Taking Care of Business

Just when Tami Miller, RDH, BS, was considering a career in nursing, a friend encouraged her to look into dental hygiene. “So, I shadowed my own dental hygienist and loved it,” recalls Miller. But as much as she loved the clinical side of dental hygiene, Miller’s passion drove her to explore other aspects of her chosen profession. The result was a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. “I was always intrigued by the business side of dental practices, how to improve systems, and operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standard of care,” says Miller. 

Miller serves as a clinical director for Special Olympics Florida, Special Smiles. She has also managed Orange County’s Head Start Dental Home Project and is the Florida and Region IV Dental Hygienists Liaison (DHL), which promotes oral health for pregnant women and children enrolled in Head Start. 

Miller, who is also the long-time executive director of the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association (FDHA), recently shared her unique insights into her life’s work.

Q: You have been the executive director of FDHA since 1997. What are some of the most significant changes you have seen during your tenure? 

A: The growth of the annual Florida Dental Hygiene Symposium and liaison activities with outside entities have both been welcome developments. Of particular note is the successful passage of legislation authorizing screening and fluoride varnish application without supervision, administration of local anesthesia, and direct access for provision of preventive services by dental hygienists in healthcare settings

Q: Of what accomplishments are you most proud? 

A: I’m proud of all of the FDHA successes. But I’d like to highlight a couple of unique partnerships. Since 2013, the Florida Department of Health, Public Health Dental Program has contracted with FDHA to recruit and train dental hygienists to implement statewide oral health surveillance projects each year for select groups of children and adults. 

FDHA also partners with Special Olympics Florida, promoting Special Smiles Clinical Director training for dental hygienists. This has significantly increased the number of dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications at regional and state games over the last 15 years.

Q: You have been instrumental in promoting dental therapy legislation in Florida as a way to increase access to care. In fact, SB 604, which would license dental therapists, could take effect this summer if passed. What have been your efforts in this regard and the greatest challenges you’ve encountered?

A: More than 5 million Floridians live in areas that have limited or no access to care. One in five children across Florida suffer from treatable dental problems. Bringing dental therapy to Florida is one solution to improve statistics like these.

In 2017, FDHA was one of the first organizations to join the Floridians for Dental Access (FLDA), a bi-partisan coalition made up of a wide variety of groups and organizations that support bringing the dental therapy workforce to Florida. 

It’s been my honor to serve as the FDHA representative on the leadership committee responsible for the legislative language and developing strategies for success. This includes leading advocacy efforts and educating oral health professionals, legislators, and other interested parties; growing the number of supporters; increasing the media presence of FLDA advocating for dental therapy; and updating coalition members.

The greatest roadblock has been the opposition by organized dentistry and correcting the misinformation provided to oral health professionals and legislators. Maintaining a positive attitude, determination, and confidence that being on the right side of an issue will eventually win out over the political clout of the opposing side can be challenging.

Q: What kinds of future developments do you anticipate for dental hygiene in Florida?

A: Laser use by dental hygienists; medical-dental integration increasing the number of dental hygienists embedded in medical practices; and broader understanding that licensed dental hygienists as healthcare providers should work at the top of their education and licensure.