Kathy Hochul is directing $10 million toward expanding dental care for children at school-based health centers across New York, aiming to improve access to preventive services and boost overall oral health outcomes for students.
The funding, announced by the New York State Department of Health, will help schools provide on-site dental care, especially in low-income and high-risk communities where families may struggle to find or afford regular treatment.
The Governor said the investment is part of her broader children’s health agenda, focused on making sure kids can get care where they already spend most of their day — at school.
State Health Commissioner James McDonald said good oral health plays a key role in a child’s overall well-being and that early preventive care can reduce tooth decay and long-term health problems.
School-based health centers provide free primary and preventive services using teams that can include nurses, doctors, dentists, hygienists, and social workers. Dental services funded through the program will include screenings, sealants, and basic treatments.
Care will be delivered in several ways: permanent dental offices inside schools, mobile dental clinics brought onto campus, and portable dental setups that can be used in designated spaces.
Officials say the money will help cover staffing costs, equipment, supplies, and services not fully covered by insurance. It’s also intended to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families and expand care in underserved areas.
The funding will be distributed over five years to 33 school-based health centers statewide. Participating centers will be required to track and report service numbers and outcomes, including the number of screenings, sealants, and treatments provided.
