Apr 27, 2026
Message from the NYSDA Council on Dental Practice Representative
Dr. Michael K. Keating
It is my privilege to represent 7th District Dental Society on the Council on Dental Practice at the New York State Dental Association. Recently, the Council on Dental Practice has been quite active as there have been some issues discussed which are important to our everyday practice. I was chosen to chair a subcommittee that is a result of a Resolution that was passed at the House of Delegates in May 2025 in Long Island. The subcommittee asks for a position from the Council regarding the dentist and dental hygiene compact. The dentist and dental hygiene compact is something that is gaining traction nationwide and allows dentists to obtain a compact license in another state so that they may practice in their home state but also have a compact license in another state as well. This concept, originally, generated from military families moving and our Council is in support of it. Unfortunately, it probably will not pass in New York State due to the PGY 1 requirement. Please reach out to me if you would like more information.
The most important thing I would like to pass along is the passing of the virtual credit card legislation. Although this came from Council on Dental Benefit programs, it was discussed at length in the Council on Dental Practice as well. 180 days from the signing of this legislation, it would be illegal for insurance companies to force virtual credit cards on a dental practice. The most important thing to look out for is that insurance companies such as Delta Dental for example will be sending out letters to you asking you to make a choice as to how you would like to be paid. If you do not respond within 30 days, they will make the choice for you. You have a choice of receiving a paper check, receiving an electronic funds transfer, or receiving a virtual credit card. Make sure you keep an eye out for these letters from the different dental benefit companies.
Be sure to update your office HIPAA forms as well. There is a new section pertaining to confidentiality for patients who have received substance use disorder treatment. The ADA website has an example of this updated HIPAA form that can be adapted to your office.
There are some other items coming out which I would keep you apprised of as they cross my desk, such as new anesthesia guidelines from the state education department. Once again, I thank you for trusting me with this position.