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February 28, 2007
One year ago when we began the research phase of the ADHA branding program, who could have foreseen all of the exciting changes that would take place on the road to reinventing ADHA as an organization that “creates a community for all dental hygienists and invests in their future.” Last week brought one of the most historic changes that ADHA has seen in recent years. As you will recall from our ADHA branding focus groups, we learned that one reason, cited by many dental hygienists, for not joining the association is that they view ADHA as being “anti-dentist.” As a result of this input, the ADHA Board of Trustees created a new goal for the ADHA strategic plan which states: ADHA and its members will work in partnership with dentists to advance the oral health of our patients.
I am happy to report that overall the meeting went well and though there are many areas where dentistry and dental hygiene do not agree at this time, both groups have made a commitment to keeping the dialogue open. This is a great first step for both associations and the people we serve. But this is only one of the areas where ADHA is beginning to make real and measured progress toward achieving our goals. In the days to come, we eagerly anticipate the celebration of rolling out the new ADHA brand at our 84th Annual Session in New Orleans this June, the continuation of our two-year credentialing feasibility study, the release of the “Standards of Clinical Practice”, the completion of the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner Competencies and 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. Margaret Lappan Green, CDA, RDH, MS
People to People Announces Fall 2007 Dental Hygiene Program in Russia and Poland People to People Ambassador Programs is coordinating a delegation of dental hygienists who will travel to Russia and Poland from August 24 to September 2, 2007. Delegates will visit various facilities and will meet with leaders in oral health. The exchange will include discussions on the Russian and Polish health care systems; how the educational systems in Russia and Poland are designed to train oral health professionals such as dental hygienists; and public health measures for disease prevention and health promotion in Russia and Poland. Selected members from the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) were invited to participate on this delegation based on their areas of interest, experience, and expertise in the field of dental hygiene. Selections from the association were made based upon the specific focus of the delegation and certain other criteria, such as geographic location, to gather a broad cross section of invitees. It is our intent to develop a diverse delegation composed of professionals who would prove to be quality ambassadors and who are able to contribute meaningfully to the professional meetings. The Dental Hygiene Delegation is being led by Ms. Margaret Lappan Green, CDA, RDH, MS, president (2006-2007) of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Ms. Green is looking forward to sharing this opportunity for professional and personal growth with colleagues from the United States, Russia, and Poland. “I encourage those in the dental hygiene arena to pursue this rare and exciting opportunity to share their expertise with others,” she said. “Delegates can play a role in defining the themes for discussion, and will be able to both share and gain insights through the exchange. This is an opportunity to discuss issues that will be vital not only for Russia and Poland, but also for the rest of Europe, for the United States, and for the world at large.” Since People to People Ambassador Programs is a private-citizen effort, delegates are responsible for their own program costs. Delegates often raise funds for their program through employers, sponsorships, scholarships or other means, and Ambassador Programs has information available on their website to assist you in these efforts. Program details and a registration form are available by calling 1-877-787-2000, ext. 8100, or e-mailing info@ambassadorprograms.org. More information on People to People Ambassador Programs can be found online at www.ambassadorprograms.org.
2007 Institute for Oral Health Annual Fundraising Gala & Silent Auction The 2007 Institute Fundraising Gala & Auction is quickly approaching, and we need your help! Through auction items and ticket sales, over $40,000 was raised last year for dental hygiene education and research. This year, we hope to exceed that figure! On Friday, June 22, 2007, the Institute will host its 9th annual silent auction in New Orleans, La. During the Institute Gala, the premier fundraising event for the organization, time-share vacations, works of art, jewelry, food and wine baskets, regional and collectible gifts and handmade crafts will be auctioned. Help to make this another successful year for the Institute’s premier fundraising event. We ask that you solicit donations from your Constituent and Component organizations as well as dedicated dental hygienists throughout your state. It is recommended that all auction items retail over $100. Donors will receive a tax-deductible credit for their gift. Auction items will be displayed on the Institute website and in the Gala program with the donor and solicitors’ names. If you, or a donor, have any questions regarding auction solicitations or the auction process, please feel free to call Star Abernathy at (312) 440-8944 or e-mail at institute@adha.net. Your help in this matter is important, as it is only through your generosity that auction items are collected.
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: 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: 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.
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.
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 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).
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 located at: http://www.adha.org/downloads/RPN_applicaton.pdf In connection with the Resource Persons Network, ADHA is looking for hygienists with experience/specialty to serve as consultants to students and/or hygienists interested in pursuing a career in one of the following areas of dental hygiene (http://www.adha.org/enews/01312007.htm#rpn): Anesthesiology
E-NEWSLETTER DISCLAIMER
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Last
week, during the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, ADHA took a huge step
toward acting on this goal by hosting the ADA President, President-Elect
and Executive Director for a meeting with our own President, President-Elect
and Executive Director in our central office. The purpose of this meeting
was to share some of the results of the ADHA branding research and to
begin a dialogue encompassing the areas where the two groups do agree
and might be able to begin to work together for a common purpose. This
meeting represented the first time in more than 20 years that ADA officers
had been invited to ADHA headquarters.
