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Registration is Open!Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference
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Register Here
The Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference will offer a variety of continuing education courses on topics including radiography, pharmacology, peri-implant disease, myofunctional therapy, sleep apnea, oral cancer, lasers, expanded practice dental hygiene, restorative dental hygiene and dental therapy.
Registration is now open.
The Salem Convention Center is attached to The Grand Hotel for your convenience. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, indoor pool, & fitness center, and also offers complimentary breakfast daily from 7:00 to10:00 AM.
Book your room today!
Make your hotel reservations by calling 503-540-7800 or visit www.grandhotelsalem.com. Be sure to tell them that you are attending the Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference.
Rooms are held for our group until October 1st, so make sure to book before then! After that date, you can still get the discount, but rooms will be based on availability.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month
October 2024 is National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM). It’s our time to celebrate the work we do and promote the importance of oral health access for all. With the help of ADHA partners at Colgate®, this year’s NDHM campaign highlights our role as experts on a mission.
As dental hygienists, we know getting the right diagnosis and treatment protocol for each patient requires deep investigative expertise and determination. Throughout the month, ADHA will feature patient case studies that inspire us to review clues, ask the right questions and discuss how Colgate® products can support the solution.
Next year’s ADHA Annual Conference will be held October 4-6, 2025 in Long Beach, California to coincide with National Dental Hygiene Month in October 2025.
For more information about 2024 National Dental Hygiene Month, visit www.adha.org/ndhm2024
Component News
Metro East
Happy Fall Ya’all (I love to say that!),
Well, the air has definitely felt like Autumn is whispering its presence known and pumpkin spice is in the air! September was full of back-to-school activities and new routines for most of us and for some of us, nothing changed over the summer….work, work work!! It can sometimes feel like a grind, and on that note, just a quick reminder that there are opportunities for networking and growth at our upcoming Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference!! If you are looking to feel-out other avenues for your dental hygiene career, there will be many marketing representatives, EPDH’s, educators, researchers and RDH’s to connect with who all have the same background as you do!!
Leadership (becoming a committee member at ODHA, Director, Chair….secretary for ODHA for example) is also a great way to connect! When I started helping at ODHA in 2021, I had no idea how many new close friends I would make who know who I know, who have worked at offices I was curious about, who teach at institutions I want to collaborate with and it becomes a “small world” so they say. In this case, that’s a really good thing!! I’ve been able to collaborate with other educators, hygienists, dentists and make great things happen for myself and my profession! When you sit in a volunteer position and are able to make decisions that affect all other dental hygienists in the state, it’s a pretty cool feeling! And the time commitment is truly whatever you want it to be.
I never thought four years ago, after 20+ years of patient care, that I would be able to go from just having the option to practice clinically, turn into a career in dental education while also feeling like such an integral part of a team that makes things happen. Reach out to me if you have any questions or just want to drop in on one of our ZOOM meetings as a fly on the wall!
Just a reminder that Metro East is now having meetings only quarterly. Fall quarter we will be just meeting up at the Annual Conference for the Component Breakfast, every-one is welcome and Metro East represents all dental hygienists in the Portland Metro area as well as students from Mount Hood Community College, PCC and Concorde Career College. Winter quarter we will more than likely be providing two volunteer opportunities at Rose Haven Women’s shelter in NW Portland (waiting to solidify dates with their volunteer coordinator). This will also be open to students so if you are a current RDH and want to volunteer this will also be an opportunity to connect with our student population. I will be sure that dates go on the www.odha.org calendar as soon as they are available as well as send out emails to membership.
Also, I will be speaking at the Conference this year covering radiography tips and tricks for various aspects of taking an FMX. I’ll start with a review of a few concepts and basics and then we will work on some problem-solving using the concept of shadow-casting. If you have one mistake you keep making when taking your FMX, my hope is that you will leave this class with the answers you need!!
Looking forward to seeing everyone November 1-2nd in Salem at the Salem Convention Center!
Warmly,
Heidi M. Klobes RDH, Ed.M
High Desert
Hello Everyone,
I can’t believe I’m already writing the October newsletter for the High Desert Component. This has been my first year as the Director and it has taught me a lot. I’m excited to be speaking on Lasers at the Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference in November. I have had the opportunity to participate in the Professional Development Committee this year and I’m excited to see the stellar lineup of classes that will be offered. If you can attend, I guarantee that this continuing education event will improve your skills as a clinician and empower you to utilize your licensure to its fullest extent!
I’m thrilled to announce the development of a Central Oregon Perio study club. This is headed by Janelle Hall, Cassandra Beck and Central Oregon Perio. They will be having their first meeting on October 8th from 6:30-7:30pm at the downtown library in Bend in the Meyer Room. This will be a planning session, discussion of goals for the group, topic interests, and case study discussion highlighting bone regeneration after scaling and root planing using a perioscope. Please take advantage and show your support for this networking opportunity and continuing education. They will be offering 1 CEU to those who attend.
Happy Fall!
Kim Pratt
High Desert Director
New Dental Hygiene Programs
Congratulations to Concorde Career College and Rogue Community College on receiving initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) for their new dental hygiene education programs. Both programs began this fall.
Concorde Career College’s dental hygiene program is offered at their northeast Portland campus located at 1425 NE Irving Street, Portland, OR. Concorde’s dental hygiene Program Director is Hannah Rich, MS, EPDH, CDA. Concorde also offers a dental assisting program. For more information, visit www.concorde.edu/dental-programs/dental-hygiene/portland
Rogue Community College’s dental hygiene program is offered at RCC’s Table Rock Campus located at 7800 Pacific Avenue, White City, OR. RCC’s dental hygiene Program Director is Carmen Mons, MS, EPDH, CDA. RCC also offers a dental assisting program. For more information, visit www.roguecc.edu/dept/dental/hygiene.asp
Oregon Board of Dentistry News - Remaining Meetings in 2024
The Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD) will meet on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the OBD 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 OBD meeting.
