Governor Hochul announces $10 million to expand dental care access for children

ALBANY, NY- New York State is announcing a total of $10 million that has been allocated to help expand dental care access to children statewide, according to an announcement from the Governor’s office.

“With this investment, we are meeting children where they are to provide dental services and set them on the path for a healthy life,” Governor Hochul said.

“Practicing good oral hygiene, including routine brushing twice daily and flossing, and having access to preventive oral health care can prevent or reduce tooth decay in children and positively affect their overall health,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

Specifically, Governor Hochul says this funding has been designated to enhance dental care services at school-based health centers.

School-based health centers deliver free comprehensive primary and preventive health care to children in low-income and high-risk communities and utilize interdisciplinary care teams composed of nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, social workers, and other allied professionals.

The program includes dental services offering preventive and restorative oral health care — including screenings, sealants, and treatments — delivered directly within schools through:

• Fixed sites located inside school buildings.
• Mobile dental clinics brought onto school property.
• Portable dental setups in designated spaces within schools.

This funding will:

• Support dental service delivery, especially for students lacking access to regular oral care;
• Offset costs that are not covered by insurance and would have otherwise been billed to the patient or their caregivers;
• Cover staffing costs such as dental hygienist salaries;
• Fund the purchase of equipment and supplies necessary for dental operations;
• Expand service capacity and reduce cost barriers in underserved communities; and
• Foster health equity by improving access for students in low-resource settings.

Funding will be distributed to 33 school-based health centers across the state over five years. To ensure transparency, accountability, and statewide evaluation efforts around oral health access, operators who accept the funds will be required to:

• Report on service delivery metrics, including those tied to dental service expansion;
• Submit documentation related to program impact, reach, and operational outputs; and
• Track and share outcomes related to sealants, screenings, and treatments delivered because of this funding.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.