Bill > A05928

This bill creates a comprehensive legal framework for licensing and regulating dental therapists and advanced dental therapists in New York State, establishing a new category of dental professionals who can provide certain dental services under the supervision of licensed dentists. The bill defines two new professional roles: dental therapists and advanced dental therapists, who can perform a range of dental procedures from basic services like oral health education and teeth cleaning to more complex tasks such as cavity preparation, tooth restoration, and (for advanced dental therapists) limited extractions. These professionals must be licensed after meeting specific educational, examination, and professional requirements, including obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in dental therapy, passing an examination, and being at least 18 years old. They are required to work under a collaborative agreement with a licensed dentist, who can supervise up to five dental therapists, and are primarily intended to serve low-income, uninsured, and underserved populations in dental health professional shortage areas. The bill also mandates continuing education requirements, with practitioners needing to complete 24 hours of approved education every three years, and includes a provision for Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by these licensed dental therapists, thereby expanding access to dental care for underserved communities.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5928