The agenda and public packet for this OBD meeting will be posted approximately one week before the meeting on the OBD 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 OBD meeting, contact ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa Rowley at [email protected] for more information. The next OBD meeting will be held on December 13.
Continuing Education Audit Process
Each year the Oregon Board of Dentistry audits continuing education for approximately 15% of licensees who renew in that year. The audit process for licensed dental hygienists and dental therapists begins in October each year after the license renewal period closes on September 30.
Be prepared for an audit by completing your required continuing education prior to your renewal and keeping all certificates of completion. Licensees must maintain a record of successful completion of continuing education for at least four licensure years consistent with the licensee’s licensure cycle. Licensees may download a CE Log form from the OBD website at www.oregon.gov/dentistry/Pages/CE.aspx. For any questions, contact the Board staff at [email protected].
Subscribe to Receive OBD Meeting Notices
Would you like to receive notifications for all Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings? The Board does not automatically send notices about their meetings to their licensees. You must go to the Board website and subscribe to receive this information.
Visit www.oregon.gov/dentistry Scroll down to the Licensees column at the bottom of the home page and click on Update Contact Info. Scroll down to the bottom of the left side column and click on Subscriptions. Enter your name and license number. Scroll down to I’d Like to Receive the Following: and check the boxes for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Agendas for all Board and Committee Meetings. Check one of the boxes to indicate if you would like to receive this information by mail or email. Then click Submit.
New State Dental Director
Dr. Ahmed Farag has joined the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as its new state dental director. Dr. Farag has served in numerous leadership roles, most recently as executive medical director at Rochester Regional Health in western New York, an integrated health system with over 550 health care locations, 9 hospitals and 16 federally qualified health centers. Dr. Farag has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School and is pursuing a remote doctorate degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He has also received an American Dental Association fellowship in diversity in leadership through the American College for Healthcare Executives.
The dental director’s role is to ensure that all Oregonians have equitable access across the lifespan to better oral health and oral health outcomes. The dental director provides coordination and direction on oral health initiatives and dental health systems transformation work. Dr. Farag will provide expertise for OHA’s dental services program including dental services offer through Medicaid as part of the Oregon Health Plan. For more information about OHA’s Oral Health Program, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PreventionWellness/OralHealth/Pages/index.aspx
DDH Compact Update
Ten states have now passed the DDH Compact legislation and this legislation is pending in several other states. The DDH Compact became activated in April 2024 when the 7th state passed the DDH Compact legislation.
The DDH Compact Commission is the government agency that will administer and implement the compact. The commission is comprised of one delegate from each participating state’s licensing authority. The Commission is not a dental board. It cannot affect state licensing requirements or take action against a license. The DDH Compact Commission held its first meeting on August 28, 2024. The agenda, meeting packet and minutes can be reviewed at https://ddhcompact.org/meetings/full-commission-meetings
The ODHA will work with the Oregon Dental Association (ODA) and several other stakeholders to advocate for DDH Compact legislation during the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session. For more information about the DDH Compact, visit https://ddhcompact.org
Register to Vote by October 15
The next General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The ballot for this election will include candidates for U.S. President, U.S. Representative, State Senator, State Representative, and other state & local positions, along with ballot initiatives.
You must be registered by Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in order to vote in this election. Register to vote online at www.oregonvotes.gov/register
All elections in Oregon are conducted by mail. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters approximately two weeks before the election. You can return your ballot by mail, take it to your local election office, or drop it in one of the many drop boxes throughout the state. Your ballot must be received or postmarked by 8:00 PM on November 5. If you have questions about voting in Oregon you can call 1-866-673-8683 or call your county election office.
Vote YES for Water Fluoridation
Water fluoridation is on the November ballot this year for two Oregon communities: Hillsboro & Lebanon.
The ODHA supports Hillsboro Measure 34-338 that would require Hillsboro to begin fluoridation of its public water supply. Please encourage voters in Hillsboro to vote YES on Measure 34-338 in November. For more information, visit www.healthyteethhillsboro.org
The ODHA supports Lebanon Measure 22-204 that asks if Lebanon should continue fluoridation of its public water supply. Lebanon has fluoridated its water supply since 2001. A few residents have requested that the city discontinue putting fluoride in the water supply, claiming concerns about possible health damage caused by water fluoridation. Please encourage voters in Lebanon to vote YES on Measure 22-204 in November.
The leading cause of kids failing out of kindergarten in Oregon is absenteeism related to dental decay Both the American Dental Association & the American Dental Hygienists’ Association support community water fluoridation as a safe and effective method for reducing the incidence of dental decay for people of all ages.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) states that “Community water fluoridation is a proven, safe and low-cost way to protect children, adults and older adults from cavities. No matter if a person has insurance, access to a dentist or ability to pay, fluoride in water protects a person's oral health for their entire life. It is seen as one of the top ten greatest public health achievements of our time.”
ADHA IOH Foundation Scholarships
ADHA Institute for Oral Health (IOH) Foundation scholarships support students in associate degree, bachelor’s degree and graduate degree education programs. ADHA student and professional members are eligible to apply for IOH scholarships The application portal for all scholarships opens on October 1st. All scholarship applications are due In February 2025.
