Proven. Effective. Ready for New York.
It's time to bring dental therapy to New York State.
Dental therapists are credentialed providers who work under the supervision of a dentist to provide care like fillings and exams. They have brought oral health care to hundreds of thousands of people in the United States who would have otherwise gone without it.
New York has an opportunity to expand oral health care access, and dental therapy is the key.
In 14 other states, dental therapists are delivering oral health care to hundreds of thousands of people who otherwise would not be able to receive it. Dental therapists are improving access to preventive and early dental care, as well as oral health education, resulting in fewer people needing more costly, invasive treatment.
Right now, New Yorkers don't have the option to see a dental therapist. Community leaders, consumer advocates, educators, dentists, dental hygienists, and public health champions are actively working to change that. Everyone should have the opportunity to receive basic oral health care, and we have a way to make that happen.
For New York, dental therapy adds new treatment capacity and directly addresses persistent provider shortages. That means more people getting the dental care they need, whether they live in The Bronx, Buffalo, Binghamton, or somewhere in between.
2.8 Million
New Yorkers live in areas with too few dental providers
Rural regions face the greatest challenges — some areas have over 80% of residents in high-need communities. Provider shortages are the leading driver of unmet oral health needs.
Learn About Dental Therapy →Founding Members
The New York Partnership for Dental Therapy is powered by a growing coalition of health care providers, community organizations, patient advocates, and public health champions committed to expanding access to oral health care.
The New York Partnership for Dental Therapy is committed to expanding access to oral health care across our state.
Get updates on our work, learn how to get involved, and be part of the movement to bring dental therapy to New York.
"Everyone should have the opportunity to receive basic oral health care, and we have a way to make that happen."