Albany, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a pivotal piece of legislation designed to enhance access to fluoride treatments for children in New York, marking a significant step toward improving pediatric dental health statewide.
The new law allows registered dental assistants and licensed practical nurses to apply topical fluoride varnish to children’s teeth, a procedure previously restricted to dentists and dental hygienists. This expansion aims to make fluoride treatments more widely available and efficient, particularly for underserved communities.
The bill, championed by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes from Buffalo, reflects the state’s commitment to preventive dental care. “Fluoride is scientifically proven to prevent cavities and protect our kids’ teeth,” said Governor Hochul in a statement.
Peoples-Stokes emphasized the importance of this legislation in promoting overall health: “Good dental health is a critical component of overall health, and I will continue to explore ways to ensure as many children as possible receive dental fluoride treatments.”
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, sponsor of the Senate’s version of the bill, highlighted its potential to bridge healthcare gaps. “Dental disease should never stand in the way of a child’s health or success. This legislation ensures more children receive the preventive care they need, regardless of their circumstances,” Fernandez said.
The law also aims to address long-standing disparities in dental care by increasing the number of professionals authorized to provide fluoride treatments. These preventive measures are particularly impactful for children in underserved areas, where access to dental care has historically been limited.
Before the new legislation, dental assistants and licensed practical nurses were permitted to perform tasks such as pre-fitting crowns and orthodontic bands, taking teeth impressions, and removing orthodontic archwires. The expanded scope now includes the ability to administer fluoride varnish, a crucial preventive treatment to combat cavities in young patients.
This initiative complements other recent efforts to improve dental health in New York, including the reintroduction of fluoride into Buffalo’s drinking water after a nine-year hiatus. Together, these measures underscore the state’s focus on integrating preventive care into broader public health strategies.
Governor Hochul’s approval of this legislation is a meaningful step toward breaking down barriers to dental care and ensuring that more children in New York have access to the resources needed for a healthy smile.
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