Applicants for Associate Degree Scholarships must be ADHA members, enrolled in an accredited dental hygiene program, completed a minimum of one year of a dental hygiene curriculum and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. Students may be in the process of completing their first year when their application is submitted. Students entering their first year of dental hygiene school or in their final year of dental hygiene school.
Applicants for Bachelor’s Degree Scholarships must be ADHA members, enrolled in an accredited dental hygiene program, completed a minimum of one year of a dental hygiene curriculum and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. Students may be in the process of completing their first year when their application is submitted. Students entering their first year of dental hygiene school or in their final year of dental hygiene school are not eligible are not eligible.
Applicants for Graduate Degree Scholarships must be ADHA members, enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program in dental hygiene or an accredited degree pro-gram related to the professional roles of a dental hygienist and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. Graduate students must hold an active dental hygiene license and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
These scholarship programs would not exist without the generous support of individuals like you. Each donation of any amount makes a difference. The IOH Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. Donations of $50+ appear on the Donor Honor Roll at the ADHA Annual Conference and the IOH Foundation Annual Report.
For more information about ADHA IOH Foundation scholarships, visit www.adha.org/ioh
Upcoming Events
Oregon Rural Health Conference | October 2-4, 2024 | Bend, Oregon
The 41st Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference will be held Wednesday-Friday, October 2-4, 2024 at the newly renovated Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, Oregon. This conference brings together over 300 providers, policy-makers, public health, hospital and clinic leaders to explore topics of vital importance to Oregonians who live in rural communities and to share challenges and solutions. Our presenters are among the most dedicated experts from Oregon and beyond.
Registration is now open!
Book your room now, at a discounted rate
When the discounted room block will fills up, room rates will be higher so reserve early.
ODHA is an organizational member of the Oregon Rural Health Association. You do not need to be an individual member of the ORHA to attend or present at this conference. We encourage all dental hygienists to consider attending or presenting at the 2024 Oregon Rural Health Conference.
For more information about this conference visit Oregon Rural Health Conference.
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Oregon Public Health Association 80th Annual Conference & Meeting | October 7-8, 2024 | OSU
80th Annual Conference! Registration for this conference will open soon.
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.
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
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Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center
Register Here
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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.
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.
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2025 Oregon Dental Conference | April 3-5, 2025 | Oregon Convention Center
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.
Applications Now Being Accepted
Career Center
Sign up to receive new position updates via email and to learn more about these positions below on the ODHA Career Center:
Willamette Dental Group Job Openings
Dental Hygienist - Grants Pass
Access your CE Credits
Benefits of Membership
Our Partners
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September
President’s Message
Dear ODHA Members,
I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are feeling refreshed and ready for the fall! It's truly a privilege to be in Oregon during this beautiful time of year.
As summer winds down and we transition back to school routines and regular work schedules, it's an ideal time to reflect on your professional goals and continuing education for the upcoming year. The Fall Conference at the Salem Convention Center offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, rejuvenate your passion for dental hygiene, and explore new ideas. The Salem Convention Center, with The Grand Hotel conveniently attached, provides a great setting for this event. With plenty of nearby spots to eat, drink, and unwind, it promises to be a valuable and enjoyable experience. I look forward to seeing you there in November.
September is also Gum Care Month, a perfect occasion to highlight the importance of oral health. Consider leveraging this opportunity to share tips on maintaining healthy gums through social media, blog posts, and in-office materials. You might also offer special promotions on gum care products or host informational sessions to educate patients about the critical connection between gum health and overall wellness. By demonstrating your commitment to preventive care, you can attract new patients and reinforce your practice's focus on comprehensive oral health.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer, and I look forward to seeing you in November!
Best regards,
Karan Bershaw, MS, RDH, EPDH, FADHA
Board President
[email protected]
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Plan Now To Attend!Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference
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The Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference will offer a variety of continuing education courses on topics including radiography, pharmacology, peri-implant disease, myofunctional therapy, sleep apnea, oral cancer, lasers, expanded practice dental hygiene, restorative dental hygiene and dental therapy.
Registration will open soon.
The Salem Convention Center is attached to The Grand Hotel for your convenience. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, indoor pool, & fitness center, and also offers complimentary breakfast daily from 7:00 to10:00 AM.
Book your room today!
Make your reservations by calling 503-540-7800 or visit www.grandhotelsalem.com. Be sure to tell them that you are attending the Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference.
Rooms are held for our group until October 1st, so make sure to book before then! After that date, you can still get the discount, but rooms will be based on availability.
Conference registration will open this month, watch your email for the announcement!
Call for 2024 ODHA Award Nominations
The Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association has an Annual Awards Program that recognizes ODHA members & community partners who have demonstrated exemplary service, dedication & contributions to the dental hygiene profession in Oregon.
The Lynn Ironside Access to Care Award recognizes an ODHA member who has made a significant contribution to increasing access to dental care for underserved patients. This award was established by ODHA in 2016 to honor Lynn Ironside for her many years of work to increase access to care for underserved patients & to advance the dental hygiene profession. Lynn’s advocacy work with ODHA led to Oregon becoming one of the first states to create an opportunity for dental hygienists to practice without the supervision of a dentist so that they could increase access to dental care for underserved patients.
The Lois Whitford Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award recognizes an ODHA member who has made exceptional contributions to dental hygiene on the local, state, & national levels for an extended period of time, & who is known widely for their achievements & service. It is a prestigious award, which is presented only as warranted by the accomplishments of an Oregon dental hygienist.
The Outstanding Partner Award recognizes a community partner (agency, association, coalition, corporation, legislator, volunteer, etc.) who has worked in collaboration with the ODHA to advance the dental hygiene profession. Community partners are essential to achieving ODHA’s mission to provide advocacy, professional development & networking opportunities for dental hygienists & the dental hygiene profession.
