NEW YORK (WABC)– New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed key legislation expanding access to fluoride treatments for pediatric dental patients.

Under the legislation, more licensed dental assistants and registered nurses will be allowed to apply topical fluoride varnish to a patient’s teeth.

Officials say fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay and are an important part of pediatric dental health.

“Fluoride is scientifically proven to prevent cavities and protect our children’s teeth,” Hochul said. “As a mother, I know how difficult it can be to get a dental appointment and how essential it is for our children to maintain good oral hygiene. That’s why I’m signing this bill to expand access to fluoride treatments, keeping our children healthy and strong. »

The new legislation comes after President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

The department oversees major health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare. and Medicaid services, among others.

The former presidential candidate is an anti-vaccine activist who founded Children’s Health Defense, a prominent anti-vaccine nonprofit that has campaigned against vaccination and other public health measures like human fluoridation. ‘water.

Specifically, Kennedy is pushing to end the practice of adding small amounts of fluoride to Americans’ drinking water. Kennedy says fluoride, recommended for drinking water in the United States since 1962, is linked to low IQ and bone density problems.

The studies Kennedy is referring to, however, are preliminary and have only looked at high levels of fluoride exposure, not the low levels currently recommended.

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