Bill > A02341

This bill amends New York's education law to expand the practice authority of dental hygienists by introducing a new "collaborative practice" designation that allows them to provide certain dental services with less direct supervision from a dentist. Under this new framework, a registered dental hygienist can work in specific authorized settings like hospitals, schools, health centers, long-term care facilities, and other community settings without requiring immediate dentist supervision, provided they have a written collaborative practice agreement with a licensed dentist. The bill establishes detailed requirements for these collaborative agreements, including annual review, considerations for patient medical conditions, and specific practice protocols. Dental hygienists must have at least three years of professional experience (4,500 practice hours) and complete an eight-hour continuing education program to qualify. The agreement limits a dental hygienist to one collaborative agreement with a dentist, and a dentist can have collaborative agreements with up to six dental hygienists. The dental hygienist must also provide patients with a written statement clarifying that their services are not a substitute for a full dental examination. The bill aims to increase access to dental care by allowing qualified dental hygienists more autonomy in providing preventive and routine dental services in diverse community settings.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2341