The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has approved 10 new and revised policies, representing a notable update to the dental hygiene profession’s policy framework, according to an ADHA news release dated February 4.
Furthermore, the newly adopted policies aim to expand the scope of practice, strengthen accreditation standards, improve clinical assessment, support workforce well-being, and promote disability inclusion, according to the release.
“From Full Practice Authority to modernized licensure exams, these policies position dental hygienists to practice at the top of their abilities and better serve their patients,” Lancette VanGuilder, RDH, ADHA president, said in the release.
Some of the changes include the ADHA formally defining full practice authority (FPA) and adopting a policy that supports FPA for licensed dental hygienists in all U.S. jurisdictions. Under FPA, hygienists may evaluate patients, diagnose conditions within their scope, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatment, including prescribing medications as allowed by state regulatory boards, according to the release.
Additionally, the association approved a policy calling for the dental hygiene doctorate degree to become the entry-level credential by 2032 to strengthen clinical preparation, support an expanded scope of practice, and better integrate dental hygiene into the healthcare system. Additional policies oppose preceptor training, the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program, and other pathways that bypass minimum educational requirements.
Furthermore, the ADHA now recognizes the Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination as a valid and equitable measure of entry-level clinical competence. The ADHA further adopted a policy supporting comprehensive diversion programs for dental hygienists with substance use or mental health conditions to ensure confidential treatment while preserving licensure and workforce retention, according to the release.
Also, the association updated its disability inclusion efforts by adopting two expanded policies affirming the rights of dental hygienists with disabilities and supporting pathways into the profession, marking the first policies adopted under ADHA’s member-driven governance structure.
“Any member can submit a policy proposal at any time, and several of these policies were submitted directly by members, VanGuilder said. “That’s what it looks like when dental hygienists have a direct hand in shaping the future of their profession.”