Award nominations are due by Friday, September 27, 2024, and will be presented at the 2024 Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference (ODHC), November 1-2, 2024 at the Salem Convention Center in Salem, OR.
More information here.
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION
Component News
North West
Dear Wonderful ODHA Members,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and that you all had a wonderful summer filled with joy and relaxation. As we embark on the fall, we are excited to reconnect and collaborate with each of you. We are thrilled to announce that our component meetings are back in action!
September Component Meeting:
Join us for our upcoming component meeting at the Swan Island Dahlia Festival on September 7th at 1 PM. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with our community and learn more about the exciting plans for the year ahead.
Follow Us on Instagram:
Stay updated with our activities and events by following us on Instagram at @odha_nw. We love sharing our journey with you!
We appreciate the enthusiasm and commitment from all our members, which makes our community stronger.
Warm regards,
Payton Cuellar, MPH, RDH, EPDH
Metro East
Hello Metro East!
Hoping everyone is still enjoying their beautiful summer weather! Fall is quickly approaching, getting ready for “back to school” and fall term, as well as a cold-weather routine!! Like it or not….it’s coming, order your vitamin D (+K) now!!
Medical Emergencies with Dr. Steve Beadnell was fantastic as always! A big thank you to Dr. Beadnell, Riverside Oral and Maxillofacial surgery for sponsoring this even for FREE with breakfast for all of our dedicated and loyal ODHA members (and guests)!
Exciting news this Month!
Concorde Career College will begin to help educate the next generation of dental hygienists in their first cohort this Fall!! Concorde will prepare 32 students in their CODA Accredited program right here in Portland, headed by Hannah Rich, Dental Hygiene department Director.
Metro East will be meeting again regularly starting early October! More than likely we will continue to meet at Concorde Career College this year since it is so central to most members. We are also hoping to replace some of the meetings with community outreach and volunteering opportunities, but will update our component calendar at the Conference in November!! If you have ideas for our meetings please email us at [email protected]. Also, instead of meeting monthly, we will be meeting quarterly this year (in general).
Hoping everyone enjoys the last days of summer!!
Warmly,
Heidi M. Klobes RDH, Ed.M
Jessica August, Elected ADHA Vice President
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Jessica August has been elected as the Vice President of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA). Jessica’s unwavering dedication to the dental hygiene profession and her outstanding leadership qualities make her the perfect fit for this prestigious role.
Jessica’s journey in leadership began during her time as Vice President of SADHA in dental hygiene school. Over the past 15 years, she has been an active and influential member of ADHA, serving in various capacities at the state, district, and national levels. Her commitment to advancing our profession, addressing challenges, and elevating the standards of dental hygiene has been truly inspiring.
Currently, Jessica serves as the Program Dean of Dental Sciences at Portland Community College, where she leads dental assisting and dental hygiene programs and oversees a community dental clinic offering free services. Her extensive experience as a clinician, re-searcher, educator, administrator, advocate, and leader has equipped her with the expertise necessary to excel as ADHA Vice President.
Jessica's leadership is defined by integrity, transparency, and accountability. She is known for her inclusive approach, bringing together diverse groups, listening to different perspectives, and finding common ground. Her efforts in mentoring and supporting aspiring leaders have cultivated a new generation of passionate professionals.
As ADHA Vice President, Jessica is committed to making data-driven decisions that prioritize meaningful change. She will work to strengthen the association’s financial foundation, explore strategic partnerships, and seek innovative funding opportunities. Her focus on responsible financial stewardship will enable investment in essential programs, resources, and services that directly benefit members and advance the profession.
Unity among members is a cornerstone of Jessica’s vision. She aims to foster a culture of inclusivity where every member feels valued and heard. By building a strong, cohesive community, she plans to amplify the collective voice of dental hygienists and effect meaningful change in the dental hygiene community.
Jessica’s election as ADHA Vice President is a proud moment for the Oregon Dental Hygiene Association. We are confident that under her leadership, the ADHA will continue to thrive and make significant strides in promoting oral health and overall well-being. Let us support Jessica as she embarks on this new journey, and together, we will build a future where dental hygienists are empowered, respected, and at the forefront of oral healthcare.
Congratulations, Jessica August, on your well-deserved election as ADHA Vice President!
Submitted by
Laura Vanderwerf, RDH, EPDH, BSDH, FADHA, CDA
ODHA past President, ODHA Delegate to ADHA, Chair
The Role of Oregon Dental Hygienist Delegates to ADHA
The Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association (ODHA) proudly participates in the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) through our dedicated delegates. These delegates play a crucial role in shaping the future of our profession at the national level.
Responsibilities of Oregon Delegates
1. Representation: Oregon delegates represent the interests and perspectives of dental hygienists across the state. They ensure that the voices of our members are heard in national discussions.
2. Policy Development: Delegates contribute to the development and refinement of policies that govern the practice and standards of dental hygiene. This involves participating in debates, proposing amendments, and voting on resolutions.
3. Advocacy: Our delegates advocate for the profession, ensuring that the policies and initiatives of the ADHA align with the needs and priorities of dental hygienists in Oregon.
4. Networking: They build relationships with delegates from other states, fostering a collaborative environment that strengthens the profession nationally.
The 2024 ADHA House of Delegates Meeting
The recent ADHA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, held via Zoom from June 28-30, 2024, was a pivotal event for our profession. The Oregon delegation actively participated in various sessions and discussions. Here are some highlights:
1. Bylaws Approved: Oregon delegates voted and approved two significant bylaws. The first bylaw gives the Board of Directors (BOD) the authority to consider and adopt proposed bylaws. The second bylaw adds a “new professional” membership category, allowing the BOD to set discounted dues for new professionals.
