What's Happening?
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has released a white paper advocating for the self-regulation of dental hygienists to improve public care and access to oral health services. Currently, only California and Washington allow dental hygienists to self-regulate,
while the other 48 states have dentist-majority boards overseeing them. The ADHA suggests that adopting a self-regulation model, similar to nursing, could empower hygienists to better serve the public. The paper encourages dental hygienists to educate themselves on self-regulation, advocate for change, and collaborate with stakeholders to advance this governance model.
Why It's Important?
The push for self-regulation could significantly impact the dental industry by potentially increasing the autonomy and professional development of dental hygienists. This change could lead to improved access to oral health services, especially in underserved areas, by allowing hygienists to operate more independently. The move could also foster innovation and efficiency within the field, as hygienists would have more control over their practice standards and procedures. This shift may challenge existing regulatory frameworks and require adjustments in state legislation.
What's Next?
The ADHA's advocacy may lead to legislative efforts in more states to consider self-regulation for dental hygienists. This could involve lobbying efforts, public campaigns, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to build support for the initiative. The outcome could reshape the regulatory landscape of dental hygiene, potentially influencing educational requirements and professional standards.
