January 2025

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

Dear Members,

I hope all of you have enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and are off to a great start in 2025.

As we begin this new year, I am excited about the many opportunities that lie ahead for the future of dental hygiene. Together, we will continue to advocate for the advancement of our profession, grow through education, innovate in our practices, and elevate our peers and the care we provide to our patients.

Looking ahead, I encourage you to participate in opportunities that advance your network, skillset and knowledge, such as volunteering, participating in community events, conferences, speaking engagements, CE classes, and workshops. These small steps build the foundation for professional advancement and personal growth.

If you are looking for a way to give back and make a meaningful impact on our profession, we currently have openings on the ODHA board. Volunteering is a great way to support our hygiene community, make networking connections, collaborate professionally, and build lasting relationships. Joining the board is a fantastic way to share your voice. You can help to shape the future of dental hygiene while working alongside some of the most dedicated and fun individuals I have had the opportunity to know.

Kim Perlot Thank you for your continued support of and commitment to advancing dental hygiene. I look forward to seeing all that we can accomplish together in the year ahead.

Best regards,

Kimberly Perlot, DT, MSAH, EPDH

To send Kim an email, click here.

Start off the New Year Supporting ODHA through Membership!

Please share this with your colleagues and encourage them to join or renew!

To Renew: www.adha.org/Renew

To join as a new Member: www.adha.org/Join

February is Children’s Dental Health Month

February 2025 is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) brought to you by the American Dental Association (ADA). This month-long national event brings together thou-sands of dedicated professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.

The NCDHM Program Planning Guide provides program coordinators, dental societies, teachers and parents with resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation and more.

To learn more about National Children’s Dental Health Month please visit: ADA.org/NCDHM. You can also order FREE Posters or purchase Postcards, and download materials.

Component News

Metro East

Wow, it’s actually 2025!! Let’s hope that this year brings all of the best things to each of us, our families and our profession, as well as our mission as lifelong learners and growers!!

Many of us make resolutions we don’t keep. It’s okay. We are human! However, this quote has always inspired me:

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.”

As a hygienist in private practice for over 20 years, in the year 2020, taking a new professional step wasn’t something I ever contemplated or even believed I could do. Until I did. But this isn’t about me, this is about us as hygienists and how we don’t give up when we feel motivated! Most of us could never have finished hygiene school without being passionate about our dreams. Don’t doubt it, just like “back in the day” when you went to hygiene school, you can still do hard things that you feel impassioned for! Your strength and ability to adapt is still there. But you have to feel impassioned to take a step in any new direction in order to take it AND be successful. That’s just human nature. That step, in general, has to be a “low-stakes” step for most, not something overly committal or scary. So, what does that look like?

For myself when 2020 hit, I wasn’t motivated for change yet. However, after spending one day volunteering at Portland Community College (PCC), I ended up going back to school twice over, for my bachelors and then my masters. I could only have done this, because I had a fire lit under me by volunteering at PCC. In 2021 I had called PCC and asked to volunteer and help at the school “just for fun”. The director was very open to having extra help. Spending time with the students and seeing their “Aha!” moments because of something I said or did motivated me beyond belief, just like years ago when I decided that all I ever wanted to do was become a dental hygienist.

So this year, if you are feeling stuck, don’t put so much pressure on yourself, just stay open. Take a low-stakes risk of shadowing someone who has an interest you do. Take a low-stakes risk of showing up to a component CE in-person to network, consider showing up to a committee meeting to share your thoughts or just say “yes” more often…..to ANY-THING!

This year, at Metro East, we have several opportunities to connect and grow if you would like to join us. Many times, there are students present at our component meetings, which is a great opportunity for mentorship if you feel inspired to motivate and share your experiences. We have professionals in clinical hygiene, education and sales who might be wonderful for you to connect with. We also have many open leadership positions which anyone can step into! Be curious about others and share your expertise as well!

It’s just about connection.

The monthly meetings are about CONNECTING with your tribe, whatever that means for you. Many of the component meetings also have the added benefit of CE for your license renewal also (which is nice!). So please come and connect with those of us who under-stand your “every day”, your challenges and your need to not feel alone in your practice.

