New York Bill Aims to Expand Dental Hygienists’ Independence Through Collaborative Practice
The New York legislature has sent a bill to the governor that, if signed, would allow dental hygienists to work without direct supervision under a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed dentist. The proposed legislation could greatly improve access to preventive oral care in underserved communities across the state.
Bill S 3157 proposes a transformative shift in how dental hygienists may deliver care in the state of New York. Currently on Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk awaiting signature, the legislation would allow dental hygienists to provide services without direct supervision, so long as they work within a formal collaborative practice agreement with a licensed dentist.
This change would permit dental hygienists to perform all services currently allowed under general supervision, such as prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, radiographs, and patient education, without requiring a prior evaluation by a dentist. Collaborative care could take place in designated public health settings including schools, veterans’ facilities, long-term care homes, domestic violence shelters, and mobile outreach units.
To qualify, dental hygienists would need a minimum of 3 years of practice and 4,500 hours of experience, as well as completion of an 8-hour continuing education course covering emergency procedures, ethics, and jurisprudence. Each dental hygienist could hold only one collaborative agreement at a time, and each dentist could supervise up to six hygienists, though that cap could be waived in public health settings.
The bill includes safeguards, such as mandatory written patient disclosures and referral protocols to ensure continuity of care. Annual reviews of collaborative agreements would also be required. If enacted, the law would take effect 18 months after passage, giving time for regulatory updates and professional readiness. Click here to read more.
