Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D–New Rochelle) announced that her bill expanding access to dental hygienists has been signed into law (Ch. 682 of 2025 and Ch. 23 of 2026). The legislation allows Registered Dental Hygienists to practice without direct supervision under collaborative agreements with licensed dentists. “This is a long-needed reform,” said Assemblywoman Paulin. “New York has dental care shortages throughout the state, and at the same time we have highly trained hygienists who are ready to take on more work. This law will expand access to care at a time when we really need it, which is now.”

Over 2.8 million New Yorkers live in areas officially designated as dental health professional shortage areas. With so many communities struggling to access even basic preventive care, this legislation unlocks the capacity of a highly trained workforce. New York now joins 42 states that allow dental hygienists to provide care to some extent without direct supervision.

“This issue was brought to us by the New York State Dental Association, which is highly unusual,” said Paulin. “It speaks volumes that dentists themselves advocated for this change. They saw the urgent need, and know this is a safe and effective solution.”

“Many New Yorkers, especially in rural areas, face challenges accessing dental care due to a shortage of providers. This law will now allow dental hygienists to work collaboratively with dentists to provide care without direct oversight. This will help increase access, especially for young patients and people in rural areas,” said State Senator Rachel May. “Thanks to Assemblymember Paulin for advocating for this bill and guiding it through the Assembly, and to Governor Hochul for signing it into law, ensuring improved dental care access for all New Yorkers.”

“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 Belangie Perez Torres, RDH.

Dr. Maurice Edwards, President, NYS Dental Association said, “The signing of the collaborative dental hygiene bill is a win for patients, public health, and the dental profession. By allowing dental hygienists to work more broadly under the guidance of an actively involved dentist, this law expands access to care while maintaining high standards. It’s a clear example of what organized dentistry can achieve when we work together.”

Kate Breslin, CEO, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy said, “This new law puts dental hygienists in the places where they are needed most and will benefit people who have long experienced significant problems accessing dental care – people with disabilities, elders, pregnant women, and children in foster care. The law expands access to dental care for New Yorkers across the state, including in rural areas where our research finds people are particularly underserved. By allowing dental hygienists to examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide preventive care within the community, fewer people will be forced to endure the pain and health challenges that come with untreated dental problems. Thank you to Assemblymember Paulin for her work to advance health equity for all New Yorkers.”

“I’m proud to have championed this legislation with the support of both hygienists and dentists, and look forward to the positive impact it will have across New York.” said Paulin. “I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the need to expand dental health access and signing this bill into law.”

This legislation was sponsored in the New York State Senate by State Senator Rachel May and goes into effect eighteen months after enactment.