January 13, 2025
As you know, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) strongly opposes the Dental Access Model Act, developed by the American Dental Association and recently adopted by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
This Act allows dental assistants to perform scaling, a critical preventive and therapeutic procedure traditionally within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Scaling requires specialized education and clinical training to ensure patient safety and quality care.
While the ADHA has previously voiced its concerns and opposition to ALEC, it is crucial that we continue to raise our collective voice. To strengthen our advocacy efforts, we encourage members to take action.
Below, you will find a template letter to personalize and send, along with a list of ALEC contacts to address your message.
Steps to take action:
- Download the Template Letter
- Email your letter to the following contacts:
- Lisa Nelson, CEO: [email protected]
- Lee Schalk, Senior Vice President of Policy: [email protected]
- Lars Dalseide, Director of Policy Advancement and Media Relations: [email protected]
- Gabriella Uli, Director of Legislative Outreach: [email protected]
- Laneigh Pfalser, Legislative Outreach Manager: [email protected]
The Dental Access Model Act poses a significant threat to the integrity of our profession and the quality of care we provide to patients. It prioritizes unproven workforce models over evidence-based solutions, disregards input from key stakeholders and jeopardizes patient safety. The future of oral healthcare depends on thoughtful, informed decisions that protect public health and maintain the trust our communities place in us.
Your advocacy is essential to ensure policymakers understand the far-reaching consequences of this act. By speaking out together, we can protect the future of our profession and uphold the high standards of care our patients deserve.
Thank you for standing with us in this important effort.
Best regards,
JoAnn
JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA
Director, Education, Research & Advocacy
American Dental Hygienists’ Association