This competitive RFA, part of Kentucky's Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access initiative under the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), provides federal funds for nonprofit organizations to deliver full-spectrum definitive mobile dental care in rural, high-need Kentucky communities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate capacity, experience, and authority to operate mobile dental units and deliver restorative and prosthodontic oral health care. Services must include diagnostic, restorative, exodontia, and prosthodontic care, with strong community partnerships, clinical oversight, and participation in required reporting. The opportunity prioritizes readiness to deploy funds during budget period 1 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027). Continuation funding in subsequent years requires achievement of performance metrics subject to CMS and state guidance.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations incorporated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with demonstrated capacity, experience, and authority to operate mobile dental units and deliver direct dental services in rural Kentucky communities. Eligible entities include, but are not limited to: colleges and universities, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), and other non-profit organizations with experience operating mobile dental units. Applicants must have appropriate licensure/registration and be able to provide definitive dental care, collaborate with community partners, and participate in required data reporting as specified by Kentucky DPH.
Nonprofit organizationsColleges and universitiesFederally Qualified Health CentersRural Health ClinicsOther nonprofit organizations with mobile dental experience
Requirements Checklist
Applicants must submit a clearly labeled application packet via email to john.landis@ky.gov by June 12, 2026, including: 1) Cover sheet (organization name, project title, contact info, and legal status); 2) Narrative (maximum 20 pages) with: a) organization experience; b) description of proposed mobile dental service model; c) clinical services, anticipated service volume, and geographic reach; d) community engagement and coordination plan; e) staffing and operations; f) identification of implementation challenges and mitigation strategies; g) evaluation plan; h) sustainability plan; i) timeline and milestones for Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027. 3) Supporting documents (not in page count): proof of ability to operate mobile dental units (e.g., description/inventory), resumes or position descriptions for key staff, proof of licensure/registration, letters of support/partnership from proposed service sites/organizations, and FY27 budget using Attachment A.