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 nonprofit organizations incorporated in Kentucky with demonstrated capacity and authority to operate mobile dental units and deliver direct dental services in rural communities. Eligible entities include colleges, universities, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and other nonprofits with relevant experience. Applicants must have appropriate licensure/registration and be able to provide definitive dental care, collaborate with community partners, and participate in state reporting requirements.
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, including: 1) One-page cover sheet (organization name, project title, primary contact info, legal status); 2) Narrative (≤20 pages) detailing experience, service model, service sites, volume, engagement plan, staffing, challenges and mitigation, evaluation and sustainability plan, timeline/milestones for Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027; 3) Supporting documents not in page count: proof of ability to operate mobile dental units, resumes/position descriptions, proof of licensure/registration, letters of support/partnership from service sites or organizations, budget for FY27 using 'Attachment A'.
Required attachments
Cover Sheet
Narrative (≤20 pages)
Description/inventory of mobile dental units
Resumes/position descriptions for key staff
Proof of licensure/registration
Letters of support from community sites/partners
Budget for FY27 using 'Attachment A'
Submission Instructions
Submit complete application packet by email to john.landis@ky.gov by June 12, 2026. Late submissions are not guaranteed consideration.
Source Documents
Primary: 1Supporting: 12
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Application Prep
Application #: Not specified
Reference: Not specified
Program: CMS Rural Health Transformation Program (Assistance Listing 93.798)
Match: None (100% federally funded by CMS/HHS)
Performance: 10/01/2026 – 09/30/2027 (BP1); RHTP grant period FY2026–FY2030
Key Dates:
RFA Released: 05/11/2026
Information Session: 05/21/2026
Office Hours: 05/29/2026
Applications Due: 06/12/2026
Award Notification: 09/01/2026
Funding Period Start: 10/01/2026
Review Criteria:
Organizational experience providing mobile/community-based dental care
Readiness to deploy and operationalize within BP1
Deployment timeline feasibility
Use of innovative technology
Rural geographic reach
Plan for priority populations
Service volume and ROI
Community engagement strategy
Detail of milestones
Budget reasonableness (Attachment A)
Compliance with licensure and program requirements