Senate higher-education committee holds bill to create dental preceptorship pathway pending licensure clarifications

The New York State Senate Committee on Higher Education held Senate Bill 3966 on March 4, 2025, after members asked staff and sponsors to clarify how the bill’s preceptorship pathway compares with existing State Education Department licensure routes for out‑of‑state dentists.

The bill, introduced by Senator Stavisky, would authorize the Education Department to issue a limited permit allowing a dentist not licensed in New York to participate as a general practice dental preceptee under a licensed dentist’s supervision at a federally qualified health center or similar facility serving underserved populations. It also would create a pathway to New York licensure for dentists who complete the specified preceptorship period.

Sponsors and supporters said the measure is intended to increase access to dental care in underserved areas by creating a supervised practice pathway that can lead to licensure. A memo of support was recorded from the New York State Academic Dental Centers and the Community Healthcare Association of New York.

Committee members pressed for detail on how the bill’s pathway differs from existing endorsement or licensure options. One senator said the State Education Department currently allows some out‑of‑state dentists with work experience to apply for licensure through endorsement and questioned whether the bill would, in practice, require more years of experience than current rules. Committee staff acknowledged the point and the chair said the bill would be held until after the budget so sponsors and staff could reconcile statutory and regulatory differences.

Chair Toby Stobisky said the committee recognized the need for more dental providers in underserved areas but that ‘‘we will hold the bill so that if there are changes to be made, they’ll be made.’’

The committee did not report the bill to the floor at the March 4 session; members said they would revisit the measure after further review and possible amendments.

The action preserves time for sponsors and the State Education Department to align the bill text with existing licensure pathways and to address lawmakers’ concerns about any increased experience requirements.