BILL NUMBER: S8401
SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to licensing requirements
for prospective dentists
 
PURPOSE:
To improve access to dental care for underprivileged communities and
reduce unnecessary delays in licensure by allowing residents in multi-
year CODA-accredited specialty programs to apply for licensure after
completing the first year and passing the ADEX exam. This policy was
adopted by the delegates of the New York State Dental Association
(NYSDA) at the 2025 House of Delegates as Resolution 10.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends subdivisions 3 and 4 of section 6604 of the Education
Law.
Section 2: Establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Current licensure law requires specialty residents to complete their
entire program before applying for a license, which causes financial
hardship and restricts access to care. The proposed change will reduce
economic strain, enable dental specialists to practice sooner, and
expand care to underserved populations, especially Medicaid recipients.
Residents in multi-year specialty programs can face licensing delays of
up to six months, during which they are unable to obtain Medicaid
credentialing and begin treating underprivileged populations in New
York. As a result, many are forced to take positions that do not involve
working with those most in need. This delay also creates inequities in
the job market, as residents who have already received a New York State
Dental License have an unfair advantage over those still finishing their
training, despite being equally qualified to provide care upon
completion of their program. New York already has a shortage of
specialists, especially in underprivileged areas. This bill will help
keep graduates in the state and allow them to apply for their first jobs
in the communities where they are most needed.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately