ADHA, FTC Submit Final Comments to CODA

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) recently submitted its comments to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) regarding the proposed accreditation standards for dental therapy education programs. Interested parties were encouraged by CODA to provide comments on the proposed standards by December 1, 2014. In its submission, the ADHA reminded CODA of its original purpose: to serve the oral health care needs of the public.

ADHA President Kelli Swanson Jaecks, MA, RDH, notes, “The ADHA is focused on improving the public’s access to quality oral health care, which is an essential part of overall health. The comments we provided to CODA highlight our organization’s focus and commitment to improving access to care through the process of an accredited education program for dental therapists.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also submitted comments to CODA, which paralleled the ADHA’s commentary. Both organizations say that the introduction of mid-level providers can improve access to care for the nation’s underserved populations.

ADHA Executive Director Ann Battrell, MSDH, expressed her pleasure in the FTC’s insight on the matter, adding that accreditation standards enhance competition in the oral health care field while national standards will provide flexibility to dental therapists who may move to meet demand for their services. “This competition provides opportunities for the public to receive greater access to needed oral health care, and opens doors for professional advancement to those practicing dental hygiene,” Battrell stated.

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. January 2015;13(1):14,16.