2. Policy Resolutions: Delegates considered six critical policy resolutions all of which passed the ADHA House of Delegates:
- Professional Autonomy: Advocating for increased professional autonomy for dental hygienists.
- Clinical Licensure Exam: Supporting the elimination of the clinical licensure exam and recognizing that graduates of dental hygiene accredited programs are competent for licensure.
- Free Sugars Intake: Recommending the limitation of daily intake of free sugars.
- Loan Forgiveness Programs: Advocating for loan forgiveness and/or repayment programs for dental hygienists.
- Therapeutic and Cosmetic Injections: Supporting dental hygienists performing therapeutic and cosmetic injections within their scope of practice.
- Definition of Free Sugars: Adopting the World Health Organization’s definition of free sugars.
3. Discussion and Networking: Delegates engaged with colleagues from across the country, discussing proposed bylaws, policies, and the election of officers, ensuring comprehensive consideration of all important matters
4. We are proud to announce that Jessica August, BSDH, MSDH, CDA, RDH, FADHA, Dean of Dental Services at Portland Community College, was elected to the position of ADHA Vice President. Her election is a testament to her dedication and leadership in the field of dental hygiene.
Oregon Delegation Members
The delegation consisted of:
- Laura Vanderwerf, RDH, EPDH, BSDH, FADHA, CDA, Chair
- Jessica August, BSDH, MSDH, CDA, RDH, FADHA
- Sandra Busch, RDH, EPDH, BSDH
Looking Forward
Join the Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association in Shaping the Future!
The Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association (ODHA) remains committed to active participation in the ADHA. With Jessica August's recent election as ADHA Vice President, we are seeking dedicated members to volunteer for the crucial roles of delegate (three-year term ) and alternate delegate (one-year term).
This is your opportunity to engage on a national level and influence the future of our association. As a delegate, you will:
- Represent our interests
- Advocate for our profession
- Contribute to the development of policies that benefit dental hygienists and the communities we serve
Join us in making a significant impact on the dental hygiene profession. Your voice and participation are vital to our continued success and growth.
We extend our gratitude to our delegates for their dedication and hard work at the HOD meeting. Their efforts ensure that Oregon remains at the forefront of the dental hygiene profession.
ADHA Legislative Workshop
ADHA will host a one-hour Legislative Workshop for state leaders and legislative committees on September 11 at 7:00 PM Central Time related to building an effective legislative agenda. This program features experts who will review:
- how to create a legislative agenda for a state dental hygiene association
- ways to garner support for initiatives, and
- how to address the scaling assistant legislation that is prevalent throughout the country.
Legislative experts include Alyssa Aberle (Colorado), Lisa Rowley (Oregon), and Christi Hasbrook and Colleen Gaylord (Washington). Time will be allotted for questions and answers. For more information, visit www.adha.org.
ADHA Institute for Oral Health Foundation
Lisa J. Rowley has accepted the position of Oregon’s State Liaison to the ADHA Institute for Oral Health (IOH) Foundation. In this role Lisa will work to raise awareness about how the ADHA IOH Foundation provides student scholarships, research grants and community service grants to support education, access to care and scientific advancements. She will also be working to increase donations to the ADHA IOH Foundation from dental hygienists in Oregon.
ADHA IOH Foundation scholarships support students in associate, baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. IOH Foundation research grants support research projects conducted by dental hygienists and students pursuing a dental hygiene degree that will develop or expand the dental hygiene body of knowledge. And IOH Foundation community service grants support public health projects led by dental hygienists to benefit their communities.
These programs would not exist without the generous support of individuals who care about oral health. Every donation makes a difference by increasing awareness of and access to quality oral healthcare. The IOH Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. Donations of $50+ appear on the Donor Honor Roll at the ADHA Annual Conference and the IOH Foundation Annual Report.
For more information about the ADHA Institute for Oral Health Foundation, visit www.adha.org/ioh/.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month
Plan now to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) in October 2024. It’s our time to celebrate the work we do and promote the importance of oral health access for all. With the help of ADHA partners at Colgate®, this year’s NDHM campaign high-lights our role as experts on a mission.
As dental hygienists, we know getting the right diagnosis and treatment protocol for each patient requires deep investigative expertise and determination. Throughout the month, ADHA will feature patient case studies that inspire us to review clues, ask the right questions and discuss how Colgate® products can support the solution.
Next year’s ADHA Annual Conference will be held October 4-6, 2025 in Long Beach, California to coincide with National Dental Hygiene Month in October 2025.
For more information about 2024 National Dental Hygiene Month, visit www.adha.org/ndhm2024
Oregon Board of Dentistry News - Remaining Meetings in 2024
| October 25 |
| December 13 |
The Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD) will meet on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the OBD 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 OBD meeting.
The agenda and public packet for this OBD meeting will be posted approximately one week before the meeting on the OBD 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 OBD meeting, contact ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa Rowley at [email protected] for more information. Upcoming Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings will be held on the following Fridays: December 13.
Continuing Education
Dental Hygiene License Renewal - Continuing Education Requirement
If you received your initial Oregon dental hygiene license in an even year, your dental hygiene license will expire on September 30, 2024.
All license renewals must be completed online; no exceptions. Licensees are personally responsible for renewing their own licenses. No one else should complete this process for you. It may take several days for the online renewal process to post your new information, so do not wait until the end of September to renew your license.
