The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) released a white paper highlighting how self-regulation may help dental hygienists improve public care and access to oral health services.
Currently, only California and Washington allow for the self-regulation of dental hygienists. In the other 48 states, hygienists are overseen by dentist-majority boards.
The paper cites nursing as a successful model. The ADHA urges dental hygienists to learn about self-regulation, advocate for change, and work with stakeholders to advance self-governance in the public’s interest.
