The Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association, a chapter of the ADHA, is committed to providing advocacy, professional development and networking opportunities for dental hygienists and the dental hygiene profession.

President’s Message

Hello ODHA members!

I hope this newsletter finds you all well!

Summer is just around the corner and we will be spending more of our time outside enjoying the beautiful state of Oregon and beyond!

Dental continuing education is important for dental hygienists. It helps us stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field and maintain our licensure. We are busily working on required continuing education (CE) opportunities and will be offering CE throughout the year and at our annual conference, November 1 - 2, 2024. Please check out our website (coming soon) for the conference information. If you have any suggestions for a class you would like to have offered, please reach out to one of us at ODHA and we can attempt to get it scheduled.

We are finally getting back to in-person meetings and connecting with our colleagues at the component level. Check out your component to see what they have going on!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting mental wellness. During this month, various organizations, mental health advocates, and communities come together to educate the public about mental health, offer support to those who may be struggling, and advocate for policies that prioritize mental health care. It is an important opportunity to start conversations, share resources, and encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. This includes us, the dental hygienist!

World Hand Hygiene Day is observed on May 5th. It is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. The campaign is led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and encourages healthcare workers, patients, and the general public to improve hand hygiene practices.

The key messages of World Hand Hygiene Day typically include the importance of washing hands at critical times, such as before eating and after using the restroom, using proper hand washing techniques, and promoting the use of hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available. The goal is to reduce the transmission of infections in healthcare settings and beyond, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes.

Of course, as dental hygienists, we are aware of the importance of hand washing, but I believe it is a good reminder to be vigilant.

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather!

Best regards,
Karan Bershaw, MS, RDH, EPDH, FADHA
[email protected]

Component News

North West

May greetings from your ODHA North West Component!

There is excitement in the air! I don’t know if it’s the sunshine making us all a little loopy, or the flowers peeking out from beneath the dirt, but something is happening! There is no happier place to be on a warm, sunny day than in the Pacific Northwest. I love my home!

Speaking of sunshine, y’all should have seen your bright ODHA leadership at our Annual Board Retreat on April 13th. A highlight was Advocacy Director Lisa Rowley bringing us up to speed on topics affecting our profession. Did you know there are serious discussions happening within the Oregon Board of Dentistry that will allow dental assistants to administer local anesthesia? Imagine your dental hygiene assistant getting your next patient numb for SRP while you irrigate perio pockets next door! Did you know that soon dental hygienists in Oregon won’t have to gain licensure in each state they practice? This is already happening in some states and it’s looking like we will follow suit. This kind of progress doesn’t just happen, it’s due to the hard work of our Advocacy Committee under the leadership of our Advocacy Director. They move mountains! If advocacy is your jam, think about joining this committee. The value your passion brings to the table can change DH as we know it. Another hot topic is dental hygienist’s administering botox. We are going places!

At the component level, April proved to be a delightful time to gather and stroll through fields of color at the Tulip Festival. Personally, it was my first time attending this event and now I know what the fuss is about. The color is mind blowing!! How nice to spend the afternoon networking with colleagues while gazing at the beautiful flowers.

We will meet on Saturday, May 25th for our monthly North West Component Meeting and CE. Our topic will be Abuse & What it Means to be a Mandatory Reporter presented by our own Component Chair Payton Cuellar. No pre-registration required.

Location is the Vanport Building located in downtown Portland. The address is 1810 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, Room 268. Easiest parking is located across the street from the Vanport Building, on 4th and Harrison in the CVS building. There is also parking between Montgomery and Mill on 4th Ave.

Follow the ODHA North West Component on Instagram!

Until next time, don’t forget, YOU ARE IN DEMAND! Be sure to include your ODHA Membership fees when negotiating benefits with your employer.

Warmly,

DeAnn Dardis, RDH, BSDH, EPP
North West Component Director

Metro East

Spring is in full swing!!!

I don’t know about all of you but I’m feeling more joyful these days with the beautiful weather, flowers and just overall more hopeful. Graduation is coming up for our students and we’re stepping into the most beautiful time of the year (in my opinion!).

Our Metro East Monthly meetings continue and grow every month. In April we had over 40 attendees to our 1 Credit CE, “Chairside Manner,” where we discussed ways to connect with patients focusing on personality styles, shameless verbiage and power dynamics! It was very interactive and fun as we guessed different TV Characters personality styles and discussed ways to connect with patients!

For our May meeting, we will be participating in Rose Haven’s “Reigning Roses 2024” on Mother’s Day. This will be a very meaningful (and FUN!) way to spend Mother’s Day morning! I especially think of those in my life who no longer have their mother’s this year and how celebrating and supporting the women and marginalized genders in Portland by participating in this walk would bring joy and meaning to Mother’s Day! We have a team page which you can find by clicking here. You do not have to donate to participate but we do have a team goal of $1,000.

For those who are not familiar with Rose Haven, this is a beautiful women, children and marginalized gender day shelter in NW Portland. The difference they make in the lives of women in Portland who need a place to shelter during the day is heart-warming and so important.

I will be posting more information on our Facebook page which you can see and subscribe to by clicking here, in the days to come. All members of all components and their family and friends are welcome! For those who would like to join the team, you are encouraged to wear a purple shirt if at all possible, but it is not required. Myself and my family will be painting our shirts and writing ODHA on the back, so feel free to do the same! Michael’s craft store has cheap blank colored shirts and paints!

