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January 04, 2007

 

From the President

Happy New Year from all of us here at the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). Typically at this time of year, many people pause and take some time to reflect back on the previous 12 months and begin to make plans for improvement in the weeks and months to come in the year ahead. I am thrilled to report that at ADHA we’ve had a huge head start on our plans for 2007 by beginning the strategic planning process late last summer.

Thanks to the focus group research that was conducted as a part of ADHA’s Branding Program, our work at making ADHA’s list of “New Years Resolutions” for 2007 was much easier this year. Our Board of Trustees and Councils have developed exciting programs designed to emphasize what we have learned about ADHA’s strengths and to overcome some of our perceived weaknesses in the year to come.

From the four national focus groups with members, potential members, students, and dentists, we discovered that there is a perception that ADHA needs to make changes in the short term in order to continue to grow and thrive. Some of these perceptions of the association are:

  • ADHA needs to be more inclusive of all dental hygienists, regardless of where they are in their career path.
  • ADHA needs to embrace our Student Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) members and allow them to feel a part of the ADHA experience.
  • ADHA is perceived as anti-dentist; a problem that prevents many potential members from joining the association.
  • Though ADHA will always be an advocate for our profession, we still need to provide other tangible benefits that touch our members’ lives, such as offering a welcoming network of local dental hygienists and a venue to learn how to be a better dental hygienist.

The coming months hold the promise of even more progress toward achieving ADHA’s new vision of “creating a community for all dental hygienists and investing in their future.” In the days to come we eagerly anticipate the celebration of the new ADHA brand, which will be unveiled at annual session in New Orleans this June, the continuation of our two-year credentialing feasibility study, the completion of the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner curriculum as well as many other exciting developments designed to move our profession forward.

Stay tuned to future issues of Access and ADHA Update for more details on our progress. Until then, have a safe, happy and successful New Year!

Margaret Lappan Green, CDA, RDH, MS
President
American Dental Hygienists' Association

 

American Public Health Association Call for Abstracts

DEADLINE February 5th, 2007

http://apha.confex.com/apha/135am/oasys.epl

The Oral Health section of the American Public Health Association invites the submission of abstracts for individual paper presentations, poster sessions, or invited panels for the 2007 Annual Meeting.

Suggested areas of interest include:

* Effective Preventive Programs
* Innovative Delivery and Financing Mechanisms
* Oral Cancer
* Oral Health Disparities
* Oral Health Literacy
* Oral Health Policy and Programs
* Special Needs Populations
* Workforce Issues

Joint sessions co-sponsored with other sections, special interest groups, and caucuses are encouraged, as well as ideas for invited sessions and panels. Abstracts will be selected through a rated review process according to significance, timeliness, and overall quality.

The deadline for abstract submission to the Oral Health Section is Feb. 5,
2007.

For all the details on submitting abstracts click on the link below
http://apha.confex.com/apha/135am/oasys.epl

 

Legislative Advisories:

National Provider Identifier Number Required in ‘07

In 2007, any dental hygienist who is self-employed, an independent contractor, the proprietor of a dental hygiene business, or has any reason to file an insurance or Medicaid form, will need to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Entities which provide and bill for services will need an NPI as well. The NPI will replace health care identifiers, such as Medicaid provider numbers, in use today in electronic transactions governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Various segments of HIPAA have been implemented over the past several years. Two important provisions—the creation of uniform insurance codes, and regulations concerning privacy for patient information—are already in place. More explanation on these topics can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/

Beginning on May 23, 2007, the federally issued 10 digit number must be included on a number of standard transactions, even if you have an existing tax ID number or a state Medicaid identifier Dental hygiene designation The NPI will be needed to obtain Medicaid and private insurance reimbursement.

You can apply for a number online here. Directions on the site will lead you through the application process. Or click “contact” for additional information on how to file. For fact sheets and additional information about the NPI click here.

Please contact Governmental Affairs at gov.affairs@adha.net if you have comments or questions.

 

Open Call for the ADHA-Commissioner to the Commission on Dental Accreditation

The current ADHA-appointed Commissioner to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) will complete her term at the October 2007 American Dental Association Annual Meeting. Nancy Zinser, RDH, MS, has served as a member of the Commission for one four-year term (the maximum allowed by CODA). It is necessary for ADHA to select a successor; the term of appointment will become effective beginning at the 2007 ADA Annual Meeting and will end at the 2011 ADA Annual Meeting.

