We all know the important role hygiene plays in oral health, but we also need to remember who is leading the way when it comes to providing dental hygiene care.
Earlier this month, the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) sought to remind all of us of the importance of providing such care. They released a joint position statement advocating that dental hygiene care be provided only by qualified professionals who have completed a recognized educational program and obtained appropriate licensure.
The statement, titled “Qualified Dental Hygiene Providers,” responds to recent legislation in the United States that allows people without the proper education, training, and credentialing to practice dental hygiene. Both organizations emphasize that it is critical to uphold educational and professional standards that protect patients.
“Globally, the dental hygiene profession is at a crossroads, with many challenges to our autonomy and credentialing,” said Jill Rethman, R.D.H., BA, president of the International Federation of Dental Hygiene (IFDH), in a press release.
“These measures, ostensibly intended to alleviate the workforce shortage, are stopgap measures that do not address the root causes of the shortage. They could endanger public safety by allowing licensed dental hygienists who are not fully trained to provide care.”
Raisman added that the IFDH “stands with the ADHA against any effort to undermine the dental hygiene profession.”
The statement highlights the important role dental hygienists play in both preventive and curative care, noting that licensed dental hygienists are required to complete 84-120 credits of coursework to gain entry into the profession.
“As the nation’s largest professional association for dental hygienists, the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) is proud to partner with the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) to lead the global dental hygiene community,” said Erin Haley-Hitz, R.D., B.D., M.D., president of the American Dental Hygienists Association.
“Together, we will work to establish and maintain the highest standards of education and practice, ensuring that dental hygienists around the world continue to provide excellent care.”
Both the ADHA and IFDH support strategies that strengthen professional recruitment and address workplace challenges, rather than lowering professional standards.
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