Go to ODHA.org for the calendar events we have lined up (some have live links for registration, some are still in-process, but the dates are solid!). Feel free to email me also at [email protected] if you have any questions about leadership or any of our activities this year. Or, just say hi!

Join us and reconnect with your people!

Heidi Klobes All the best in the year to come,
Heidi M. Klobes RDH, Ed.M

High Desert

Happy New Year!

I want to pay tribute to 2024. Last year was my first year as the director of the High Desert Component, I learned so much participating in the leadership aspect of ODHA. Our organization is blessed with talented, kind and energetic members that are making a difference. I had the opportunity to attend our state conference and was able to collaborate with wonderful hygienists and students who share the goal of advancing the profession of dental hygiene.

I believe 2025 is going to bring continued advocacy, growth and progress for our profession. This year, I would like to coordinate more virtual and in-person CE events for the High Desert Component. We held a few last year and it was a great opportunity to learn while en-gaging as a group. Our first meeting will be via zoom Thursday, February 20th at 6:00 pm. I hope you will be able to join.

The High Desert component still has leadership opportunities available if you are interested in becoming more involved with your professional organization at this level. Please email [email protected] if you are interested or have any questions. I would also like to organize some social events. Please think about possibilities and share your ideas at the meeting.

Kim Pratt See you in February.

Sincerely,

Kim Pratt, RDH
High Desert Component Director

Oregon Board of Dentistry News

The Oregon Board of Dentistry will meet on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Board office located at 1500 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 770, Portland, OR 97201 The agenda for this meeting will include a Zoom link for participants who would like to attend virtually. Anyone may participate in the Open Sessions of the Board meeting.

The agenda and public packet for this Board meeting 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 Sessions of this or any future board meeting, email ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa J. Rowley by clicking here. Upcoming Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings will be held on the following Fridays: April 25, June 13, August 22, October 24 and December 12.

DDH Compact Legislation

DDH Compact legislation will be introduced during the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session. The Oregon Dental Association, the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association along with several stakeholder groups will support & promote this legislation.

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.

Only states that enact this legislation may participate in the DDH Compact. The following states have adopted DDH Compact legislation: Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin & Washington. This legislation is pending in several other states.

For more information about the DDH Compact, please visit https://ddhcompact.org/.

2025 Oregon Legislative Session

The 2025 Oregon Legislative Assembly will be in session for the purpose of lawmaking January 21 through June 30, 2025.The Oregon Legislature meets for a maximum of 35 days in even-numbered years (short session) & for a maximum of 160 days in odd-numbered years (long session). The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session will be a long session so it will meet for a maximum of 160 days.

The ODHA will monitor & comment on bills related to dentistry throughout the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session. Please email ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa J. Rowley by clicking here for questions, more information, or comments about ODHA advocacy issues, and if you would like to become involved in ODHA Advocacy activities!

Who Regulates Dental Hygiene in Oregon?

Dental hygiene practice in Oregon is regulated by both the Oregon State Legislature and the Oregon Board of Dentistry.

The Oregon State Legislature adopts & amends laws including the laws that regulate dentistry in Oregon. Oregon laws & their provisions are designated by the initials ORS which stands for Oregon Revised Statutes. The Oregon dental laws that address dental hygiene can be found in ORS 680.010 through ORS 680.205 & ORS 680.990. The Oregon laws that address the expanded practice permit can be found in ORS 680.200 & ORS 680.205. Please note that there are more dental laws & other state laws that address dental hygiene practice.

The Oregon Board of Dentistry interprets and enforces the Oregon dental laws. The Oregon Board of Dentistry adopts & amends administrative rules to further interpret the Oregon dental laws. Administrative rules can restrict or expand scope of practice, but they cannot conflict with the law. Oregon administrative rules are designated by the initials OAR which stands for Oregon Administrative Rules. The portion of the Oregon Administrative Rules that addresses dental hygiene can be found in OAR 818-035-0010 through OAR 818-035-0100. The portion of the Oregon Administrative Rules that addresses the expanded practice permit can be found in OAR 818-035-0065. Please note that there are other portions of the Oregon Administrative Rules that address dental hygiene practice.

