What's happening
This bill amends the definition of dentistry by removing language limiting it to restoring and maintaining dental health.
Why it matters
Broadens the scope of dental practice. By removing the requirement that dental care be specifically for “restoring and maintaining dental health,” the bill enables dentists to provide a wider range of services, potentially including cosmetic or elective procedures that aren't strictly about health restoration.
Could impact insurance and regulatory standards. With a broader definition, dental services that may not be medically necessary could be more readily offered or advertised, potentially affecting what insurers cover and how dental practice is regulated.
May influence patient access and expectations. Patients might see expanded offerings from dentists, including more aesthetic or non-traditional treatments, which could shift public perception of what dental care encompasses and raise questions about the boundaries between medical necessity and elective procedures.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Update Dentistry Definition Law
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
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.
Update Dentistry Definition
In Senate Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Andrew Gounardes
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7785
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
May 21, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ABBATE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to the 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.
LBD08991-01-9
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.