If your license expires, you cannot continue to practice. You may be subject to disciplinary action by the Oregon Board of Dentistry if you practice dental hygiene without a current license. A licensed dental hygienist who has worked any number of days without a current license may be issued a Notice of Proposed Disciplinary Action and offered a Consent Order that includes a reprimand and a civil penalty of $1,000 or more.
If you have any questions about renewing your dental hygiene license for Oregon, contact the Oregon Board of Dentistry at [email protected]
For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/dentistry.
OSAP is now the Association for Dental Safety
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), the leading organization dedicated to ensuring every dental visit is a safe visit, has decided to refresh its brand identity to better reflect its values, vision, and commitment to its members and stake-holders. Their new name, Association for Dental Safety (ADS), encapsulates the essence of the organization's mission and aspirations for the future.
The Association for Dental Safety (ADS) is the only membership association solely focused on dental infection prevention and patient safety education and training. ADS is well known for its video “If Saliva Were Red.” ADS offers a variety of online self-study courses, as well as live and on-demand webinars. Each year ADS offer a Dental Infection Control Boot Camp, a four-day program presented by national and international experts in dental infection prevention and patient safety. ADS and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) have developed two professional dental infection prevention and control certifications that are the only certifications specifically designed for oral health care in the U.S.
Upcoming Events
September is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month
Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM) is sponsored in September each year by the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) formerly known as OSAP. This year’s theme is "Embracing a Culture of Safety: Empowering Patients and the Dental Team." The ADS offers informative and engaging materials covering the latest dental infection control guidance and regulations. You can use their Social Media Toolkit to help you showcase your infection control and safety practices and demonstrate your commitment to keeping patients safe.
For more information, vist www.myads.org/dicam.
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Oral Cancer Walk | September 7, 2024 | Corvallis, Oregon
When you walk in the Oral Cancer Foundation Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support oral cancer survivors.
ODHA is partnering with the Oral Cancer Foundation and we're hoping you’ll support us. Form a team or join another. Anyone raising $1000 will receive $100 for themselves. There is a prize for the person who raises the most $!
Where: Willamette Park 1350 SE Goodnight Ave. Corvallis Oregon
When: September 7 | 8:30am: Registration, 9:30am Walk Begins, 1:00pm Event concludes
Register or Donate Here
Contact Kyle Isaacs at 541-740-4694 or email [email protected] with any questions.
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Oregon Rural Health Conference | October 2-4, 2024 | Bend, Oregon
The 41st Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference will be held Wednesday-Friday, October 2-4, 2024 at the newly renovated Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, Oregon. This conference brings together over 300 providers, policy-makers, public health, hospital and clinic leaders to explore topics of vital importance to Oregonians who live in rural communities and to share challenges and solutions. Our presenters are among the most dedicated experts from Oregon and beyond.
Registration is now open!
Book your room now, at a discounted rate
When the discounted room block will fills up, room rates will be higher so reserve early.
ODHA is an organizational member of the Oregon Rural Health Association. You do not need to be an individual member of the ORHA to attend or present at this conference. We encourage all dental hygienists to consider attending or presenting at the 2024 Oregon Rural Health Conference.
For more information about this conference visit Oregon Rural Health Conference.
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Oregon Public Health Association 80th Annual Conference & Meeting | October 7-8, 2024 | OSU
80th Annual Conference! Registration for this conference will open soon.
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.
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
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Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center
The Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference will offer a variety of continuing education courses on topics including radiography, pharmacology, peri-implant disease, myofunctional therapy, sleep apnea, oral cancer, lasers, expanded practice dental hygiene, restorative dental hygiene and dental therapy.
Registration will open soon.
The Salem Convention Center is attached to The Grand Hotel for your convenience. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, indoor pool, & fitness center, and also offers complimentary breakfast daily from 7:00 to10:00 AM.
Book your room today!
Make your reservations by calling 503-540-7800 or visit www.grandhotelsalem.com. Be sure to tell them that you are attending the Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference.
Rooms are held for our group until October 1st, so make sure to book before then! After that date, you can still get the discount, but rooms will be based on availability.
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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.
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.
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2024 Oregon Dental Conference | April 3-5, 2025 | Oregon Convention Center
The 2025 Oregon Dental Conference (ODC) will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 3-5, 2025 at the Oregon Convention Center.
As a partner group for this conference, the ODHA may recommend a speaker whose honorarium will be paid by the Oregon Dental Association. If you would like to recommend a speaker or course topic for this conference, please contact ODHA President Karan Bershaw at [email protected] by July 19, 2024.
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. More information here
Applications Now Being Accepted
Career Center
Sign up to receive new position updates via email and to learn more about these positions below on the ODHA Career Center:
Timber Kids Dentistry - Bend
Part Time Dental Hygienist
Willamette Dental Group Job Openings
Dental Hygienist - Grants Pass
Dental Hygienist - Bend
(offering up to $20k in signing incentives and relocation!)
Access your CE Credits
Benefits of Membership
Our Partners
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August
President’s Message
Dear ODHA Members,
We are in the last half of summer 2024! Hope you all have enjoyed your summer adventures and the remaining ones you have planned!
While summer tends to be slow for continuing education events, we do have some scheduled that may be helpful to fulfill your CE requirements. If there is a continuing education course or speaker you would like to have as part of our CE offerings, please reach out to us.
There are some ODHA social gatherings on the calendar. Join us for some fun and networking! Have an idea for a fun social gathering? Let your component director know!
The ODHA is looking for leadership! You can participate at the component or the state level, depending on your decision and the amount of time your life allows. If you or someone you know would like to get involved, let us know.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to seeing you all at the Fall Conference 2024!
