Advocating for Oral Health
Ensuring access to dental care for vulnerable populations is a mission that Jennifer Hasch Harrison, MPH, RDH, has embraced throughout her career.
As chair of the Ivy Tech Sellersburg Dental Assisting Program and director of a statewide surveillance project in Kentucky, Jennifer Hasch Harrison, MPH, RDH, has worked tirelessly to improve oral health equity. She is an active member of the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition Steering Committee and regularly recruits volunteer dental hygienists for the Louisville Free Smiles Clinic.
Harrison’s path to dental hygiene began with a simple suggestion from her lifelong hygienist. “I was at my 6-month recare appointment when she encouraged me to explore dental hygiene as a career,” she recalls. Her experiences serving on medical and dental mission trips since high school had already exposed her to the critical role of oral health in self-confidence and overall well-being.
During her dental hygiene training, she participated in remote area medical clinics in several Appalachian counties in Kentucky. “I saw firsthand the vast inequities that contributed to oral health disparities in our state,” Harrison explains. This experience led her to complete an externship at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), where she encountered similar barriers to care in urban communities. Recognizing the strong connection between socioeconomic status and oral diseases, Harrison joined the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition after graduating in 2013 to advocate for improved access to dental care.
Expanding Access Through Legislation
One of Harrison’s current advocacy efforts focuses on the passage of HB 223, a bill designed to improve access to care for underserved Kentuckians. “HB 223 allows public health hygienists to be employed by FQHCs,” she explains.
Currently, Kentucky patients can only access public health registered dental hygienists (PHRDHs) through health department programs, which serve fewer than 30 counties out of 120 in the state. “Expanding this successful model will increase access to preventive and restorative care, make FQHC school-based programs more sustainable, and reduce long waiting times for appointments,” Harrison notes. With more than 60 PHRDHs licensed in Kentucky but fewer than 20 employed, she sees an opportunity to mobilize a passionate workforce ready to serve those in need.
Encouraging Dental Hygienists to Make a Difference
For dental hygienists interested in making a meaningful impact in their communities, Harrison offers clear advice: “Consider pursuing a position in the dental safety net. It’s incredibly rewarding and can open doors to administrative and advocacy roles.”
She also emphasizes the importance of public advocacy. “Join your local oral health coalition and connect with like-minded professionals across different disciplines to collaborate on community improvement.”
Whether through direct patient care or policy advocacy, dental hygienists have a vital role in shaping the future of oral health care access. With her dedication to ensuring equitable oral health care, Harrison continues to be a driving force in improving the lives of vulnerable populations across Kentucky.
