In an effort to address the limited dental coverage available to Medicaid beneficiaries in New York, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner has introduced a bill promoting the practice of dental therapy.
While children under Medicaid are guaranteed dental benefits in New York, adult coverage is determined by the state. Woerner’s proposal seeks to establish a new professional role—dental therapists—who would operate under the direct guidance of dentists.
Dental therapists, often deployed in underserved areas, provide evaluations, preventative care, minor surgeries, and restorative treatments. Such practitioners have seen success in states like Minnesota.
The Department of Health communicated its intent to enhance oral health services accessibility throughout the state.
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