Expands how applicants may qualify for a license to be a dentist

S 8401 amends New York's dental licensing requirements to expand qualifying pathways for applicants. It allows individuals to meet the "experience" requirement for licensure by completing a postdoctoral specialty dental residency program (at least one year) or the first year of a multi-year program, provided the program is CODA-accredited and includes a formal competency assessment. Applicants entering after their first year of such a program must also pass the CDCA-WREB-CITA-administered ADEX clinical exam. This change directly affects dental applicants seeking licensure by broadening acceptable training paths beyond traditional residency programs. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.