A 3244 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to requirements for licensure as a dentist

This bill creates a new pathway for foreign-trained dentists to obtain a New York license. It allows dentists licensed outside the U.S. (who can't qualify for licensure by endorsement) to receive a limited permit to practice under supervision in federally qualified health centers serving underserved populations, provided they have at least five years of dental experience. After completing five years of practice under this limited permit, they may apply for full licensure. The permit is valid for one year (renewable annually during a residency or preceptorship) and requires passing a competency exam. This directly affects international dentists seeking to practice in New York, particularly in areas with dental health shortages.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2025 Last action May 18, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

A3244B A3244C · 4 edits
MODERATE
This bill significantly expands access for foreign-trained dentists by creating a new pathway for them to work in underserved rural areas. It replaces the previous requirement for these dentists to work in 'federally qualified health care facilities' with a broader scope that includes 'look-alike health centers' and explicitly designates the locations as rural or shortage areas. The bill also clarifies the definition of a 'foreign-trained dentist' to ensure they meet specific educational and competency standards before applying.
Scope change
The bill broadens the eligible workplace locations from only federally qualified health care facilities to include look-alike health centers and explicitly targets rural or partially-rural designated federal dental health professions shortage areas.
DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'foreign trained dentist,' 'licensed preceptor dentist,' and 'look-alike health center' to clarify eligibility and facility requirements.

ELIGIBILITY

The eligibility criteria for the limited permit were updated to require a 'bona fide offer of a position' in a qualified facility, ensuring employment is secured before the permit is issued.

REQUIREMENT

The pathway to full licensure was modified to require seven years of practice instead of five, with specific credit given for approved residency programs.

SCOPE

The geographic and facility scope was expanded to include look-alike health centers and explicitly cover rural or shortage areas, increasing the number of potential workplaces.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
6
Committee
2
Amendments
6
May 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 3244C
lower
May 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 3244B
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
Apr 7, 2025
Lower · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 3244A
lower
Apr 7, 2025
Lower · Passed
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
lower
1 primary · 19 co-sponsors

Sponsors