Page 17 - Bulletin Vol 29 No 1 - Jan. - Apr. 2024 IN PROGRESS2

NEWS | NYSDA Advocacy Day - 2024

On March 19 & 20 NYSDA members from every component in New York State descended upon the Capital

in Albany to directly meet with our State Senators and Assembly Members on topics important to our
members, dentistry in general, and the public. Representing Nassau County were NCDS President and
Governmental Affairs Chair, Dr. Doug Schildhaus; Dr. Michael Shreck, our State ADPAC representative; and
Executive Director, Dr. Gene Porcelli. Discussions with Senators and Assembly Members involved several
topic, including current Bills for insurance reform: one creating a Medical Loss Ratio for dentistry of 82%
(i.e. 82% of all premium dollars must go to patient care), another would prevent insurance companies
from dictating fees on non-covered services. Increasing Medicaid dental reimbursements was also
discussed. A Bill expanding the Scope of Practice for dentists to include the ability to administer vaccines as
well as being able to administer Botox to all areas of the head and neck was discussed.; as was the need for
streamlining the licensure process and improving the portability of our licenses. Finally, several Bills
involving loan forgiveness for dentists were discussed, including opening up the “Doctors Across New York
State” program to include dentists. This would provide loan forgiveness for dentists practicing in under-
served areas in NYS, thus relieving some of their financial burden and improving access to care for the
people in these areas. Overall our requests were met with significant support. This is yet another example
of the importance of Organized Dentistry and the ways your membership helps to improve the profession
and your career.

Drs. Porcelli, Schildhaus, Assembly Member Darling, Walking the halls to the next meeting. Drs. Schildhaus, Porcelli, and Shreck
Drs. Krishnan, Edwards, Shreck, and Neary

The entire NYSDA contingent Young Dentists discuss the issues with Assembly Member Taylor
Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ (516) 227-1112 | 17