S6759

The New York State Senate passed legislation expanding access to preventative dental care for children, with the bill winning overwhelming approval on a 54-2 vote. Senate Print 6759, sponsored by Sen. Fernandez, allows parents and legal guardians to apply fluoride varnish to their children's teeth under the direction of a licensed practitioner. Fernandez characterized tooth decay as a "hidden epidemic" among children, noting it often goes unnoticed until pain becomes severe or interferes with a child's ability to sleep, eat, and focus in school. She argued that fluoride varnish is safe, effective, and takes less than two minutes to apply, but access remains uneven for families facing barriers such as transportation difficulties, time off work, or limited provider availability. The legislation aims to remove these hurdles while maintaining professional clinical oversight. Only Sens. Griffo and Weik voted against the measure. The bill takes effect immediately.