Best regards,
Karan Bershaw, MS, RDH, EPDH, FADHA
[email protected]
Board President
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Component News
North West
Dear Wonderful ODHA Members,
I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. As we continue into the summer, we want to share some important announcements with you. The ODHA NW Component will be taking the month of August off for a summer break. This means that there is no scheduled component meeting but you will be able to see fun updates on the NW components Instagram. You can find us @odha_nw on Instagram. We look forward to returning on September 7th for the Dahlia Festival.
A special thank you to every one of you who joined us at the Virtual Game Night in July. Your participation and enthusiasm made the event a great success.
As the summer heat continues, remember to stay cool and hydrated. We are grateful for your partnership and support throughout the year. Thank you for being a part of our community.
Wishing you all a fantastic summer ahead!
Warm regards,
Payton Cuellar, MPH, RDH, EPDH
High Desert
Greetings Everyone!
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. I spoke at the National ADHA Conference at the end of July and I want to thank Tommie Kell for her willingness to speak on Myofunctional Therapy for us in May. We have the upcoming events to look forward to:
Thursday- August 22, 2024 @6:30 PM- Component Meeting and CE
CE Topic: Oncology Patients: management of this populations oral health literacy
Watch your email for a Zoom link and more details!
I am looking for a 5k run that has a group rate. If anyone has any ideas please email me.
Have a wonderful summer.
Your director,
Kim Pratt
Oregon Board of Dentistry August Board Meeting
The Oregon Board of Dentistry (OBD) will meet on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the OBD 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 OBD meeting will be posted approximately one week before the meeting on the OBD 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 OBD meeting, contact ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa Rowley at [email protected] for more information. Upcoming OBD meetings will be held on the following Fridays: October 25 and December 13.
Continuing Education
Dental Hygiene License Renewal - Continuing Education Requirement
If you received your initial Oregon dental hygiene license in an even year, your dental hygiene license will expire on September 30, 2024.
All license renewals must be completed online; no exceptions. Licensees are personally responsible for renewing their own licenses. No one else should complete this process for you. It may take several days for the online renewal process to post your new information, so do not wait until the end of September to renew your license.
If your license expires, you cannot continue to practice. You may be subject to disciplinary action by the Oregon Board of Dentistry if you practice dental hygiene without a current license. A licensed dental hygienist who has worked any number of days without a current license may be issued a Notice of Proposed Disciplinary Action and offered a Consent Order that includes a reprimand and a civil penalty of $1,000 or more.
If you have any questions about renewing your dental hygiene license for Oregon, contact the Oregon Board of Dentistry at [email protected]
For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/dentistry.
Do not miss out on important information about our profession
Make Your Email Public When You Renew Your Dental Hygiene License
Anyone may purchase a list of dentists and dental hygienists who are licensed by the Oregon Board of Dentistry. This list includes your name and address, but it only includes your email address if you give permission when you renew your license.
Email is the most effective and least expensive way to communicate with dental hygienists who are licensed in Oregon. If you do not give permission to make your email address public, you may miss out on information that is sent to licensees from third parties who only use email.
When you renew your dental hygiene license this year, ODHA strongly encourages you to give permission to make your email address public. And please encourage your dental hygiene colleagues to do the same.
Oregon Health Care Provider Loan Repayment
The Healthcare Provider Incentive Loan Repayment Program was established by the Oregon Legislature to help support underserved communities in recruitment and retention of high-quality providers who serve Medicaid and Medicare patients. In exchange for service at a qualifying practice site, participants receive funds to repay qualifying student loan debt. Awards are calculated based on the balance owed on qualifying loans upon program entry.
Eligible providers include dentists and expanded practice dental hygienists. Coming summer 2024 the program will expand to include Dental Assistants and Dental Therapists. Information and applications can be found at Health Care Provider Incentive Program.
DDH Compact Policy Update
On April 22, 2024, the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact) legislation was adopted by its 7th state, so the compact is now in effect. The following states have adopted the DDH compact legislation: Iowa, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Virginia, Kansas, Maine, Colorado, and Minnesota. Only states that adopt this legislation may participate in the compact. Dentists and dental hygienists who hold a license in a compact state will be able to apply for compact privilege that will allow them to practice in another compact state.
In Summer 2024 the DDH Compact Commission will be formed. Each member state will elect one representative to serve on the compact commission. The compact commissioners will be selected by the state’s dental licensing board. In Fall 2024 the compact commissioners will convene for the inaugural meeting of the DDH Compact Commission where they will elect an executive committee, vote on initial rules and bylaws, and take other steps to make the compact commission operable. The DDH Compact Commission will need to develop a data system that will communicate licensure and compact privilege information between the member states. This process is expected to take 10-12 months.
For more information about the DDH Compact, visit www.odha.org/advocacy-news.
Call for 2024 ODHA Award Nominations
The Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association has an annual awards program that recognizes ODHA members & community partners who have demonstrated exemplary service, dedication & contributions to the dental hygiene profession in Oregon.
The Lynn Ironside Access to Care Award recognizes an ODHA member who has made a significant contribution to increasing access to dental care for underserved patients. This award was established by ODHA in 2016 to honor Lynn Ironside for her many years of work to increase access to care for underserved patients & to advance the dental hygiene profession. Lynn’s advocacy work with ODHA led to Oregon becoming one of the first states to create an opportunity for dental hygienists to practice without the supervision of a dentist so that they could increase access to dental care for underserved patients.
The Lois Whitford Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award recognizes an ODHA member who has made exceptional contributions to dental hygiene on the local, state, & national levels for an extended period of time, & who is known widely for their achievements & service. It is a prestigious award, which is presented only as warranted by the accomplishments of an Oregon dental hygienist.
