Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation to expand access to critical public health resources.
ALBANY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Saturday that aims to provide greater access to fluoride treatments for pediatric dental patients.
The new legislation allows registered dental assistants and licensed practical nurses to apply topical fluoride varnish to teeth, which was previously not the case.
The law was sponsored by City of Buffalo Assemblymember and Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
“Fluoride is scientifically proven to prevent cavities and protect our kids’ teeth,” Hochul said in a press release posted to the Governor’s Office website.
Peoples-Stokes was quoted in the same release as saying: “Good dental health is a critical component of overall health and I will continue to explore ways to ensure as many children as possible receive dental fluoride treatments.”
More licensed professionals will be allowed to provide fluoride treatments in dental offices with the goal …