ADHA Board Approves Interim Policies on Local Anesthesia and Education
CHICAGO, February 5, 2025 – In response to requests submitted by members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®), the following interim policies were approved by the ADHA Board of Directors at the end of January, and are in effect immediately.
These policies will be considered for adoption by the delegates at the ADHA House of Delegates in June 2025.
Interim Policy on the Administration of Local Anesthesia
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association advocates that the administration of local anesthesia requires advanced technical, assessment, and critical thinking skills. This procedure should be performed exclusively by licensed dental practitioners who have completed advanced education at an accredited institution and have direct access to the public. Other dental professionals aspiring to administer local anesthesia should have a similar educational experience and demonstrate competence.
Interim Policy on Education Required for Dental Hygiene Licensure
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association affirms that any individual seeking to practice dental hygiene in the United States must complete a dental hygiene education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and meet the clinical training, examination, and practice requirements necessary to obtain a dental hygiene license.