Click here to see the fun from last year's walk!! This is not a “typical” walk. There are fun stops along the way with food, music, raffles, dancing and just an all around good time to celebrate women and marginalized genders! We end at Rose Haven (the shelter is BEAUTIFUL) for more fun, drinks and entertainment for the whole family!

Warmly,

Heidi M. Klobes RDH, BSDH
Metro East Component Director

A message from ODHA Vice President from Metro East:

Hello Oregon Dental Hygienists! The Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association is considering adding a committee on environmental stewardship to the association's groups. This would include resource management and financial stewardship. If you have ever questioned/wondered if some of the plastic and single use items regularly used in dental practices are gratuitous or redundant, we’d like to hear from you.

Have you been considering ways that you or your practice could reduce the amount of waste it produces while also delivering excellent patient care that upholds all infection control guidelines? Have you already begun to implement changes in your own practice to be more mindful of the waste that is produced every day at work? If you have or are interested in discussing and learning more about how we can help to reduce the waste burden produced at dental practices in Oregon, we’d love to hear from you.

The writing is on the wall, and one does not need to look far to see just how much trash is produced on a daily basis in every facet of our lives. I'm hoping to introduce the thought into people’s mind: ‘what can I do differently to reduce the waste produced at work, while still delivering exceptional care?’. There is an added benefit to being more green minded at work, it saves money! There are so many costs to running a successful dental practice, and if we can help to divert some money to more important things (like new instruments), while also reducing how much gets thrown into the garbage can, then I consider it a win-win.

If this piques your interest and you would like to participate or would like to see a committee focused on this idea added to the ODHA groups, please reach out and let us know. If you are not sure how or if you would want to participate but are curious to hear of innovative products that can reduce single-use plastics, or hear about how these practice evolutions could look, let us know.

Please take a moment and fill out the survey below so that I can gauge interest moving forward. Thank you for your interest in helping to reduce how much waste we add to the planet and for all that you do for our community and our patients!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9N2NHD3

Sincerely,
Stephen Quimby, RDH, BSDH
Vice President, ODHA

South West

Hello South West Component!

I would love for you to join us virtually for a CE course from Bio Gaia on May 29th at 6:30 PST.

The Bio Gaia company makes oral probiotic supplements. Here is an excerpt from their website: "Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for our health, especially our digestive system. When consumed in adequate amounts, these microorganisms can provide a variety of health benefits. For example, they help maintain a balanced gut microbiota by promoting the growth of good bacteria and inhibiting harmful ones."

Hope to "see" you there!

Tommie Kell, EPRDH, OMT
South West ODHA Component Director

High Desert

We are excited to announce speaker Tommie Kell EPRDH, OMT, will be providing a 1-hour CE on Myofunctional Therapy Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm. Location TBA

If there is any interest in leadership participation in the component, please contact your Director Kimberly Pratt at [email protected] or 541-659-4430. We need to fill the position of Secretary and Chair.

Kim Pratt, Director High Desert Component

 Student Corner

Catalina Garcia Alejo, Shanice Tsen, & Brenda Vega Jimenez

Catalina, Shanice and Brenda are seniors at Pacific University. For their senior capstone project they choose to research Biological dental hygiene and share their discoveries with the junior class. The following is an overview of the topic and how their peers responded to the information.

Biological Hygiene (BH) focuses on the oral cavity and how it affects the health of the whole body. Biologic hygienists utilize tools such as pH testing, Oral DNA testing, microscopic evaluation of biofilm and an in-depth assessment of their oral and systemic health. The first appointment typically lasts 2-hours and does not include therapy. In biological hygiene, it is common to recommend alternative treatments and products that are more biocompatible with the body and deemed “natural”. This approach to dentistry may be known as: holistic, natural, biological, alternative or preventive dentistry. Dental hygiene (DH) practitioners who take this approach are licensed identically to their general DH counterparts. However, while they experience the same schooling, they often opt to take additional courses and training in the biological approach to treatment.

A major focus of biological hygiene centers around the patient's oral microbiome and evaluating what could be the root cause of the disease. Some of the assessment tools used during risk assessments are utilizing a microscope to evaluate the biofilm and determine the type of bacteria in the mouth. Another common practice is the use of a CBCT, 3D imaging to assess the patient's airway for sleep issues.

Treatment options include ozone therapy and LASERs in addition to traditional dental hygiene treatment protocols. Ozone therapy, a type of gas consisting of three oxygen atoms (O3), may be used for patients in need of scaling and root planning. Ozone therapy helps to destroy harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses and enables the oral microbiome to reach a level of better health. Additionally, biological hygienists limit the use of antibiotics and turn towards treatments and products that are more holistic, biocompatible and the safest for patients. Below is an example of a typical DH appointment compared to a biologic hygiene appointment. You will note that many things overlap, however the biologic hygienist will typically far more time gathering information and assessing the patient.

A traditional dental hygienist can practice biological dental hygiene without special licenses or permits. However, it is often desirable to obtain certification from courses specializing in the topic. Organizations such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology offer a Biological Dental Hygiene Accreditation course.

We presented a 30 minute lecture to the Pacific University class of 2025 about biologic dental hygiene. At the conclusion of the presentation the students completed a summative evaluation. The results of the evaluation can be seen on the slide below. We feel this topic is important to share with dental hygiene students so they know the other treatment options and philosophies that exist as part of establishing a mindset of life-long learning. Our capstone mentor Lesley Harbison is available at [email protected] for questions or comments.

