# Rooted in Health: Establish or Expand Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs

This RFA, part of the RHTP, invites non-profit Kentucky-based educational institutions to apply for funding to establish or expand CODA-accredited dental hygiene training programs. The goal is to strengthen the rural dental hygienist workforce pipeline, reduce preventable oral disease, and improve oral health outcomes among underserved rural populations in Kentucky. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with priority given to those prepared to expend at least 50% of funds in the first funding period. Request for Applications for the state RHTP. Submission portal: https://ruralhealthplan.ky.gov. Total funding available: $9,900,000.

## Key facts

- Status: Archived
- Type: RFA
- Issued by: Kentucky Department for Public Health (Kentucky)
- Posted: 2026-04-20
- Application due: 2026-05-29
- Funding: $9.9M
- Eligible applicants: Non-profit, College, University, Community College, Technical College, Academic Institutions
- How to apply: Email to pam.stein@ky.gov
- Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS)
- Official source: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oas/Documents/Request%20for%20Application%20%28RFA%29%20Rural%20Health%20Transformation%20Program%20Funding%20Opportunity%20to%20Establish%20or%20Expand%20Accredited%20Dental%20Hy.pdf

## Eligibility

Eligible applicants are non-profit, Kentucky-based educational institutions that demonstrate the capacity and authority to educate, train, and supervise dental hygiene students in accordance with CODA standards. Institutions may include public or private colleges and universities, community and technical colleges, and other non-profit academic institutions or consortia authorized to host CODA-accredited dental hygiene programs.

## Requirements

Submit a one-page cover sheet with program and contact information Submit an application narrative (max 25 pages) addressing program intent, methodology, partnerships, barriers, evaluation and sustainability plans, and implementation timeline Include supporting documentation: letters of support, rural community engagement documentation, and required budget template Projects must adhere to CODA accreditation standards and expend at least 50% of start-up costs by September 30, 2027 Budgets must comply with CMS guidance; indirect and total administrative costs capped at 10%

## Required attachments

- Project Narrative (max 25 pages)
- One-page cover sheet
- Letters of support from institutional leadership
- Documentation of rural community engagement
- Budget using provided template (Attachment A)

## Application package and source documents

- [KY - 2026 - Request for Application (RFA): RHTP Funding Opportunity to Establish or Expand Accredited Dental Hygiene Programs](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/8651e8d3-2d5e-4088-982b-b9070dd4177a/file) (primary) — official: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oas/Documents/Request%20for%20Application%20%28RFA%29%20Rural%20Health%20Transformation%20Program%20Funding%20Opportunity%20to%20Establish%20or%20Expand%20Accredited%20Dental%20Hy.pdf
- [KY - 2026 - RHTP Subrecipient (Attachment A - Budget Template)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/3b289d41-65f2-4975-8195-1dee0035dc37/file) — official: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/_layouts/download.aspx?SourceUrl=https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oas/Documents/Attachment%20A%20-%20KY%20RHTP%20Subrecipient%20Budget%20Template.xlsx
- [KY - 2026 - Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award (Attachment B - CMS Notice of Award)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/5ac0bb97-657e-4e9d-b4ed-dba33f2ea8e8/file) — official: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oas/Documents/Attachment%20B%20-%20CMS%20Notice%20of%20Award.pdf

More Kentucky RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ky (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/ky.md)

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Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/rooted-in-health-establish-or-expand-accredited-dental-hygiene-programs--a3244460ff — data as of 2026-06-06.
Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.