California Dental Hygienists' Association

at 1900 Point West Way, Ste 222, Sacramento , 95815 United States

1. Medical & Health
2. Health/Medical/Pharmacy

To improve the public's total health, the mission of the California Dental Hygienists' Association is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene. The History of the CDHA and the path to Self Regulation Signed into law on June 13, 2008 by Governor Schwarzenegger, California became the first state to achieve their own regulatory agency: the Dental Hygiene Committee of California (DHCC). It was a long and difficult journey to arrive at this independent destination, but it helped to continue our professions journey towards autonomy. This journey towards autonomy began in 1976, when Linda Krohl became the first in the nation to own/manage a dental hygiene practice. Inspired by Ms. Krohl, Anne Wells Hunnicutt followed in her footsteps and opened her own practice in Santa Barbara. Independence had begun. The 70’s turned out to be an exciting decade for CA. RDH’s. The Legislature, with the direction of the Dental Board of Examiners (DBE), created COMDA (Committee on Dental Auxiliaries) in 1974. With the push on in California and other states to also expand duties and broaden the scope of practice, the RDH in Extended Functions (RDHEF) was created. 2 years later, California passed a landmark bill allowing RDH’s to perform soft tissue curettage, administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide under direct supervision. The Health Manpower Pilot Projects (HMPP) Act was also created in the 1970’s by the California legislature. Created in 1972, the HMPP was a vehicle to demonstrate and evaluate new or expanded roles/delivery alternatives for health-care professionals. Not soley focused on the profession of dentistry however; the creation of the HMPP did eventually lead to the creation of the RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice). Maureen Titus, RDHAP, B.S. sums this period up nicely stating, "Expanded duties gave us the momentum and framework to move forward with self-regulation." Today, the CDHA is the largest state constituent of ADHA, but it didn’t begin that way. For several reasons in 1942, North and South became separate associations, and this functioned well for a more than 4 decades. With converging interests and goals, along with the strength and voice that comes from a larger population of members, the two reunited in 1985. The united CDHA retained Aaron Read and Associates, and also created Cal-Hy-PAC to aid in the pursuit of self-regulation and the numerous access to care issues. About the same time of this unification, the CDHA achieved another milestone with the appointment of the first RDH to the DBE. Evelyn Pangborn was that appointed RDH, serving nine years before being followed by subsequent RDH’s. Her appointment no doubt helped eventually soften the divide between DDS and RDH, and continued to pave the way towards independence for the DH profession. In 1986,15 participants to the HMPP were certified (but not licensed as a category did not exist). Unfortunately, in 1990 legal challenges halted the project, but another HMPP was submitted and approved the same year, ultimately leading to a signed bill and the reality of the RDHAP license in 1998. All of the previous advancements bring us to where we are today: with the newly formed Dental Hygiene Committee, the first of its kind. It must not be forgotten that over a period of six years, CDHA sponsored two similar bills, each vetoed unfortunately. It wasn’t until the 3rd attempt that it was signed into law and became a reality. Instrumental in its’ passage, were JoAnn Galliano, MEd, RDH, Senator Don Perata and legislative advocates Terry McHale and Aaron Read. It’s important to note that the DHCC reports directly to the Dept. of Consumer Affairs, and is not a subcommittee of a dental board, unlike the several other dental hygiene committees throughout the nation. Because the DHCC has a more equitable representation of RDHs, and they are not reporting to dentists, California dental hygienists possess more control of the profession. For this reason, as extensive hearings suggest, dental hygienists are able to advocate for the profession and better serve the consumers. As we look forward, other states are pursuing their own legislation for DH board or committee, while others consider legislation related to board composition/duties. Currently, there are more than 30 states that allow an RDH to practice via direct access (without the presence or prior exam of a dentist) This is certainly an ongoing history, as the CDHA continues to grow and evolve, and pursue the ultimate goal of direct access to care. Stay tuned… For the full article: http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-30/issue-11/features/the-long-and-winding-road.html#.UGPiBR29FxA.email

Description

What a wonderful time to be a hygienist! What a great time to become a member of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA). CDHA has been persistent and effective in its efforts to promote the art and science of dental hygiene. Legislative successes, guided by our volunteer leadership, will have an effect on every practicing hygienist within the state of California. If you are in the hygiene workforce either full‐time or part‐time, membership will benefit you personally. By you being a member of CDHA, it benefits CDHA by providing the numbers that speak to the lawmakers who are redefining the way hygienists’ practice. Come join the team that has been working for you throughout the years. Your membership is a contributing factor to the growth of your profession. Let’s celebrate the many accomplishments and our successes: Expanding our scope of practice to include root planning, curettage, local anesthesia, subgingivally placed antimicrobials and now the use of any new technology within our scope with the proper education and training. The placement of dental hygiene duties into state statues thus protecting our scope of practice. Creating expansion of practice settings for the Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice. Our newly established Dental Hygiene Committee of California has brought professional autonomy to dental hygienists, the first dental hygiene regulatory agency of its kind in the nation. Dues are more affordable than ever through the quarterly payment plan; log onto www.adha.org for more details on this convenient payment option. Not sure what local component you can be a part of? Visit www.cdha.org to view the California State Map to assist you. Through your local component, you will have many opportunities for employment, community health fairs, continuing education, mentorship, and leadership. We hope you will embrace the many benefits that CDHA/ADHA has to offer from insurance programs, on‐line Journals, informative websites, consumer discounts, to continuing education courses. Visit our website www.cdha.org to see our upcoming events. Come grow with us and be amongst the many members of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association who continue to thrive within our profession.

How To Get to California Dental Hygienists' Association

Fax: (916) 487-7105

General Info

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Summary

California Dental Hygienists' Association is Sacramento based place and this enity listed in Medical & Health category. Located at 1900 Point West Way, Ste 222 CA 95815. Contact phone number of California Dental Hygienists' Association: (916) 993-9102