Albany, NY – With powerful support from the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA), Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D–New Rochelle) announced the passage of her bill, A.2341/S.3157, in both chambers of the New York State Legislature. The legislation allows Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) to practice without direct supervision under collaborative agreements with licensed dentists – needed reform that will improve access to care, especially in underserved communities.

“This issue was brought to us directly by the New York State Dental Association, which is highly unusual and deeply meaningful,” said Assemblywoman Paulin. “It speaks volumes that dentists themselves are advocating for this change – because they see the urgent need, and they know this is a safe and effective solution. With this legislation, we are giving New Yorkers more ways to access the care they need.”

The bill expands collaborative dental hygiene practice to a range of community-based and non- traditional settings, including schools, nursing homes, shelters, mental health clinics, and the homes of patients unable to travel. The change allows experienced hygienists to deliver preventive care without requiring a dentist to be physically present – so long as a collaborative agreement is in place.

This model is already the norm across the country. As of 2021, 42 states allow dental hygienists to provide care to some extent without direct supervision, and many – including Minnesota, Iowa, California, Maine, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona – have gone even further.

“This legislation brings us into alignment with what the vast majority of states already recognize: that dental hygienists are trained professionals capable of safely delivering care in community settings,” said Paulin. “We’re not breaking new ground – we’re catching up, and doing so responsibly.”

The need is urgent. Over 2.8 million New Yorkers live in areas officially designated as dental health professional shortage areas, and 41 of 44 such shortage areas in NYC fall in the lowest tier for hygienist availability. With so many communities struggling to access even basic preventive care, this legislation unlocks the capacity of an already-trained workforce.

“To ensure New Yorkers receive the dental care they need, regardless of financial resources, we must expand access to dental services. This bill empowers dental hygienists by broadening the range of services they can perform, giving New Yorkers more affordable options and freeing up dentists to perform more complicated services. This will be especially important in addressing gaps in dental care for kids and for people living in rural areas, among others,” said Senator Rachel May. “Thank you to Assemblymember Paulin for her focus on ensuring better dental care for all New Yorkers, and to all the advocates who helped this bill move forward.”

“This important legislation increases much-needed access to oral health care by enabling New York State dental hygienists to utilize their professional education and experience in providing preventive care in more and underserved settings in urban and rural areas throughout the state. NYDHA appreciates Assemblymember Paulin’s dedication to advancing access to oral health care for New Yorkers and advocating for this key legislation,” said New York Dental Hygienists’ Association President Marlyce James, MEd, RDH.

“This bill is a critical step forward in expanding access to dental care across New York, helping to ensure that more individuals and families, particularly those in underserved and rural communities, can receive the essential oral health services they need to live healthier lives,” said Dr. Maurice Edwards, President, NYS Dental Association. “Far too many New Yorkers suffer from preventable oral health issues simply because they can’t access a provider. Expanding where and how dental hygienists can practice will help dentists deliver more comprehensive care, improve long-term health outcomes and close equity gaps across our state.”

“This law will open up access to dental care for New Yorkers across the state, especially in rural areas. By allowing dental hygienists to practice -- examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide preventive care -- in the community, fewer people will be forced to endure the pain and health problems that come with untreated dental problems. This legislation puts dental hygienists in the places where they are needed most. Thank you to Assemblymember Paulin for her work to advance health equity for all New Yorkers,” said Kate Breslin, CEO, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy.

“This is a common-sense solution to a very real public health problem,” said Paulin. “I’m proud to have championed this bill with the support of both dentists and hygienists, and I look forward to the positive impact it will have across New York.”