Submission by Lesley Harbison, ODHA Treasurer

Oregon Board of Dentistry News Meetings in 2024

The Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings are in person but you also may join via Zoom.

Friday, June 14
8:00 - 9:00 am - Dental Assistant Workforce Shortage Advisory Committee meeting
9:15 am Board Meeting

Anyone may participate in Open Session portions of the Board meeting.

In-person meeting: 1500 SW 1st Ave Ste 770, Portland, OR 97201

 Zoom link will be posted approximately one week before the meeting on the Board website at www.oregon.gov/dentistry. Scroll down to About Us and click on Meetings. The public packet is usually more than 200 pages in length. We recommend that you review this document online, and only print pages if you need them.

If you would like to participate in the Open Session of this or any future board meeting, please contact ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] for more information.

New Board Members

Three new members have been appointed to the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Their 4-year terms begin April 1, 2024 and end March 31, 2028, and they will be eligible to serve a second 4-year term.

Kristen Simmons, RDH, PhDEL has been appointed to serve as one of the two dental hygienist members of the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Kristen is a full-time faculty member with the School of Dental Hygiene Studies at Pacific University with primary teaching responsibility for research methods, dental public health and capstone projects. Prior to joining Pacific, Kristen served as Chief Operations Officer for Willamette Dental Group for 32 years. She also served as project director for Dental Pilot Project #300 which trained restorative dental hygienists to become dental therapists. Kristen is a past president of the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association, and she served as a board member for the Oregon Oral Health Advisory Board and the Oregon Oral Health Coalition. Kristen replaces Alicia Riedman who served on the Board April 2015 through March 2024.

Olesya Salathe, DMD has been appointed to serve as one of the six dentist members of the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Dr. Salathe owns a group dental practice The Dentist on Main located in Molalla, Oregon. She was born in Russia and immigrated with her family when she was 8 years old. Dr. Salathe completed her dental education at the OHSU School of Dentistry. She loves giving back to her Molalla community through free dental days, sports guard clinics, field trips and sports sponsorships. Dr. Salathe replaces Dr. Jose Javier who served on the Board June 2016 through April 2024.

Virginia (Ginny) Jorgenson has been appointed to serve as one of the two public members of the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Ginny is a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), an Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assistant (EFODA), and she is a faculty member in the Integrated Community Dental Assisting Program at Portland Community College. Ginny replaces Jennifer Brixey who served on the Board September 2018 through April 2024.

Standing Committees

The following ODHA members have been appointed to represent ODHA on Standing Committees of the Oregon Board of Dentistry from May 2024 to April 2025:

Communications – Alicia Riedman
Dental Hygiene – Daniel Tovar
Dental Therapy Rules Oversight – Amy Coplen
Enforcement & Discipline – Jill Mason
Licensing, Standards & Competency – Heidi Klobes
Rules Oversight – Alicia Riedman

In addition to these Standing Committees, a new advisory committee was established by the Oregon Board of Dentistry as directed by House Bill 3223 that was passed during the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session. The Dental Assistant Workforce Shortage Advisory Committee (DAWSAC) is charged with studying the dental assistant workforce shortage and reviewing requirements for dental assistant certification in other states. Laura Vanderwerf has been appointed to represent ODHA on this committee.

Standing Committees of the Oregon Board of Dentistry meet to discuss issues that are referred to them by the Board and make recommendations to the Board. Standing Committees may or may not meet throughout the year.

ODHA representatives to these Standing Committees are appointed by the ODHA President with approval of the ODHA Board of Directors. These are volunteer positions with no remuneration and no reimbursement for expenses

Upcoming Events

ADHA Annual Conference | July 26-28 | New Orleans

Join dental hygienists from across the country to celebrate excellence with keynote speakers, continuing education, product presentations & networking events.
The following continuing education courses will be presented by ODHA members this year:

• Social Determinants of Health Screening in Today’s Dental Hygiene Practice // Darlene Swigart, RDH, MS, Oregon Institute of Technology
• Speaking Alzheimer’s/Dementia as a Second Language: A Study in Cultural Competency // Lori Killen Aus, RDHEP, MA, FADHA, Oral Health for Life, LLC

The ADHA 2024 Annual Conference will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. ADHA recommends that you stay at one of the hotels in their Official Hotel Block that are located conveniently close to the convention center. They have several hotel options for you to choose from including the headquarter hotel Hilton Riverside & other more budget-friendly hotels. For more information see: www.adha2024.org

The ADHA 2024 Virtual House of Delegates Meeting will be held Friday, June 28 through Sunday June 30, 2024. Members who are not delegates or board members may attend the meeting as a guest observer. For more information, see www.adha.org/about-adha/house-of-delegates

___ 

Oregon Public Health Association 80th Annual Conference & Meeting | October 7-8, 2024 | OSU

The Oregon Public Health Association will hold their 80th Annual Conference & Meeting. The premier public health event in Oregon, will be held Monday & Tuesday, October 7 & 8, 2024 at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. Registration for this conference will open in June.

This conference brings together public health leaders, professionals, educators, advocates, students, & stakeholders for the latest in public health research and trends, thought-provoking speakers, and plenty of networking opportunities.

Conference highlights include:

• Education – More than 80 presentations on key areas of public health, facilitated discussions to learn from your peers, and an interactive poster session.
• Networking – Connect with public health professionals and stakeholders from around the Northwest.
• Association Awards – Join OPHA in recognizing Oregon's public health advocates and leaders.
• Products & Services – Connect with OPHA Sponsors and visit the Exhibit Hall.

