Bill > S06532

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for licensing and regulating dental therapists and advanced dental therapists in New York State. The bill creates two new professional categories within dental healthcare: dental therapists and advanced dental therapists, who can perform a range of dental services under the general or indirect supervision of a licensed dentist. These professionals must enter into collaborative agreements with dentists, specifying the scope of services they can provide, practice settings, and patient populations. Dental therapists and advanced dental therapists are primarily intended to serve low-income, uninsured, and underserved patients in areas with dental healthcare shortages. To become licensed, applicants must meet specific requirements, including education (a bachelor's or master's degree in dental therapy), passing an examination, being of good moral character, and paying required fees. The bill also mandates continuing education, requiring 24 hours of formal education during each three-year registration period. Additionally, the bill amends the social services law to include dental therapy services as a reimbursable service under Medicaid for enrolled providers, which aims to increase access to dental care for underserved populations. The new professional categories will be regulated by the New York State Education Department, with the commissioner authorized to develop specific regulations defining their practice scope and qualifications.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6532