The Commissioner is required to make a significant time commitment to this role. Commissioners are expected to complete the web-based site visitor training manual, assume site visit and committee assignments, as well as attend Commission meetings. It is estimated that Commission activities require 10-15 days per year. Commission members must be accessible by both fax and electronic mail.

The Commission meets in late January and late July of each year. Commissioners may also serve on review committees, which meet two to three weeks prior to the Commission meeting. Full participation in these regular meetings is the single most important responsibility of a Commission member. Members of the Commission review agenda reports concerning accreditation-related topics. Commissioners must have a working knowledge of Commission policies, procedures and Standards. Preparation prior to these meetings is imperative. Careful review of meeting agendas and all accreditation and policy-related materials mailed in advance of each meeting is expected. Commissioners participate in making final decisions related to accreditation and policy issues; in-depth review and understanding of issues are essential. Prior to the CODA meeting, the ADHA Commissioner shall discuss current ADHA policies with the ADHA president.

ADHA Selection Process:

Required credentials for the Commissioner:
(1) possess all credentials required by CODA accreditation consultants;
(2) experience on a minimum of three (3) accreditation site visit teams;
(3) possess decision-making skills; and
(4) be objective and decisive.

Commissioners should have served as an ADHA board of trustees’ member, council member or demonstrated active involvement at the national level within the last three (3) years and should also:
(1) be committed to ideas;
(2) be politically astute; and
(3) possess leadership skills.

Names and substantiating documentation must be submitted to the ADHA Division of Education for transmission to the Council on Education for review. Recommendations will be forwarded to the ADHA Board of Trustees for consideration in June 2007.

Please submit your biodata form to ADHA through email at education@adha.net; via fax at 312-467-1806; or by mail: Division of Education, ADHA, 444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400, Chicago, IL 60611. Deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 16, 2007.

 

National Board Dental Hygiene Test Construction Committee Vacancies

The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) has announced two (2) vacancies on the National Board Dental Hygiene Test Construction Committee (TCC) for appointment in 2008. Test constructor application materials are available on the American Dental Association (ADA) website at: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/construction/index.asp.

Vacancies:
Dental Hygiene I: 1 Oral Histology and Embryology expert
Dental Hygiene III: 1 Community Dental Hygiene expert

Application process:
Applicants need not be nominated; the JCNDE encourages any qualified individual who is interested in serving as a test constructor to complete and submit a Personal Data Form (PDF). Only an individual who meets the criteria and who has submitted a PDF will be considered for appointment. Please note that curriculum vitae are NOT acceptable.

Time Commitment and Remuneration:
Each test construction committee meets annually for at least three days at the ADA Headquarters in Chicago to develop the examinations. The JCNDE makes the travel and hotel arrangements, reimburses for ground transportation and hotel expenses (room and tax only), and provides a per diem of $75 per meeting day.

Appointment process:
PDFs must be submitted by January 22, 2007. The Committee on Dental Hygiene will review the qualifications of all applicants to the National Board Dental Hygiene TCC. Based on the Committee’s recommendations, the JCNDE will make the appointments during its meeting on March 28, 2007. Applicants will be informed of the status of their applications in April.

 

Call for Comments to the Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education Programs

The American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) invites communities of interest to review and comment on the proposed revisions to the Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education Programs.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Council on Education is considering the proposed revisions to the Accreditation Standards and will provide written comments on behalf of ADHA to CODA. The Council is requesting your feedback in order to ensure the comments are representative of the views of the ADHA membership.

Please submit your comments regarding the Accreditation Standards to ADHA through email at education@adha.net; via fax at 312-467-1806; or by mail: Division of Education, ADHA, 444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400, Chicago, IL 60611. Please submit your comments no later than Friday, April 6, 2007.

ADHA has scheduled an open hearing regarding the Standards during the 2007 ADHA Annual Session in New Orleans on Sunday, June 24 from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

 

Center for Lifelong Learning:

ADHA's Center for Lifelong Learning will be held February 2-3, 2007, in Baltimore, MD. Happy Holidays! Understanding how busy this time of year can be the early registration deadline for CLL has been extended to Monday, January 8, 2007! Please visit the CLL web page for more detailed course information, information on the leadership event at the National Museum of Dentistry, and the Research Conference! Come join us in Baltimore . . . book your room now!

