2014 Supplement
Perspectives on the Midlevel Practitioner
2014 Supplement
Perspectives on Dental Hygiene provides an in-depth look at the status of the profession. As the role of dental hygienists continues to evolve, dental hygienists are well-positioned to make a significant impact in addressing the access-to-care problems faced across the United States. Perspectives touches on many pertinent topics, including legislation affecting dental hygiene practice, expanded practice settings, and the transformation of dental hygiene education to include a doctoral level. In short, this supplement is designed to support clinicians as they reshape the future of dental hygiene.
INTRODUCTION
Dental Hygiene Shifts Into High Gear
Expanding the function of dental hygienists is shaping the profession’s future.
By Jill Rethman, RDH, BA
POLICY AND REGULATION
Planning For The Future
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s strategic plan plots the course for the profession’s next 100 years.
By Ann Battrell, MSDH
Building On The Dental Hygiene Base
Expanded function models can ease the access-to-care problems faced throughout the United States.
By Ann Lynch
Educational Standards For New Providers
The Federal Trade Commission ensures the educational standards for dental therapy do not hamper the ability of these clinicians to best serve the public.
By Ann Lynch
The Role of Supervision
Through an understanding of supervision requirements, dental hygienists are better able to navigate the world of expanded function opportunities.
By Connie Kracher, PhD, MSD
Rules of Reimbursement
Sustainability of the dental hygiene profession is directly related to the ability to bill and receive payment for services.
By Tammi O. Byrd, RDH
Rise of the Public Health Dental Hygienist
The changing health care system is providing new opportunities for this oral health professional.
By Mary E. Foley, RDH, MPH
Shaping the Future of Dental Hygiene Practice
Self-regulation is key to ensuring the health and longevity of the dental hygiene profession.
By JoAnn Galliano, MEd, RDH
Partnership Building
Dental service organizations have many benefits to offer to both clinicians and patients.
By Tammy L. Filipiak, RDH, MS
PRACTICE SETTINGS
Teledentistry and Mid-Level Providers
In this practice setting, dental hygienists can reach individuals with little access to professional oral health care services.
By Tracye A. Moore, RDH, MS, EdD
Teledentistry-Assisted Affiliated Practice Model
This innovative program enables Arizona residents to receive necessary dental care through a low-cost, dental hygiene-based approach.
By Fred Summerfelt, RDH, MEd, AP
Place-Based Model of Care
Providing oral health services to residents of long-term care facilities is another option for expanding the role of dental hygienists.
By Bonnie Branson, RDH, PhD
Caring for Kids
Place-based care in schools is an additional practice setting for dental hygienists.
By Melanie Simmer-Beck, RDH, PhD
Dental Care on the Go
The University of southern california Ostrow school of Dentistry runs two mobile dental clinics dedicated entirely to providing preventive services for lowincome children.
By Linda Brookman, RDH, BSDH, MSHS
EDUCATION
Raising the Bar
Efforts are underway to add a doctoral level to dental hygiene education.
By Margaret M. Walsh, RDH, MS, MA, EdD
The Value of Interprofessional Education
Dental hygienists with an interprofessional education are able to provide patient care in concert with nurse practitioners, physical therapists, physicians, and other health care providers.
By Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS
Transforming Dental Hygiene Education
The federal government, academic administration, research, and organized dental hygiene all play a role in the future of dental hygiene education.
By Pamela J. Steinbach, RN, MS
