What's happening
This bill broadens the definition of dentistry by removing the requirement that dental care must relate specifically to restoring and maintaining dental health.
Why it matters
Expands what dental professionals can legally do. By removing the requirement that dental care must specifically restore or maintain dental health, dentists could potentially offer a broader range of services, including cosmetic or elective procedures that may not be directly related to health.
Could impact patient safety and oversight. With a wider scope of practice, there may be concerns about ensuring that all procedures offered by dentists are safe and appropriately regulated, as some treatments might fall outside traditional health-focused dentistry.
May affect insurance coverage. Dental insurance policies often distinguish between medically necessary and elective procedures. This change could influence what procedures are covered or how claims are evaluated.
Opens the door for innovation and new services. Dentists could introduce new treatments, technologies, or services that cater to patient demand beyond traditional dental health, potentially increasing patient choice and access to novel care options.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Update Dentistry Definition
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to higher education
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Broaden Dentistry Definition
In Senate Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Martin J. Golden
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4543
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 2, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. MORELLE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to the definition of practice of dentistry
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 6601 of the education law, as amended by chapter 576 of the laws of 2001, is amended to read as follows:
§ 6601. Definition of practice of dentistry. The practice of the profession of dentistry is defined as diagnosing, treating, operating, or prescribing for any disease, pain, injury, deformity, or physical condition of the oral and maxillofacial area [related to restoring and maintaining dental health]. The practice of dentistry includes the prescribing and fabrication of dental prostheses and appliances. The practice of dentistry may include performing physical evaluations in conjunction with the provision of dental treatment.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09465-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.