches.

Is teledentistry allowed under this opportunity?

Yes. Using teledentistry as practice support is one of the six listed focus areas, aimed at reaching patients who face geographic or resource barriers.

Are prevention strategies like water fluoridation and sealants eligible activities?

Yes. Implementing community-based prevention programs is one of the focus areas, and examples provided include water fluoridation and dental sealant initiatives.

Can grant funds be used to establish or expand dental facilities in shortage areas?

Establishing or expanding oral health services and facilities in Dental HPSAs is explicitly included as a focus area. Examples listed include community-based dental sites, freestanding clinics, school-linked facilities, and mobile or portable clinics.

Does the opportunity allow support to dentists participating in Medicaid?

Yes. One focus area allows offering grants or low-interest/no-interest loans to dentists who participate in Medicaid to increase capacity, including examples like buying equipment or offsetting overhead to extend hours and see more patients.

When was this opportunity posted, and what was the application deadline?

The administrative details provided indicate the opportunity was posted and created on December 1, 2015, and the application deadline was February 16, 2016 (the original and current closing date are the same).

How many awards did HRSA anticipate making?

HRSA anticipated making about seven awards.

Is there a maximum award amount listed?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0. The description indicates this typically means the public summary does not specify a maximum amount in that particular field rather than implying there is no funding. Applicants are generally expected to consult the full notice for precise award ranges and budget guidance.

What should applicants do if the award ceiling field shows "0"?

Based on the information provided, the recommended interpretation is that the public summary may not specify the maximum award amount in that field. Applicants would generally need to consult the full notice to confirm award ranges and detailed budget guidance.