Page 30 - Bulletin Vol 30 No 2 - May - Aug. 2025 FINAL_

News |

ADVOCACY| NYSDA 2025 Advocacy Events (Cont.)

4. HPV Vaccination - This bill amends the Education Law to allow licensed dentists to administer the HPV vaccine. It
would take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving time for implementation and training protocols. Benefits of
the Bill:
• Enhances Preventive Care

• HPV causes most oropharyngeal cancers. Dentists routinely screen for oral cancer and are a critical line of de-
fense.

• Boosts Access - Many patients, especially teens and young adults, see a dentist more frequently than a primary
care provider.
• Maximizes Training - Dentists are well-equipped to administer vaccines safely and already manage similar proce-
dures such as local anesthesia.
5. New York Medicaid Review - Modernize Medicaid Reimbursement Rates Ensuring that Medicaid dental reim-
bursement rates reflect the actual costs of delivering care is essential to maintaining a sustainable provider network.
Updating these rates can help encourage broader participation, particularly in underserved regions, and support
practices facing rising overhead costs. Address Regional Workforce Shortages Many counties, especially rural and
upstate areas, have low dentist-to-population ratios for Medicaid enrollees. Investing in workforce incentives, such
as loan repayment programs and expanded residency training in community settings, can help increase provider ca-
pacity in high-need areas. Support Equitable Utilization of Services. Other benefits:
• Expanded Coverage: As of 2024, Medicaid covers more root canals and crowns, particularly for medically neces-
sary situations and MLTC enrollees.

• Teledentistry & eConsults: New reimbursement for electronic consultations and teledental services began or is
scheduled to begin in 2025.

• Sedation Coverage - Reimbursement is available for nitrous oxide and conscious sedation for children and quali-
fying adults.

• Preventive Innovation: Silver diamine fluoride is now reimbursed for non-invasive caries management
6. Fluoride Treatments - Amend the New York State Education Law to permit a parent or legal guardian to apply top-
ical fluoride varnish to their child’s teeth. Requires that the application be done under the direction and supervision
of a licensed practitioner (e.g., dentist, dental hygienist) and requires that the supervising practitioner provide
written safety instructions to the parent or guardian.

7. Vaccine Administration - Would allow licensed dentists to administer influenza and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) vac-
cinations. Would also allow for the administering of other vaccinations during a declared public health emergen-
cy. Requires dentists to be authorized users of the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) and to
report administered vaccines accordingly. Benefits include:
• Increases Public Access - Dentists are highly trained healthcare professionals. This bill allows them to support
the state’s public health efforts, especially in underserved communities where dental offices are more accessible
than primary care.
• Strengthens Emergency Response - During health emergencies (like the COVID-19 pandemic), expanding the
pool of qualified vaccine providers helps relieve pressure on the healthcare system and speed up public immun-
ization campaigns.

• Modernizes the Dental Scope of Practice.

30| Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ www.nassaudental.org