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MDHA News | MDHA Newsletter | Legislation
Public Health Dental Hygienist CE Courses Postponed
The Board of Registration in Dentistry (BORID) notified MDHA yesterday that there may be further revisions to the dental regulations, including those that define the continuing education training required for the Public Health Dental Hygienist. In light of this advisory from BORID, and despite having been previously encouraged to implement the course, MDHA has decided to postpone the Public Health Dental Hygienist CE training until the fall, when it is now anticipated that the regulations will take effect.
MDHA will advertise the new date(s) of the training course as soon as they become available. If you have already registered for the course, please make note of the postponement. Checks will be returned to anyone who has already registered for the course.
Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience or confusion caused by this change. We will continue to monitor the revisions to the dental regulations and will reschedule the training course at the earliest possible date.
Sincerely,
The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association
Lobby Day 2010
Please join us at the state house on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 for our next lobby day. Help promote the profession of dental hygiene and advance MDHA’s legislative agenda at the State House. This year our work continues as we as we work to finalize the regulations relating to the public health dental hygienist and to promote legislation that would expand our representation on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. We need your help for these issues to continue to move through the legislative process. Our day on Beacon Hill is an opportunity for our lawmakers to hear from you, their constituents, about how our profession can help to improve access to oral health care for all residents of our state. To read more and to register, download the Lobby Day 2010 brochure.
MDHA on Facebook - MDHA is now on FACEBOOK
Continuing Education Requirements for Dental Hygiene Licensure in the Commonwealth -
Dental hygienists must have proof of a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education that has significant intellectual or practical content which deals primarily with matters directly related to the practice of dentistry or dental auxiliary functions or with the professional or ethical responsibilities and obligations of licensees (234 CMR 5.04). This requirement must be completed during the two calendar years preceding January 1st of the year of renewal (odd years for dental hygienists). Continue Reading here
2009 Graduates - may become Active members by logging in to their student membership record at www.adha.org , click on the "Convert Now" link and complete the required information - which includes their new dental hygiene license number. Students may also convert by calling ADHA directly at (800) 243-2342, press 1 or by emailing their name, ADHA ID, license number and state of licensure to member.services@adha.net .
"Filling a gap in Bay State dental care", and Op-Ed was featured in the Monday, April 21st edition of the Boston Globe, (page A-12).
The Op-Ed focuses on the oral health care crisis many residents, especially children, the low income, and the elderly, are facing when they try to access dental care and the challenges from organized dentistry, that licensed dental hygienists in the state are facing trying to fill the gap with direct access to preventive services.
"It is one thing for dentists to refuse to see poor kids and seniors, but it is quite another for them to stand in the way of other perfectly qualified health professionals who are trying to help." Click here to read the published Op-Ed.
New component continuing education courses added – Click here for more information
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Releases
Dental Hygiene Workforce Report
In early January, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) released a report titled, "A Report on the Commonwealth's Dental Hygiene Workforce…Results and Recommendations from a 2007 Statewide Survey". As part of the 2007 license renewal process, Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association collaborated with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on a 29-item survey whose purpose was to determine the status, practices and potential utilization of the dental hygiene workforce. More than 70% of licensed dental hygienists responded to the survey. The Report provides recommendations regarding utilization of the dental hygiene workforce to increase access to oral health services for the most vulnerable residents, such as children, the elderly, the developmentally disabled and those on MassHealth.
Printed copies ofA Report on the Commonwealth’s Dental Hygiene Workforce...ResultsandRecommendations from a 2007 Statewide Surveyare available from MDHA or you can download a copy of the Report here .
Walk the Rock ... Success in Plymouth to support oral cancer research
Death of Boy Emphasizes Necessity of Preventive Oral Health Care in Massachusetts…( click here for MDHA Press Release)
Save the Date ... Walk the Rock - Sunday, October 4, 2009 beginning at Mother's Rest Area in South Boston, near Carson Beach, the State Police Station, and the JFK/UMass T Station. This year's experience will be a five-mile walk will be along the water from Mother's Rest Area to Castle Island and back. All are welcome ... individuals or teams can walk to support oral cancer research. Check back here for more information or contact Laureen, RDH, at IFLOSS4U@comcast.net
Copyright 2006 Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association