Safety Net Dental Care Program

The Safety Net Dental Care Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Child and Family Health, and is designed to support access to essential dental services for underserved populations across the state. This continuation solicitation covers the 2027 budget period within a larger multi-year project timeline spanning 2026 through 2028. The program reflects a combined federal and state investment strategy, leveraging Maternal and Child Health Block Grant funding alongside state resources to address disparities in oral health care access, particularly among uninsured and low-income populations. The primary purpose of the program is to fund dental clinics that provide preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services to two key populations: maternal and child health clients, defined as children through age 21 and women up to age 45, and non-maternal populations including adult men and older women. Funding is structured around reimbursement-based deliverables, including per-encounter payments for clinical visits and specified reimbursement rates for denture services. The program emphasizes cost-effective care delivery and requires that services be provided to individuals who are uninsured, have incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and are charged reduced fees. Funding for the continuation period totals up to 665000 dollars, with a maximum award of 150000 dollars per agency and a minimum award threshold of 30000 dollars. Funds are distributed across multiple agencies, with up to six recipients supported through federal funding and up to six through state allocations. Clinics may apply for one or more deliverable categories but must adhere to restrictions such as limiting denture-related expenses to no more than 25 percent of the total request. Funds cannot be used for capital expenditures, lobbying, fundraising, or other unallowable costs as defined by federal and state regulations. Eligibility for this continuation opportunity is restricted to agencies that were funded under the 2026 Safety Net Dental Care Program. These include specific health departments, community organizations, and academic institutions identified in the solicitation. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with administrative requirements, including financial standing with the Ohio Department of Health, timely submission of required reports, and adherence to operational standards such as providing comprehensive care for a minimum number of hours per week and maintaining appropriate staffing levels. The application process is conducted entirely through the Ohio Department of Health’s Grants Management Information System. Applicants must submit a continuation application consisting of program updates, a detailed budget and justification, and multiple required attachments including progress reports, objectives, and verification documents. Submission of the application constitutes agreement with all applicable grant administration policies and procedures. Applicants must also complete compliance forms, maintain supplier registration, and meet federal reporting requirements. Applications for the 2027 continuation period are due by July 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and late or non-electronic submissions will not be accepted. Following submission, applications are evaluated based on prior performance, program effectiveness, budget clarity, and demonstrated commitment to serving underserved populations. Award decisions are contingent on funding availability, and recipients must be prepared to operate programs prior to reimbursement. The performance period runs from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with quarterly reporting and a final expenditure report due in early 2028. The program does not operate on a rolling basis but is part of a structured annual continuation cycle tied to performance and funding availability. Agencies must maintain compliance with reporting timelines, including quarterly program and expenditure reports and a final financial reconciliation. Contact for the program is provided through the Ohio Department of Health, with inquiries directed to program staff via email. This structured continuation funding opportunity ensures continuity of critical dental services while reinforcing accountability and measurable health outcomes.

Emphasize strong past performance reporting, accurate data alignment in objectives, and clear budget justification; demonstrate service to uninsured populations and operational efficiency