2016 Supplement

Perspectives on the Midlevel Practitioner

Welcome to the third annual edition of Perspectives on the Midlevel Practitioner. This publication provides the most up to date look at the foundational changes taking place in the dental hygiene profession. As the expanded role of dental hygienists becomes an increasingly popular topic, one thing is clear: dental hygienists can make a significant impact in addressing the access-to-care gap. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene hopes you find this resource beneficial as you make the most of your career, no matter which professional path you choose.

INTRODUCTION

SOLVING AMERICA’S ORAL HEALTH CRISIS
With vulnerable populations still facing significant barriers to care, innovative strategies for providing oral health services are poised to be part of the solution.
By Lorene G. Kent, RDH, BA

ACCESS TO CARE

EXAMINING THE ACCESS-TO-CARE PROBLEM
Many Americans go without professional oral health care services, but both public and private efforts are underway to change this.
By JoAnn R. Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD

IMPACT OF RACIAL DISPARITIES
Access to care is a significant problem in the United States, particularly among communities of color.
By Brian J. Swann, DDS, MPH

CHANGING THE TIDE
The adoption of midlevel practitioner models helps American Indian/Alaskan Native communities lead the way in improving oral health.
By Frank Catalanotto, DMD

POLICY AND REGULATION

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The midlevel practitioner model continues to gain momentum as more states consider the addition of new dental providers.

IMPACT OF HEALTH POLICY
Oral health professionals well versed in access-to-care health policy can serve as important advocates for at-risk populations.
By Hannah Maxey, PhD, MPH, RDH, and Courtney Randolph, BS

REPRESENTING DENTAL HYGIENISTS
The ADHA ensures that dental hygiene has a seat at the table in the rapidly changing world of health care.
By Ann Battrell, MSDH, and Ann Lynch

CALIFORNIA PIONEERS NEW WORKFORCE MODELS
With the registered dental hygienist in alternative practice, California remains ahead of the curve in expanding the roles of dental hygienists.
By Elizabeth Mertz, PhD, MA, and Ruth Kearn, RDHAP, MS

DELIVERY OF CARE

ACHIEVING THE TRIPLE AIM
Dental accountable care organizations strive to improve patient experience and health outcomes while reducing costs.
By Kristen Simmons, MHA, BSDH, RDH; Joanna Mullins, BSDH, RDH; and Joshua B. Even, DMD

ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO CARE
Public health dental hygienists are helping to improve the access of vulnerable populations to dental services.
By Katherine Lemoine Pelullo, RDH, MEd

INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION

PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE CARE
Integrating oral health care and incorporating dental professionals into the provision of medicine will improve patient outcomes.
By Patricia Brown Bonwell, RDH, BSDH, MSG, PhD

INTEGRATING MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE
Dental hygienists at Northwest Colorado Health practice at the top of their license while working in a primary care setting.
By Malea Johnson, BS, RDH, EPDH

DENTAL NAVIGATOR
Public health dental hygienist practitioners in Pennsylvania can help improve access to oral health care and patient outcomes by serving as dental navigators in medical offices.
By Donna L. Murray-Schoenecker, PHDHP, MSDH, and C. Eve J. Kimball, MD, FAAP

A DENTAL HYGIENIST IN ALL SETTINGS
Dental hygienists are following the lead of nurse practitioners in advancing their scope of practice.
By Heather L. Taylor, MPH, LDH

LOOKING AHEAD

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
The path to gaining expanded levels of practice may not be linear, but it is moving forward.
By Pamela R. Overman, EdD, MS, RDH