The ODHA is an organizational member of the Oregon Public Health Association. You do not need to be an individual member of the OPHA to present at or participate in the OPHA Annual Conference. We encourage all dental hygienists to consider presenting at or participating in the 2024 OPHA Annual Conference & Meeting.

For more information about the OPHA and this conference visit www.oregonpublichealth.org

___

Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center

___

2025 National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference

Mark your calendars now for 6th Annual National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference to be held Thursday-Saturday, February 27 through March 1, 2025 in Portland, OR. This is the first time this conference will be held in the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you are a dental provider wanting to add a virtual component to your current business, an experienced mobile clinician or a company with innovation to grow practice efficiency, this is the event for you! Over three days you will the chance to meet industry pioneers and explore innovative business models – all while diving into the future of dentistry. For more information visit www.nmdconference.com.

Leadership

Expand Your Professional Network
The ADHA Professional Fellows Program is your opportunity to expand and enrich your connection to an elite nationwide network of dental hygienists who share your passion for advancing oral health. Don't miss your chance to collaborate and share valuable skills and expertise.

Applications Now Being Accepted

More information here

Career Center

Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings like these: 

Willamette Dental Group Job Openings

Dental Hygienist - Portland

Dental Hygienist - Durham

Dental Hygienist - Bend

Dental Hygienist - Lincoln City

Nappy Lam DDS Job Opening 

Dental Hygienist - Portland 

Access your CE Credits

Benefits of Membership

Our Partners

April

President’s Message

Happy Spring ODHA members!

Finally, Spring is here! I enjoy the longer days and the flowers that are starting to grow in my yard this time of year. Also, this means warmer weather is just around the corner!

The first week in April is the Oregon Dental Conference. Join us at the conference for an informal gathering, Saturday, April 6th, from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Bring your lunch and join your colleagues for networking, socializing and an inspiring presentation from Melissa Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA. Stop by the ODHA table at the Convention for details or read below under the upcoming events section!

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about oral cancer, its risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection and prevention. During this month, various organizations, dental professionals, healthcare providers, and communities often organize events, campaigns, and educational initiatives to spread awareness and encourage people to take proactive steps for their oral health.

During Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it's crucial for dental professionals, healthcare providers, and communities to work together to raise awareness, promote early detection, and ultimately reduce the burden of oral cancer on individuals and the general public.

The following are some ideas for some things to focus on this month:

Risk Factors
Educating people about the risk factors associated with oral cancer, such as tobacco and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, poor diet, and sun exposure.

Symptoms
Highlighting the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, including persistent mouth sores, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and changes in the appearance of the mouth or lips.

Prevention
Promoting healthy lifestyle choices that can help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer, such as avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, practicing good oral hygiene, and getting vaccinated against HPV.

Screening
Encouraging regular oral cancer screenings as part of routine dental check-ups, especially for individuals with known risk factors or suspicious symptoms.

Early Detection
Stressing the importance of early detection through routine screenings, as early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Support and Resources
Providing support and resources for individuals affected by oral cancer, including access to treatment options, support groups, and counseling services.

Finally, April 8-12 is Dental Hygienist Week! It is a time to recognize and appreciate the important role that we, dental hygienists, play in promoting oral health and overall well-being in our communities. Celebrate you and your profession!

Hope to see you in April at one of the ODHA events.

Best regards,
Karan Bershaw, MS, RDH, EPDH, FADHA

Component News

North West

Come experience the Annual Tulip Festival with your ODHA Northwest colleagues!

 Families are welcome for this event! 

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is located at 33814 S. Meridian Rd., Woodburn 97071.
Experience the beauty of the spectacular tulips and over 200 acres of outdoor space and activities. This event is one of the top spring attractions in Oregon!

Ticket prices are $20 on April 20th for a 1:00 pm entry time. Ages 65 and older are $15. Children 12 and under are free and do not need a ticket. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. Be sure to choose April 20th at 1:00 pm when securing your tickets so we can all be together.

We encourage you to bring a picnic lunch if you feel like it! We will meet at the Marketplace in the middle of the farm and we will have an ODHA yard sign to signal where we are! Let's hope for sun!

I hope to see you there! 

Warmly,

DeAnn Dardis, RDH, BSDH, EPP
North West Component Director

Metro East

It’s April! We’ve been busy over here at Metro East mentoring students, providing hygiene supplies to our community and growing together at our monthly component meetings! Check out a couple photos below from our events:

Hygiene supply drive for Rose Haven Women’s Shelter	Monica Emmons going over ultrasonics

Many students are getting ready to take their boards and graduate, so our April meeting for Metro East will be on a topic that doesn’t come easy to everyone, “Chairside Manner” for 1 CE! We’ll go over personality styles (DISC), shameless hygiene verbiage and how to connect with your patients in a meaningful way. 

Hoping to see old and new faces, bring a friend (and a dish if possible!) It’ll be a short and sweet meeting, but this month it will be on as always on Wednesday, April 24th, instead of Thursday, (like usual).

Warmly,

Heidi M. Klobes RDH, BSDH
Metro East Component Director

South West

Hello SW Component!
There are some exciting things coming! First, I would love for you to attend our first in-person meeting this year (it's been way too long!) on April 26th at Gold Rush Cider at 6 pm. I am proud to welcome Kim Pratt, RDH, BSDH. Her topic will be "Oncology Patients' Oral Conditions: Barriers to Oral Care and the Dental Referral Process."

