May 28, 2025
The New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) is celebrating a key workforce development win as dental hygiene programs have officially been added to the new SUNY Reconnect initiative, a move expected to ease the growing shortage of dental hygienists across New York State.
“Our organization worked long and hard to make sure SUNY’s six community college dental hygiene programs were included as part of Reconnect,” said NYSDA President Dr. Prabha Krishnan. “More hygienists on the dental team will help extend dental access to more patients who need care, including those in underserved areas.”
What Is SUNY Reconnect?
SUNY Reconnect, announced last week by the State University of New York, is a tuition assistance program aimed at adults aged 25–55 who do not currently hold a college degree. The program covers tuition and other costs at SUNY community colleges for eligible students who pursue degrees in fields where the state has identified a workforce need including dental hygiene.
The program was supported by NYSDA and funded through the New York State Budget, marking a major legislative step forward in making higher education more affordable while addressing healthcare workforce gaps.
Why Dental Hygiene Matters
The inclusion of dental hygiene programs is expected to significantly improve access to oral healthcare across the state, especially in underserved and rural communities.
“By including dental hygiene programs in SUNY Reconnect, we will go a long way to extending the dental network to help treat our rural residents, as well as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income communities,” Dr. Krishnan said. “These populations often face significant barriers to accessing dental care.”
Where to Enroll
SUNY offers six dental hygiene programs at the following community colleges:
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Erie Community College
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Farmingdale State College
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Hudson Valley Community College
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Monroe Community College
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Orange County Community College
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SUNY Broome Community College
Eligible adults can begin applying now for enrollment as early as Fall 2025.