SN26 Safety Net Dental Care Program

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, is accepting applications for the Safety Net Dental Care Program for Fiscal Year 2026. This competitive grant program is designed to support efficient and financially sound dental clinics that provide comprehensive and emergency dental care to uninsured Ohioans with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Funding is intended to offset costs associated with providing uncompensated care and to address disparities in oral health outcomes across different demographic groups. The program particularly targets high-risk populations, including individuals with disabilities, low-income individuals, minorities, and those living in geographically isolated areas. The grant aims to enhance access to dental services for both the maternal and child health (MCH) population—defined as children up to age 21 and women of childbearing age up to age 45—and the non-MCH population, which includes females aged 45 and over and males aged 22 and older. Eligible applicants may apply for funding to support one or both of these populations. Funding may be used for preventive and restorative services, and up to 25% of the total funding request may be allocated for dentures. Clinics may charge a maximum copay of $40 per encounter for services funded by this grant, although this does not apply to denture services. A total of $665,000 is available through this opportunity, with a maximum individual award of $150,000 and a minimum of $30,000. Up to $365,000 in federal funding is allocated for services provided to the MCH population and up to $300,000 in state funding is available for non-MCH services. Reimbursement for dental services is set at $125 per encounter. Denture services are reimbursed at standardized rates depending on the type provided. Agencies may apply for four deliverable objectives: dental encounters and denture services for each population group. The funding period runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with a total performance project period through December 31, 2028. Continuation funding will depend on fund availability. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as nonprofits, higher education institutions, hospitals, county and city agencies, and local schools. Out-of-state applicants must meet several criteria, including maintaining an office in Ohio and registering with the Ohio Secretary of State. Programs that serve high-need geographic areas such as dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or Appalachian regions will be given priority. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Grants Management Information System Portal (GMISPP) by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025. Applications must include multiple required components such as a program narrative, budget justification, staffing plans, proof of licensure, and letters of support. A bidders’ conference will be held virtually on July 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Attendance is optional but encouraged. The program will be evaluated based on its workplan, alignment with objectives, budget alignment, and capacity to meet programmatic and financial stewardship requirements. Evaluation criteria also include a commitment to reducing oral health disparities and serving underserved communities. All successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award via GMISPP. Applicants must adhere to reporting requirements throughout the grant period, including program and expenditure reports submitted on a quarterly basis. A final expenditure report must be submitted by February 5, 2027. Questions regarding this opportunity should be directed to Mona Taylor, Oral Health Access Program Coordinator, via email at mona.taylor@odh.ohio.gov or by phone at (614) 728-9236.