Dental Hygiene Students Advocate for Access to Care at West Virginia State Legislature
Dental hygiene students from West Virginia University and other institutions took their passion for oral health beyond the clinic by advocating for improved access to care at the state capitol.
Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to address oral health disparities, but ensuring patients receive the care they need often requires action beyond the operatory. Students from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program recently embraced this responsibility by participating in Educational Advocacy Day at the state legislature. Alongside students from BridgeValley Community & Technical College and West Liberty University, they engaged with policymakers to promote oral health initiatives and advance the profession.
Sponsored by the West Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association, the event provided students with hands-on advocacy experience, networking opportunities, and an introduction to the legislative process. The group received a warm welcome from lawmakers, including the presentation of Senate Resolution 17, which officially designates February 28, 2025, as Dental Hygienists’ Day at the Legislature. This proclamation highlights the vital contributions dental hygienists make to public health and access to care in West Virginia.
This year’s event was supported by Aspen Dental, Dentsply Sirona, and Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, which provided students with tote bags, hand sanitizer, thermal cups, and evidence-based resources to ensure they had a productive day.
During the event, students learned key lobbying skills from healthcare and government relations professionals, equipping them to advocate for policies that expand dental hygiene services and reduce barriers to care. A highlight of the initiative was the collaboration with the West Virginia Oral Health Coalition and Mountains of Hope Cancer Coalition, which provided educational materials on the Oral Health and Cancer Rights Act. Armed with these resources, students engaged lawmakers in discussions about the importance of cancer-related oral healthcare, reinforcing the connection between oral health and systemic health.
Advocacy is essential to the future of dental hygiene, influencing everything from scope of practice to insurance policies that determine patient access. Events like Educational Advocacy Day empower the next generation of dental hygienists to take an active role in shaping healthcare policy, ensuring their patients receive the best possible care. Click here to read more.
