Children’s oral health in New York took a significant leap forward as Governor Kathy Hochul enacted a new law to expand access to fluoride treatments, a key preventive measure against tooth decay. In response to challenges in accessing dental care, the legislation allows dental assistants and licensed practical nurses to apply topical fluoride treatments to children’s teeth, ensuring more efficient dental services. Gov. Hochul, underscoring the importance of the initiative, stated, “Fluoride is scientifically proven to prevent cavities and protect our kids’ teeth,” according to a report byPatch.
This move by the state government is particularly timely considering national developments, as President-elect Donald Trump s upcoming administration hinted at potentially limiting fluoride access. The incoming head nominee for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is a known skeptic of fluoride use in public drinking water. Such federal skepticism reignites the anti-fluoride movement and, creates uncertainty regarding the future of fluoride in public health measures, asCrain’s New Yorkreported. The new legislation, effective immediately, steers the state in the opposing direction from these federal signals, ensuring children in New York maintain access to fluoride treatments necessary for their dental health.
Fluoride treatments are an integral part of dental health care by minimizing the risk of cavities a service that has, until now, been generally administered by medical dentists, pediatricians, and dental hygienists. The recently signed law, referred to as Legislation S.9308A/A.7402B, widens the scope of licensed professionals qualified to provide this treatment, according to theCrain’s New Yorkcoverage. This adjustment addresses long waiting lists and seeks to improve pediatric dental health facilities statewide.
NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald expressed support for the legislation, emphasizing the impact of oral health on overall wellness. “This legislation, allowing additional licensed professionals to apply the fluoride, will make accessing these treatments easier than ever,” he said, as noted byPatch. New York has been adding fluoride to its drinking water since the 1960s, benefiting an estimated 13 million residents. With the public health achievement of water fluoridation on one side, and the newly passed law on the other, New York solidifies its commitment to the dental well-being of its youngest denizens.
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