The American Dental Hygienists’ Association recently adopted 10 new and updated policies touching on a variety of issues in the field, including scope of practice, education and licensure.
Six notes:
1. The ADHA established a definition for full practice authority and adopted a policy supporting this authorization for hygienists, which would allow them to evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, order diagnostic tests and manage treatment as permitted by state boards.
2. The organization approved a policy calling for the dental hygiene doctorate degree to become an entry-level credential by 2032.
3. Another new policy backs state and national programs to assist hygienists with accessing treatment for mental health or substance abuse while preserving professional licensure.
4. The ADHA updated its disability inclusion policies to support the careers of hygienists with disabilities.
5. Other adopted policies include those supporting dental therapists as mid-level oral health professionals, the use of xylitol as a preventive dental treatment, and the recognition of the Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
6. The new policies also include those opposing several items the group said bypass CODA-accredited educational requirements for dental hygiene, including preceptor training.
