Effective October 1, 2020 fluoride varnish application has been expanded to include Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants (previously was only reimbursable when applied by physicians and nurse practitioners).
The primary care setting is an ideal location to address Early Childhood Caries (ECC), the most preventable, chronic, childhood disease, since young children tend to see their primary care providers far more often than dentists.
Providers that are applying fluoride should be trained and competent. Training resources can be accessed through the New York State Department of Health’s website at https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/dental/child_oral_health_fluoride_varnish_for_hcp.htm
As a reminder, fluoride varnish is reimbursable under CPT code 99188 for children from birth to seven years of age. There is a limit to $30/application with a maximum of 4 annual applications per year, once every three months.