Please RSVP as seating is limited. RSVP to [email protected]

There is also a 1 hour virtual study club offered by reDENTion on Friday, April 26, from 12-1 pm: "Airway 101: Recognizing Airway Deficiencies and Treatment Options" The cost is $25. If interested, please email: [email protected]

I hope you all treat yourself to a nice massage! Happy Spring!
Tommie Kell, EPRDH, OMT

Advocacy

Virginia Adopts DDH Compact

On March 8, 2024, Virginia became the 5th state to adopt the DDH Compact legislation. The DDH Compact legislation must be enacted by at least 7 states before the DDH Compact can go into effect. Only states that enact this legislation may participate in the DDH Compact. So far Iowa, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin & Virginia have passed this legislation, and legislation is pending in several other states.

The DDH Compact is an interstate agreement that will provide a pathway for dentists and dental hygienists to obtain authorization to practice in states where they are not already licensed. The DDH Compact will allow a dentist or dental hygienist who has a license in one participating state to apply for compact privilege in another participating state. The compact privilege will allow the dentist or dental hygienist to practice in the other participating state without needing to obtain a license in that state.

For more information about the DDH Compact, visit: www.odha.org/advocacy-news.

License Portability & the DDH Compact

License portability allows a person with a license in one state to be authorized to practice in another state. Traditionally, dental hygienists have needed to obtain and maintain a license in each state where they want to practice. License portability will allow dental hygienists to practice in other states without obtaining additional licenses. An interstate compact is a legal, legislatively enacted contract between two or more states that can allow states to create reciprocal professional licensing so that a person with a professional license in one state may practice in another state without obtaining an additional license.

The DDH Compact is an interstate agreement that will provide a pathway for dentists and dental hygienists to obtain authorization to practice in states where they are not already licensed. The DDH Compact will allow a dentist or dental hygienist who has a license in one participating state to apply for compact privilege in another participating state. The compact privilege will allow the dentist or dental hygienist to practice in the other participating state without needing to obtain a license in that state.

The Council of State Governments (csg.org) partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) to develop this new interstate compact. The CSG has developed model legislation that must be enacted by at least 7 states before the DDH Compact can go into effect. No substantive changes can be made to the language of the model legislation, or it may jeopardize that state’s participation in the DDH Compact. Only states that enact the legislation may participate in the DDH Compact. Iowa, Washington & Tennessee have passed this legislation, and legislation is pending in several other states. The ODHA is meeting with the Oregon Dental Association (ODA) to discuss partnering on this legislation for 2025.

For more information about the DDH Compact, please visit the ODHA website at https://ordha.memberclicks.net/advocacy-news

Oregon Board of Dentistry News Meetings in 2024

The Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings are in person but you also may join via Zoom.

Friday, April 26
8:00 - 9:00 am - Dental Assistant Workforce Shortage Advisory Committee meeting
9:15 am Board Meeting

Anyone may participate in Open Session portions of the Board meeting.

In-person meeting: 1500 SW 1st Ave Ste 770, Portland, OR 97201

 Zoom link will be posted approximately one week before the meeting on the Board website at www.oregon.gov/dentistry. Scroll down to About Us and click on Meetings. The public packet is usually more than 200 pages in length. We recommend that you review this document online, and only print pages if you need them.

If you would like to participate in the Open Session of this or any future board meeting, please contact ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] for more information.

Upcoming Events

Oregon Dental Conference | April 4-6 | Oregon Convention Center

Do not miss Melissa K. Turner at our ODHA Event at the ODC on April 6th from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at the Oregon Convention Center in Room G-130

A 20-year veteran dental hygienist and founder, Melissa K. Turner is a sought-after executive, consultant, dynamic speaker and top millennial content creator. Behind some of the most innovative brands in the industry, she partners with companies of all sizes – from pre-seed startups to billion-dollar international brands – on brand strategy and product growth. Turner’s combined experience behind the scenes in the boardroom, on the frontlines as a clinician, and as a public-facing influencer allows her unique insight into future industry trends. She is the founder and founding board member of multiple companies and is referred to as a “fresh force of change”– representing a new generation in dentistry with a focus on transforming the future through innovative technology, inclusion and practitioner wellbeing.

Senior Executive Consultant and Chief Hygiene Officer at Cellerant Consulting Group, Turner leads the Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Awards. She is a founding board member for the American Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance and cofounder of The Denobi Awards and the National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference. Affectionately known by her influencer handle @thetoothgirl, she is creator of the I Heart Dentistry Network.

Turner’s newest launches include Smile Proud, an advocacy organization built to support current and future LGBTQIA+ dental professionals, as well as I, Woman, a podcast for women founders, executives and entrepreneurs focusing on what it takes to unleash their inner roar in the boardroom, the bedroom and beyond. More information at www.MelissaKTurner.com.  Come and socialize with your hygiene connections......and there will be Door Prizes. Be sure to stop by the ODHA table at the ODC - Thursday, April 4, 5, 6 at the Oregon Convention Center.  There is also an opportunity to enter a drawing at the ODHA Exhibit for a prize.  

