ALBANY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Saturday that aims to provide greater access to fluoride treatments for pediatric dental patients.
The new legislation allows registered dental assistants and licensed practical nurses to apply topical fluoride varnish to teeth, which was previously not the case.
The law was sponsored by City of Buffalo Assemblymember and Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
“Fluoride is scientifically proven to prevent cavities and protect our kids' teeth,” Hochul said in a press release posted to the Governor's Office website.
Peoples-Stokes was quoted in the same release as saying: "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."
More licensed professionals will be allowed to provide fluoride treatments in dental offices with the goal of increasing availability and efficiency.
Previously dental assistants and licensed practice nurses weren't authorized under state law to administer fluoride but were allowed to select and pre-fit provisional crowns and orthodontic bands, remove orthodontic archwires, take impressions of teeth, and several other procedures.
“Dental disease should never stand in the way of a child’s health or success. By expanding access to fluoride treatments, this legislation ensures more children can receive the preventive care they need, regardless of their circumstances," State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who sponsored the State Senate's version of the bill.
"This is a meaningful step toward breaking down barriers to care and addressing the disparities that have plagued underserved communities for far too long. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill and prioritizing the health of New York’s children.”
For more information on the legislation, you can visit the Governor's website or read the bill's text here.
