S3243A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Cooney to expand dental care access through a five-year demonstration program in Monroe County. The bill, Senate Print 3243A, passed on a 59-0 roll call vote. The measure amends the Social Services Law to reimburse diagnostic services using the Smart Teeth app to identify tooth decay, with potential for statewide expansion if successful. Sen. Cooney noted that approximately one-third of Americans avoid dental care due to access barriers, with particularly acute shortages in low-income communities where few providers accept Medicaid. He cited research showing that children receiving dental care perform better in school and that the University of Rochester has made equitable dental access a priority. The bill takes effect immediately.