___

ADHA Annual Conference | July 26-28 | New Orleans

Join dental hygienists from across the country to celebrate excellence with keynote speakers, continuing education, product presentations & networking events.
The following continuing education courses will be presented by ODHA members this year:

• Social Determinants of Health Screening in Today’s Dental Hygiene Practice // Darlene Swigart, RDH, MS, Oregon Institute of Technology
• Speaking Alzheimer’s/Dementia as a Second Language: A Study in Cultural Competency // Lori Killen Aus, RDHEP, MA, FADHA, Oral Health for Life, LLC

The ADHA 2024 Annual Conference will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. ADHA recommends that you stay at one of the hotels in their Official Hotel Block that are located conveniently close to the convention center. They have several hotel options for you to choose from including the headquarter hotel Hilton Riverside & other more budget-friendly hotels. For more information see: www.adha2024.org

The ADHA 2024 Virtual House of Delegates Meeting will be held Friday, June 28 through Sunday, June 30. Members who are not delegates or board members may attend the meeting as a guest observer. For more information, see www.adha.org/about-adha/house-of-delegates

___

Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center

Leadership

Expand Your Professional Network
The ADHA Professional Fellows Program is your opportunity to expand and enrich your connection to an elite nationwide network of dental hygienists who share your passion for advancing oral health. Don't miss your chance to collaborate and share valuable skills and expertise.

Applications Now Being Accepted

More information here

Career Center

Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings like this one in Portland (and sing up for job alerts when new jobs are posted): 

Nappy Lam DDS
Dental Hygienist - Portland 

Access your CE Credits

Benefits of Membership

Our Partners

March

President’s Message

Hello ODHA members!

A happy and healthy mouth is indeed a crucial part of maintaining overall well-being. Good oral health can have a positive impact on the entire body, from digestion to overall health.

As dental hygienists we typically are passionate about oral health and our expertise certainly contributes to a happier and healthier community. March 20th being “World Oral Health Day” is an excellent opportunity to promote good oral hygiene practices and raise awareness about the importance of regular dental care.

March 3-9 is “Dental Assistant Appreciation Week” in 2024! Dental Assistants play a vital role in dental practices, supporting both Dental Hygienists and Dentists in providing quality care to patients. Recognizing their hard work and dedication is essential for boosting morale and fostering a positive work environment. Hope you are planning some special activities or events to show appreciation for Dental Assistants.

Dental continuing education is important for dental hygienists. It helps you stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field and maintain your licensure. Join your Component for some in-person education and networking. Check out our website for the latest activities.

Look for the ODHA at the Oregon Dental Conference, April 4-6. We have a dental hygiene social planned for Saturday, April 6. Bring your lunch and join us for some networking.

Warm regards,
Karan Bershaw, MS, RDH, EPDH, FADHA

Component News

North West

Hello ODHA friends,

Spring is here! Only weeks ago I was walking to my car in complete darkness after work. Now, with the arrival of the new season, dusk is welcoming me to the end of my work day. There is hope!

I have been delightfully busy with my new(ish) job at Capitol Dental. When others ask, "How are you liking your new job?"  the word that most often comes to mind is “invigorating”. Public health is where my heart is. It reminds me that when I do what I enjoy, work becomes a labor of love rather than just earning a paycheck.

Last month, I worked with a mom and her 4-year-old son who had recently moved from Africa to the United States. In Africa, they lived in a very poor village. Mom and son lived in a small hut, where they slept on thin mats on a dirt floor. Mom was legally blind but didn’t let that get in her way. She worked hard in school and was awarded a college scholarship in the U.S. With dreams of making a better life for herself and her son, she came to Portland, leaving her 6-month-old baby boy with family in Africa. While away from her son, her heart ached. While away from his mommy, her son constantly sucked on a milk bottle for comfort. After graduating with honors, mom returned to Africa to retrieve her now 3-year-old son. Each one of his teeth was black, some decayed to the gumline. After a long journey to their new home in Portland, mom took her son to a dentist who told her all of the boy's upper and lower anterior teeth had to be extracted and all of the posterior teeth needed fillings or crowns.

I cried when I heard this mother’s story. For those of us in public health, these tears quickly turn to action. This is my passion: supporting patients who lack resources by getting them the care they need.

What’s your passion?

What moves you in your career? Your passion could be cosmetic dentistry. Helping to improve smiles and boosting confidence is your dream. Or perhaps your gift is identifying signs of occlusal dysfunction. Helping patients improve their bite and relieving jaw pain makes you so happy! Or perhaps it’s sleep-related issues. Helping patients breathe better brings you joy. Or research? Or education? The key to a happy professional life is to find YOUR passion and then use it to change lives, including your own. Go for it and don’t look back!

You are invited to join us Saturday, March 2nd from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for our monthly Component Meeting and free CE! This month we will focus on a topic that applies to us all - Communication: Building Trust with Patients. No registration required.
As a dental provider, do you:
• Feel more comfortable delivering information than listening?
• Find yourself having the same conversations with your patients?
• Feel uncomfortable asking your patients difficult questions?

If you said yes to any of these questions, this meeting is for you!

Location is the Vanport Building located in downtown Portland. The address is 1810 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, Room 268. The easiest parking is located across the street from the Vanport Building, on 4th and Harrison in the CVS building. There is also parking between Montgomery and Mill on 4th Ave.

Don’t forget to follow the ODHA Northwest Component on Instagram! There you’ll find announcements, info on upcoming meetings and CE, and more! We will be adding spotlights on outstanding hygienists soon.

Warmly,

DeAnn Dardis, RDH, BSDH, EPP
North West Component Director

Metro East

Hello!

Metro East has been busy staying involved in the community and especially enjoying all of the student involvement from Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College students this month!

