ODHA President’s Message about COVID-19May 1, 2020 On April 23, 2020 Governor Kate Brown announced that medical and dental offices in Oregon could reopen on May 1, 2020 if they can demonstrate that they meet new requirements for COVID-19 safety. This announcement does not require dental offices to reopen, and many dentists are choosing not to resume routine dental care until they have appropriate infection control protocols in place to protect patients and providers. The Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA) understands that dental hygienists have concerns about returning to clinical practice at this time. We encourage you to send your concerns directly to ODHA so that we can compile these concerns and advocate on your behalf directly with the Oregon Dental Association (ODA). The ODHA has a strong relationship with the ODA and we know that they are receiving similar concerns from their members. Over the coming days and weeks, ODHA will try to respond to your concerns and questions through emails and at www.odha.org. In return we hope you can help ODHA by promoting its efforts to assemble resources and communicate with the membership and all dental hygienists in Oregon. In addition to ODHA receiving direct comments and questions, a number of issues are appearing on social media. Please remember, our patients also see these posts, and we want them to trust that we can provide them with safe care when they return to us for dental hygiene treatment. We have also seen many questions from dental hygienists about unemployment benefits. The ODHA cannot provide guidance on applying for unemployment benefits because unemployment benefits vary from state to state and everyone’s situation is different. The ODA and the ODHA do not regulate dental practice in Oregon therefore we cannot enforce infection control protocols. We can advocate for you and share your concerns with state government officials including the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Please visit the ODHA COVID-19 Resource page. ODA’s website also has resources at www.oregondental.org for information they are providing dental teams. We encourage you to work together with your dental team to promote safety for both patients and providers. COVID-19 has changed the way we think about education and healthcare and how we communicate with our patients and colleagues. It will take all of us collaborating on best practices and new opportunities. We recognize that this is a stressful time, but we will get through this together and become stronger because of the challenges we are facing. ODHA is here to support and advocate for you during this uncertain time. Our hearts go out to those affected by the pandemic. Be well and stay safe. Sincerely, Welcome to ODHA!#inspireWe are the professional organization for Dental Hygienists in the State of Oregon — a constituent of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Our state leaders and local components across the state, work together to represent all hygienists in Oregon.
Thank you to our Annual ODHA Partnership sponsors!Dentsply Sirona & TotaChair The Benefits of MembershipWhen you join ODHA, you automatically become a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and a local dental hygiene component. You will be a member of your professional association on the national, state and local level. You will receive the membership benefits and have a voice in all three organizations. Join TodayODHA LeadershipThe Board of Directors provides strong leadership for the Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association in accordance with the bylaws and recently adopted policies & procedures. If there is something you want to discuss with the board, please reach out. The Board of Directors is here to represent the ODHA members. Continue Reading |
