FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Dental Hygienists’ Association Issues Statement Opposing Dental Access Model Act
ADHA cites safety concerns and lack of evidence in opposition to ADA-developed, ALEC-supported workforce model
CHICAGO, December 20, 2024 – The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®), issued a position statement today strongly opposing the Dental Access Model Act, developed by the American Dental Association (ADA) and adopted by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
This act proposes a workforce model that allows dental assistants to perform scaling, a critical preventive and therapeutic procedure that falls within the scope of dental hygiene practice, that requires specialized education and clinical training.
The ADHA points out there is no evidence demonstrating the safety or effectiveness of this approach, and notes key stakeholders, including the ADHA, were not consulted during the development of this act. The association cites that the model prioritizes private practice profits over patient safety and expanding access to dental care for everyone, including underserved populations.
“Patient safety and quality of care are the cornerstones of effective oral healthcare,” ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz said. “Any model that seeks to modify the dental workforce must prioritize these principles above all else. We believe this model requires significant reevaluation to ensure it prioritizes patient needs, protects public health, and upholds professional standards.”
The association emphasized that proven solutions for care access like dental therapy, previously supported by ALEC, were overlooked in favor of this unproven model.
“ADHA firmly opposes the adoption of the Dental Access Model Act and urges stakeholders to pursue evidence-based solutions that prioritize patient safety and improved access to oral healthcare,” the statement concludes.
For the full position statement, visit adha.org/positions.
###
About the American Dental Hygienists’ Association
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is the only organization representing the professional interests of the more than 220,000 dental hygienists in the United States. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. The Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH), published bi-monthly, is ADHA’s scientific journal and flagship publication. To learn more about the ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit adha.org.
Contact
Bronwyn Barrera
(312) 440-8911
[email protected]