February’s meeting had a fantastic turnout of over 35 attendees!! We had a really fun “Black Box Q and A” where students were able to ask anonymous questions about the profession and RDH’s in attendance took turns answering the questions. It was informative and also really fun! We also put together hygiene bags for Rose Haven Women’s Day Shelter which will be delivered next week. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to the supply drive.

Next month’s meeting will be held at the same location on March 28, and Monica Emmons from Dentsply Sirona will be discussing all of the latest and greatest ultrasonic options and will be bringing instruments for a hands-on, one (1) credit workshop. All RDH’s and students are welcome to join! Watch for details in the next couple of weeks!

Last, but not least we wanted to share that there will be a NEW hygiene program opening in Portland!!! Hannah Rich, Director at Concorde Career College (and Pacific University graduate) has been working very hard to get this new CODA-accredited program up and running. See the announcement below!! We are so excited to add this program under the Metro East umbrella alongside Mt. Hood and Portland Community College!

New Hygiene Program Announcement!

In response to the growing demand for dental professionals in Portland and greater Oregon, Concorde Career College–Portland is pleased to announce the launch of our new Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science degree program. Our curriculum blends theory with hands-on lab and clinical experience. With this program launch, Concorde is opening a new Dental Hygiene Clinic. Our students, under the supervision of faculty and a licensed dentist, can gain clinical competencies while providing low-cost dental services to the community.

Concorde–Portland’s Dental Hygiene program received initial programmatic accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Our first cohort of students starts in April, and we will be hosting an open house later this spring. We look forward to partnering with the dental community! To learn more or tour the facility, please contact Hannah Rich, RDH, program director, at 503-281-4181 (main), 971-277-8989 (direct) or [email protected].

Warmly,

Heidi M. Klobes RDH, BSDH
Metro East Component Director

Advocacy

License Portability & the DDH Compact

License portability allows a person with a license in one state to be authorized to practice in another state. Traditionally, dental hygienists have needed to obtain and maintain a license in each state where they want to practice. License portability will allow dental hygienists to practice in other states without obtaining additional licenses. An interstate compact is a legal, legislatively enacted contract between two or more states that can allow states to create reciprocal professional licensing so that a person with a professional license in one state may practice in another state without obtaining an additional license.

The DDH Compact is an interstate agreement that will provide a pathway for dentists and dental hygienists to obtain authorization to practice in states where they are not already licensed. The DDH Compact will allow a dentist or dental hygienist who has a license in one participating state to apply for compact privilege in another participating state. The compact privilege will allow the dentist or dental hygienist to practice in the other participating state without needing to obtain a license in that state.

The Council of State Governments (csg.org) partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) to develop this new interstate compact. The CSG has developed model legislation that must be enacted by at least 7 states before the DDH Compact can go into effect. No substantive changes can be made to the language of the model legislation, or it may jeopardize that state’s participation in the DDH Compact. Only states that enact the legislation may participate in the DDH Compact. Iowa, Washington & Tennessee have passed this legislation, and legislation is pending in several other states. The ODHA is meeting with the Oregon Dental Association (ODA) to discuss partnering on this legislation for 2025.

For more information about the DDH Compact, please visit the ODHA website at https://ordha.memberclicks.net/advocacy-news

Oregon Board of Dentistry News Meetings in 2024

The Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings are in person but you also may join via Zoom.

Friday, April 26
8:00 - 9:00 am - Dental Assistant Workforce Shortage Advisory Committee meeting
9:15 am Board Meeting

Anyone may participate in Open Session portions of the Board meeting.

In-person meeting: 1500 SW 1st Ave Ste 770, Portland, OR 97201

 Zoom link will be posted approximately one week before the meeting on the Board website at www.oregon.gov/dentistry. Scroll down to About Us and click on Meetings. The public packet is usually more than 200 pages in length. We recommend that you review this document online, and only print pages if you need them.

If you would like to participate in the Open Session of this or any future board meeting, please contact ODHA Advocacy Director Karen Hall at [email protected] for more information.

Dental Hygienist Completes Service as Board Member

Congratulations and Thank You to Alicia Riedman, RDH, EPDH who recently completed her service as one of the two dental hygienist members of the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Alicia served as a member of the Board for 9 years from April 2015 through February 2024. During her time on the Board, Alicia served as their 2020-2021 Vice President and their 2021-2022 President.

Alicia lives in Eugene & has worked for over 17 years as an expanded practice dental hygienist with the Community Health Centers of Lane County, a federally qualified health center. She works with a team of expanded practice hygienists who provide on-site preventive dental services to children in Head Start, Early Head Start, WIC, Relief Nursery, Summer Migrant Program, as well as to students in elementary, middle, and high school. Alicia uses portable dental equipment to provide oral health assessments, teeth cleaning, fluoride varnish, sealants, SDF and oral health instruction. As a third-generation dental professional, it is Alicia’s passion to provide dental care to these underserved children. In 2021 Alicia received the ODHA Lynn Ironside Access to Care Award.

In Memoriam

Audrey Dickson, RDH passed away on January 24, 2024 at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry in 2013. She is survived by two children, her daughter Maija Dickson Rogers & her son O’Connell Dickson. Audrey graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Oregon Dental School (now the Oregon Health Science University School of Dentistry) in 1956, & then worked for several years as a dental hygienist in an orthodontic office. She was one of the original faculty members for the Dental Hygiene Program at Mount Hood Community College (MHCC) along with their program director, Lois Whitford. Audrey taught dental radiology for dental hygiene students at MHCC, as well as for dental assistants through the Continuing Dental Education Department at OHSU.

