US IHS News

IHS Ending Mercury Dental Fillings by 2027

The Indian Health Service announced it will end the use of mercury-containing dental amalgam in its facilities by 2027, transitioning to mercury-free restorative materials across IHS and tribal dental programs. Since 2007, IHS has reduced amalgam use, particularly among high-risk populations such as pregnant women and children under six. The agency will update its policies, invest in training, and strengthen prevention efforts to decrease the need for restorative dental care. For affected parties, the transition will require updating clinical policies, training dental staff on alternative materials, and investing in new clinical infrastructure. This aligns with FDA guidance recommending non-mercury materials for certain populations, including pregnant women, children under six, and individuals with neurological or kidney conditions, which may have implications for IHS and tribal dental programs.

Indian Health Service Directs $700 Million in Infrastructure Funds to Tribal Water Projects

The Indian Health Service announced FY 2026 allocations of $700 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support drinking water and sanitation projects across Indian Country. The funding represents the fifth year of IIJA appropriations, which provides $3.5 billion to IHS between FY 2022 and FY 2026 for critical Tribal water infrastructure including drinking water sources, sewage systems, and solid waste disposal facilities. The allocations follow Tribal leaders' recommendations to prioritize projects that have completed planning and are ready to move directly into design and construction.

Largest Hiring Effort in Agency History

The Indian Health Service announced on January 29, 2026, the launch of the largest hiring initiative in the agency's history, aimed at addressing a near-30 percent vacancy rate across the agency. The initiative seeks to fill positions spanning clinical roles (physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, behavioral health professionals), public health, environmental health, health administration, information technology, and essential support services throughout IHS facilities. The agency is placing emphasis on recruiting early-career professionals and veterans, appealing to tribal communities and partners to help amplify outreach, particularly through tribal colleges and universities.