Major Issues to be Discussed at the 82nd Annual Session of the American
Dental Hygienists' Association in Las Vegas

Chicago–June 21, 2005–Nearly 1,200 registered dental hygienists (RDH) from across the United States will debate pivotal advances in their profession at the 82nd annual session of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association in Las Vegas June 22-29.

News Highlights

ADHA Releases Recommendations on Dental Hygiene’s Future

Three years ago, a selected group of dental hygienists met to establish what the future would hold for their profession if it were determined by those in the field. The result is Dental Hygiene: Focus on Advancing the Profession. The report, which will be released officially at this year’s annual session, takes a progressive stance with controversial statements and recommendations, such as:

• baccalaureate degree recommended as the entry point for dental hygiene practice,
• traditional method of providing dental hygiene services through a private dental practice is inadequate to meet the oral health needs of the country and must be expanded,
• given the conflict of interest that occurs when employer dentists regulate their own employees, dental boards make frequent decisions that limit the public’s access to dental hygiene services,
• dental hygiene professionals should have the authority to regulate themselves,
• promoting expanded practice settings and removing restrictive supervision barriers is essential to the current and future health of the nation,
• warning that without the development of an advanced dental hygiene practitioner, other allied health professionals (i.e. physicians, nurses) will assume the responsibility of meeting the diverse oral health care needs of the public, especially the underserved.

For the full report, contact Nick Olsen or visit http://www.adha.org June 22.

ADHA Unveils Preliminary Curriculum Framework for Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner

In an effort to address the severe oral health disparities plaguing millions across the U.S., ADHA adopted three key resolutions at its 81st annual session held last year in Dallas that set the stage for creating an advanced dental hygiene practitioner, which will impact the oral health of the public. This year, ADHA unveils the first major development—the preliminary curriculum framework. Already a major topic among those in dentistry, the curriculum framework establishes key points on the level of care this new professional will provide to the public and the respective education required, including:

• master’s degree credential with no duplication of entry-level coursework for RDH credential;
• responsibilities consisting of advanced preventive therapies, diagnosis, treatment such as restorative procedures, and appropriate referrals.

ADHA Welcomes New Executive Director

ADHA is pleased to announce that Ann Battrell, RDH, MSDH(c) has been selected as ADHA’s executive director, the first registered dental hygienist and the first former ADHA president to serve in this position.

Battrell, who is currently serving as assistant executive director for strategic planning and education for the association, will carry on in this capacity until July 1, at which time she will continue her current role of representing the organization to governmental bodies and educational institutions, among other related associations, and building valuable relationships for ADHA, such as with corporate partners. She will also oversee a host of staff programs from membership recruitment to consumer awareness.

For a full press release on this news, contact Nick Olsen or visit: http://www.adha.org/media/releases/052605_ed.htm.

ADHA Announces Keynote Speaker from HRSA & Record Number of Attendees Expected

ADHA is delighted to welcome Kerry Paige Nesseler, M.S., R.N., associate administrator for health professions in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), as keynote speaker for the opening ceremonies at its 82nd annual session in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 25 at 8 a.m.

ADHA’s annual session is expected to draw close to 1,200 registered dental hygienists from across the country to participate in continuing education and professional growth opportunities. The meeting also offers members a chance to network with colleagues and learn how the dental hygiene profession impacts national, state and local public health.

For Nesseler’s full bio and more information about this year’s annual session, contact Nick Olsen or visit: http://www.adha.org/media/index.html.

ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the more than 120,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at http://www.adha.org.

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