Audrey was an active member of ODHA who served as Treasurer & Parliamentarian, & she helped establish ODHA’s political action committee (PAC). Audrey also served as Speaker of the House for the American Dental Hygienists’ Association for many years. Audrey was a Board Member for the Oregon Dental Hygiene Scholarship & Loan Fund, Inc. (ODHSLF), a private fund that provided interest-free loans for dental hygiene students. In 1985 Audrey received ODHA’s Lois Whitford Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award. Lori Killen Aus describes Audrey as “an incredible teacher, mentor and friend.”  (Pictured are (left)  Audrey Dickson and (right) Lori Killen Aus.)   

World Oral Health Day 

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally each year on March 20. WOHD was launched by the FDI World Dental Federation to raise global awareness on the prevention & control of oral diseases. The purpose of WOHD is to empower people with the knowledge, tools & confidence to secure good oral health.

FDI relies on individual action worldwide to roll out World Oral Health Day in each country & create a truly global movement. FDI encourages you to use your local expertise to create awareness and promote WOHD in your community.

The campaign theme for 2024 through 2026 is “A Happy Mouth is … A Healthy Body.” WOHD hopes to motivate people to value and take care of their mouths and understand that by doing so they can also help protect their general &-being.

A variety of resources are available to promote World Oral Health Day including fact sheets, message cards, posters, & social media tools. All content is free to use by everyone as long as it's used in its original form (no modifications allowed) & doesn't promote a product or a business (i.e. dental practice).

National Emerging Leader Award

Congratulations to Daniel Martinez Tovar, EPDH, MBA on being one of 12 national recipients of a 2024 Emerging Leader Award from the Geiger Gibson Program. These awards recognize and celebrate young leaders whose work and dedication have helped further the health center mission of health care and better health for medically underserved people. Candidates for this award are nominated by the leaders of their health center, primary care association or network, and awardees are selected by a committee drawn from senior health center movement leadership. For more information about this award program, click on Geiger Gibson Emerging Leaders Award. Daniel received this award during the 2024 Policy & Issues Forum sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) that was recently held in Washington, D.C. For more information about this organization, click on NACHC.

Daniel is currently the Dental Senior Manager for the Multnomah County Health Centers where he is responsible for ensuring that patients receive high-quality, patient-centered oral healthcare. In addition to this full-time position, Daniel is an adjunct faculty member in the Dental Hygiene Program at Mount Hood Community College where he is a classroom teacher for courses in community dental health and research, and a lab instructor for dental radiology and restorative expanded functions. Daniel previously worked with the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center as an expanded practice dental hygienist in their School-Based Health Centers and School Sealant Program, and later served as Dental Operations Manager for their Hillsboro Dental Clinic.

Upcoming Events

Dental Assistants Recognition Week | March 3-9

Dental Assistants Recognition Week is observed each year during the first full week of March to celebrate the commitment & dedication that dental assistants exhibit throughout the year. This year’s celebration will be held March 3-9, 2024, You can find DARW information at www.adaausa.org/aws/ADAA/pt/sp/DARW.

Today’s dental assistants strengthen the entire dental practice & enhance the patient care experience. Dental assistants are committed to professional development & quality dental care. Whether working chairside during patient care, managing the business office, teaching future dental assistants, or working in insurance or sales, dental assistants are vital to the success of dentistry.

Please be sure to celebrate & recognize the dental assistants who work with you during the Dental Assistants Recognition Week!

___

ADHA Annual Conference | July 26-28 | New Orleans

Join dental hygienists from across the country to celebrate excellence with keynote speakers, continuing education, product presentations & networking events.

The following continuing education courses will be presented by ODHA members this year:

• Social Determinants of Health Screening in Today’s Dental Hygiene Practice // Darlene Swigart, RDH, MS, Oregon Institute of Technology
• Speaking Alzheimer’s/Dementia as a Second Language: A Study in Cultural Competency // Lori Killen Aus, RDHEP, MA, FADHA, Oral Health for Life, LLC

The ADHA 2024 Annual Conference will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. ADHA recommends that you stay at one of the hotels in their Official Hotel Block that are located conveniently close to the convention center. They have several hotel options for you to choose from including the headquarter hotel Hilton Riverside & other more budget-friendly hotels. For more information see: www.adha2024.org

The ADHA 2024 Virtual House of Delegates Meeting will be held Friday, June 28 through Sunday June 30, 2024. Members who are not delegates or board members may attend the meeting as a guest observer. For more information, see www.adha.org/about-adha/house-of-delegates

___

Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center

Leadership

Expand Your Professional Network
The ADHA Professional Fellows Program is your opportunity to expand and enrich your connection to an elite nationwide network of dental hygienists who share your passion for advancing oral health. Don't miss your chance to collaborate and share valuable skills and expertise.

Applications Now Being Accepted

More information here

Career Center

Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings like these:

Northwest Human Services

Dental Hygienist - Salem

 Willamette Dental Job Openings

Traveling Dental Hygienist - Hillsboro

Dental Hygienist - Durham

Dental Hygienist - Grants Pass

On-Call Dental Hygienist - Bend

Dental Hygienist - Portland

Dental Hygienist - Corvallis

Lead Dental Hygienist - Bend

Dental Hygienist - Hillsboro

Access your CE Credits

Benefits of Membership

Our Partners