Bill > S03157

This bill amends the New York education law to expand the practice capabilities of registered dental hygienists by creating a new "collaborative practice" designation that allows them to provide dental services with more autonomy. Under this new framework, a registered dental hygienist can work without direct supervision but in collaboration with a licensed dentist through a written collaborative practice agreement. The bill establishes specific requirements for these agreements, including annual reviews, considerations for patient medical conditions, and 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 collaborative practice is authorized in various settings such as hospitals, schools, health centers, long-term care facilities, group homes, and other community settings. The bill also limits each dental hygienist to one collaborative agreement with a dentist, and each dentist to collaborative agreements with up to six dental hygienists, with potential exceptions for public health settings. Importantly, dental hygienists must provide patients with a written statement clarifying that their services do not replace a comprehensive dental examination by a licensed dentist. The bill will take effect 18 months after becoming law, allowing time for implementation and regulatory development.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3157