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Dental Tribune U.S. Edition

HYGIENE TRIBUNE The World’s Dental Hygiene Newspaper ·U.S. Edition OCTOBER 2014 — Vol. 7, No. 5 www.dental-tribune.com The American Dental Hygienists’ Asso- ciation (ADHA) continues to advocate for the development and implementation of new oral health-care workforce models that will benefit the public and improve its oral and overall health. Dental hygienists, with their formal ed- ucation and the licensure requirements necessary in each state to provide care, are well prepared to assist in preventing oral health diseases, according to ADHA. And with more than 185,000 dental hy- gienists licensed in the United States, the profession is ready and available to meet this growing need, ADHA says. “Dental hygienists are educated, li- censed and prepared to be a part of the solution,” said ADHA President Kelli Swanson Jaecks, RDH. “We know that the public will benefit from a provider who can provide both preventive and speci- fied restorative services.” On June 30, The Pew Charitable Trusts released a report that included examples of mid-level dental providers in Min- nesota and Alaska performing routine preventive and restorative care to un- derserved populations and the benefits those services could have nationwide to those requiring oral health care. The state of Maine also recently passed legislation allowing a dental hygienist or an independent practice dental hygien- ist to become a dental hygiene therapist. Maine and Minnesota, as well as tribal lands in Alaska, have moved forward to address their access-to-care challenges and now recognize these oral health workforce models. Currently, 37 states allow the public to directly access the oral health-care ser- vices of a dental hygienist in at least one practice setting. In California, a dental hygienist with an advanced license, in certain pilot situations, can work under remote supervision to perform a vari- ety of services in schools and nursing homes, including X-rays, sealants and in- terim therapeutic restorations. The state of Oregon also allows hy- gienists to perform certain services un- der remote supervision. Several states, including Washington, New Mexico, Kansas and Vermont, are currently delib- erating dental hygiene-based mid-level workforce proposals that would allow registered dental hygienists with addi- tional education and experience the op- portunity to help meet the public’s oral health needs. New Hampshire and North Dakota are among states that are study- ing alternative workforce models. “The profession of dental hygiene is on the cusp of transformation and is committed to improving access to oral health care through the integration of dental hygienists into the health-care de- livery system as essential primary care providers,” Swanson Jaecks said. “The ADHA supports oral health-care work- force models that culminate in gradua- tion from an accredited institution, pro- fessional licensure and direct access to patient care.” The ADHA is the largest national orga- nization representing the professional interests of more than 185,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promo- tion of optimal oral health. For more information about the ADHA, dental hygiene and the link between oral health and general health, visit the ADHA at www.adha.org. (Source: ADHA) Report examines mid-level provider states, considers nationwide concept ” See SMILES, page C2 To help dental profes- sionals and families participate in the annual Fall for Smiles campaign, OHA has several materials available on the Fall for Smiles website. To engage and educate children, the website features an activity booklet, coloring page, brushing chart and tip sheet designed to help make caring for teeth fun. Photo/Provided by Oral Health America According to a recent Oral Health America (OHA) survey, two Americas are emerging when it comes to oral health care. Those with a household income of under $50,000, includ- ing many who live in urban areas and young adults (including students), are more likely to skip or delay a dental visit, with 74 percent of those surveyed delaying care for financial reasons or due to lack of insurance coverage. That’s why OHA’s Fall for Smiles cam- paign is so important this year. Every September and October, the campaign teaches Americans about the impor- tance of maintaining a healthy smile by brushing and flossing daily, regu- Fall for Smiles campaign spreads message about the importance of oral health Brushing, flossing, healthy eating and regular dental visits are explained as key to a healthy smile ADHA: ‘Hygienists are educated, licensed and prepared to be a part of the solution’

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