Advocating for the dental hygiene profession
Advocating for opportunity for NYS RDHs to maximize the education and experience of dental hygienists
Advocating for access to oral health care by all New Yorkers
NYDHA 2026 LEGISLATIVE ACTION AGENDA
Priority legislation: NYDHA advocates for legislation for RDHs to perform block anesthesia - see NYDHA position statement.
NYDHA also supports dental therapy and interstate licensure compacts
Dental hygienists are highly educated, licensed health care professionals who complete rigorous, CODA-accredited programs designed to ensure clinical competence, patient safety and evidenced-based care. Replacing formal education with informal training places the public at risk and devalues the profession. We oppose proposals to diminish this training and care.
NYDHA 2025 legislative action agenda
Priority legislation: NYDHA advocates for legislation to expand collaborative practice for RDHs, including additional practice settings. Passed by Assembly and Senates June 2025 and signed into law by Governor December 2025 - See NYDHA position statement and NYDHA FAQ
Collaborative Practice Law - Advocacy in Action
Successful achievement of improved oral health for New York residents will require multiple solutions. Legislation to provide for dental hygienists to have collaborative practice agreements with dentists is a key part of NYDHA’s agenda and has resulted in legislation signed into law:
(1) In 2013 to enable RDH working in an NYS Public Health Article 28 facility to have collaborative practice agreement with an Article 28-affiliated dentist. Resources: Education Law Sections 6606 and 6608 and regulations effective 2015. Read Q&A; NYDHA Article 28 collaborative practice toolkit - learn more here.
(2) In 2025 to expand to other settings beyond Article 28 facilities and beyond Article 28-affiliated dentists. Effective 18 months after enactment. Read FAQ. Watch for updates and more resources
ADDITIONAL NYS PUBLIC POLICY SUCCESSES
NYDHA’s advocacy initiatives have achieved milestones for the practice of the dental hygiene profession in recent years.
- Read more about the milestones (click on this link to enlarge the graphic at right)