Co-Sponsored by the Maryland Dental Hygienists’ Association and the University of Maryland Dental School Dental Hygiene Program

Course offerings include a two-day track for CLINICIANS including hands-on instrumentation courses, CPR recertification and two separate courses related to systemic and oral health. In addition, a two-day track is offered for dental hygiene EDUCATORS including instructional excellence, the development and delivery of on-line instruction, preparing for a role in academics, and the dental hygiene research conference. STUDENTS will have the opportunity to attend a one and a half day (1 ½) national board review course focused on case-based learning, critical thinking, and application of knowledge to test taking. Included with registration to the board review students will automatically be registered for a ½ day “From Classroom to Practice” Course.

  • Hands-on instrumentation courses (limited seating)
  • Research Conference: (1) Revised ADHA Research Agenda; (2) Oral-Based Diagnostics
  • Two opportunities for CPR recertification
  • Technology in Teaching and Distance (online) Education
  • Instructional Excellence
  • Preparing for a Role in Academics
  • Chronic Inflammation
  • Xerostomia
  • National Board Review Course

 

Stressed about the National Dental Hygiene Board Exam?
ADHA can help

As a second-year dental hygiene student you are entering into an exciting period of your life. You are about to begin an incredible new career in a growing field dedicated to improving your patients’ oral and overall health. At ADHA, we know that along with this excitement comes a high level of stress. In the coming months you’ll face graduation, the National Dental Hygiene Board Exam, getting your first job as an RDH, and worries about the transition from student life to “real” life.

ADHA knows what you are going through and is happy to offer hygiene students help to relieve some of that stress by offering a high-quality, low-cost opportunity to attend a National Board Review Course—a special course taught by a nationally recognized educator which will feature material on test taking strategies, critical thinking skills and more.

“Today’s National Board Exam includes more stand-alone and case-based questions then ever before that require critical and analytical thinking,” says Nancy Cherner, RDH, MS, the facilitator of the session. “This board review helps students gain critical thinking strategies, and focus on integration of information among a variety of topics. “

In addition, this year ADHA has added a second fantastic course designed to assist you in making the transition from student to practitioner at NO ADDITIONAL COST!

As an added bonus, ADHA is going to raffle off 20 iPods to students enrolled in the program. Can you really afford not to take advantage of this opportunity to experience a quality board review, learn about the latest career strategies and network with your peers and practicing hygienists all at the same event? Reserve your spot as this event will sell out. Register today!

 

Interested in Being an ADHA Officer in 2007-2008?

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) will soon begin reviewing candidates for both elective and appointive offices for 2007-2008. Please visit www.adha.org to download all of the necessary forms to submit your name for consideration.

The following officers are to be elected in June, 2007:

President-Elect
Vice President
Treasurer
Finance Committee, Regions B & D
Ethics Committee, Regions B & D

Interested parties should submit a bio-data form. If elected, ADHA will provide all necessary forms for completion.

For council appointments, interested parties should complete and submit all of the forms available on the website.

For any questions please contact ADHA at exec.office@adha.net or by calling 800-243-ADHA (2342).

 

Open Call for Abstracts

The ADHA Annual Session Research Poster Session provides dental hygiene researchers and educators the opportunity to present their work, exchange ideas and share information and effective strategies for teaching and mentoring research with their colleagues and other dental hygienists. Abstracts are being solicited for an open poster session during the 2007 Annual Session of the ADHA in New Orleans, LA. Posters should pertain to ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda, evidence-based patient-centered dental hygiene practice, Healthy People 2010: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives, or an area of dental hygiene-related research significant to the participant.

To download a copy of the abstract preparation guidelines, selection criteria and electronic abstract submission click http://www.adha.org/research/.

 

Resource Persons Network

The ADHA is seeking applications from health professionals with expertise in education, research, data analysis, and the translating of science into practice who are interested in joining its Resource Persons Network (RPN). The Resource Persons Network (RPN) is a group of professionals willing to volunteer their services in support of ADHA’s mission to improve the overall oral health status of the United States.

What are the qualifications to become a RPN and where can I sign up?

Applicants should have proven experience in working with community-based organizations/institutions, public health, program development, organizational development, and grant management. An applicant’s expertise should be related to a specific and/or multiple groups. And finally, all applicants must have a minimum of five years’ experience working with oral health issues. Interested applicants who meet the criteria should complete the online application.

 

 

 

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