For more information, click on Regulation of Dental Hygiene in Oregon or email ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa J. Rowley by clicking here.

ADHA Adopts Policy Statements on Dental Hygiene Education & Workforce Issues

The ADHA has adopted two new policy statements, one on dental hygiene education and one on addressing workforce issues

• The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) opposes policies for alternative dental hygiene licensure pathways for non-hygienists.

• The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) recognizes the dental hygiene workforce shortage and supports appropriate strategies to retain and build the workforce.

To read the full policy statements, visit ADHA Positions & Papers.

Empowering Independence: A Transformative Journey to Professional Autonomy for Dental Hygienists

ADHA will host a free, live panel discussion with ADHA leadership to talk about what it will take to achieve professional autonomy in dental hygiene.

This course will be held 4:00-5:00 PST on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 & recorded for those who cannot attend the live session. Participants will explore the dynamic field of dental hygiene focusing on how to expand their roles, advance & broaden their scope of practice & strengthen their independent in clinical decision-making. Special emphasis will be placed on policy reform, advocacy and steps toward achieving full professional autonomy. By the end of this course, participants will be well-prepared to elevate their patient care, pursue leadership opportunities, & enhance their professional fulfillment through autonomy.

To register, visit Empowering Independence: A Journey to Professional Autonomy.

Dental Hygienist Scope of Practice

You might already be familiar with this infographic that compares the allowable tasks of dental hygienists in each state. The original infographic was released in 2016 by the Oral Health Workforce Research Center (OHWRC). A new edition of this infographic was re-leased in 2024. You can download the new document by clicking on OHWRC DH SOP Info-graphic 2024.

Maine has now joined Oregon and Colorado as states the lead the nation in the most allowable tasks for dental hygienists. Every state except Delaware now allows dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia. Dental hygienists in 12 states have prescriptive authority. Dental hygienists are not allowed to place sealants in 13 states.

The mission of the OHWRC is to conduct policy-relevant research on the impact of the oral health workforce on oral health outcomes. The research conducted by OHWRC informs workforce strategies to increase access to oral health services for vulnerable populations. The OHWRC is based at the Center for Health Workforce Studies (CHWS) at the School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York.

Upcoming Events

Dental Assistants Recognition Week, also known as DARW, is designated by the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) as the time to acknowledge & recognize dental assistants as valued members of the dental team. DARW 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 2-8, 2025.

Now more than ever dental assistants are essential to the practice of dentistry. Today’s dental assistants strengthen the entire dental practice & enhance the patient care experience. Dental assistants are committed to professional development & quality dental care. Dental assisting continues to diversify & expand as a healthcare profession. Whether working chairside with a dentist, taking x-rays or managing the business office, teaching or working in insurance or sales, dental assistants are vital to the success of the dentistry.

Start planning now for ways to celebrate & recognize the dental assistants who work with you during the 2025 Dental Assistants Recognition Week.

2025 National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference | Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2025 | Portland

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

The conference will be held at Portland’s iconic Jupiter Hotel located at 900 E. Burnside Street, Portland. You can book your overnight room now. Use promo code NMTC2025 to take advantage of the room block.

This conference will include a wide variety of presentations and exhibitors. The Denobi Awards Gala will be held on Saturday night at The Evergreen located at 618 SE Alder Street, Portland.

For more information, visit 2025 NMDC.

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2025 Oregon Dental Conference | April 3-5, 2025 | Oregon Convention Center

Volunteer as an ODC Speaker Host & You'll Receive FREE 2025 ODC Registration!

The 2025 Oregon Dental Conference (ODC) will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 3-5, 2025 at the Oregon Convention Center. At noon on Saturday of the Oregon Dental Conference, ODHA holds a "Meet and Greet" Activity with a speaker in a designated space at the Convention Center. Stay tuned for more information.

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.