The Outstanding Partner Award recognizes a community partner (agency, association, coalition, corporation, legislator, volunteer, etc.) who has worked in collaboration with the ODHA to advance the dental hygiene profession. Community partners are essential to achieving ODHA’s mission to provide advocacy, professional development & networking opportunities for dental hygienists & the dental hygiene profession.
Award nominations are due by Friday, September 27, 2024, and will be presented at the 2024 Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference (ODHC), November 1-2, 2024 at the Salem Convention Center in Salem, OR.
More information here.
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION
Upcoming Continuing Education
Medical Emergencies and Nitrous Oxide Sedation - Update 2024 with Dr. Beadnell
Friday, August 23 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (4 hours of CE)
REGISTER HERE!
This four-hour course is appropriate for the entire dental team and meets the medical emergency education requirement of the Oregon Board of Dentistry for license renewal and anesthesia permits.
Course description: Medical emergencies can and do occur in dental practices every day. Over the next fifteen years the segment of the population at highest risk for medical emergencies, those 65 and older, will become a larger percentage of our patients. This course will discuss the diagnosis, prevention, and management of common medical emergencies that might occur in dental offices. Administration of nitrous oxide sedation is quite safe, but complications do occur and their recognition and management will be reviewed in this course.
ODHA members are free!
Non-Members $55
Students $10
Upcoming Events
Oral Cancer Walk | September 7, 2024 | Corvallis, Oregon
When you walk in the Oral Cancer Foundation Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support oral cancer survivors.
ODHA is partnering with the Oral Cancer Foundation and we're hoping you’ll support us. Form a team or join another. Anyone raising $1000 will receive $100 for themselves. There is a prize for the person who raises the most $!
Where: Willamette Park 1350 SE Goodnight Ave. Corvallis Oregon
When: September 7 | 8:30am: Registration, 9:30am Walk Begins, 1:00pm Event concludes
Register or Donate Here
Contact Kyle Isaacs at 541-740-4694 or email [email protected] with any questions.
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Oregon Public Health Association 80th Annual Conference & Meeting | October 7-8, 2024 | OSU
80th Annual Conference! Registration for this conference will open soon.
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.
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
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Oregon Rural Health Conference | October 2-4, 2024 | Bend, Oregon
The 41st Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference will be held Wednesday-Friday, October 2-4, 2024 at the newly renovated Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, Oregon. This conference brings together over 300 providers, policy-makers, public health, hospital and clinic leaders to explore topics of vital importance to Oregonians who live in rural communities and to share challenges and solutions. Our presenters are among the most dedicated experts from Oregon and beyond.
Registration is now open!
Book your room now, at a discounted rate
When the discounted room block will fills up, room rates will be higher so reserve early.
ODHA is an organizational member of the Oregon Rural Health Association. You do not need to be an individual member of the ORHA to attend or present at this conference. We encourage all dental hygienists to consider attending or presenting at the 2024 Oregon Rural Health Conference.
For more information about this conference visit Oregon Rural Health Conference.
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Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center
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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.
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.
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2024 Oregon Dental Conference | April 3-5, 2025 | Oregon Convention Center
The 2025 Oregon Dental Conference (ODC) will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 3-5, 2025 at the Oregon Convention Center.
As a partner group for this conference, the ODHA may recommend a speaker whose honorarium will be paid by the Oregon Dental Association. If you would like to recommend a speaker or course topic for this conference, please contact ODHA President Karan Bershaw at [email protected] by July 19, 2024.
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
Career Center
Sign up to receive new position updates via email and to learn more about these positions below on the ODHA Career Center:
Oregon Tech - Klamath Falls
Instructor, Dental Hygiene
Kaiser Permanente - Beaverton
Dental Hygienist
Willamette Dental Group Job Openings
Dental Hygienist - Grants Pass
Dental Hygienist - Lincoln City
Dental Hygienist - Bend
(offering up to $20k in signing incentives and relocation!)
Access your CE Credits
Benefits of Membership
Our Partners
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July 2024
President’s Message
Dear ODHA Members,
As we bask in the warmth of summer, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued dedication to promoting oral health in our communities. Your commitment to excellence in dental hygiene is what makes our association thrive. This July, we have exciting events and continuing education opportunities to share with you. Let’s dive into the highlights!
- Our Metro East component monthly meetings start up again in July! Yay!
- We have several ODHA social gatherings on the calendar. Join us for some fun and networking!
- Look for required continuing education on our calendar. These opportunities will be helpful for license renewal on September 30, 2024.
July is a month filled with national and international dental hygiene events:
- The American Dental Hygienists Association National Conference, held in New Orleans, LA from July 26 - 28, 2024.
- The International Symposium on Dental Hygiene Meeting from July 11 - 13, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. Part of this conference includes the 2024 Global Oral Health Summit on July 12.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Oregon Dental Hygiene Association. Your dedication to your patients and the community is what makes our association strong. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and to continuing to work together to advance the field of dental hygiene.
Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Best regards,
Karan Bershaw, MS, RDH, EPDH, FADHA
[email protected]
Board President
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Component News
North West
Dear lovely ODHA members,
I hope you are all having a great summer and are keeping cool in the summer months ahead and that you have a wonderful fourth of July
Important Announcements:
- With a heavy heart and bright smile we are excited to announce the transition of the director of the Northwest Component from DeAnn Dardis to Payton Cuellar. I am a recent graduate from Purdue with a Masters in Public Health and a proud alum of Pacific University. I am excited to lead our component and look forward to the journey ahead.
- A big thank you to everyone who attended the Continuing Education (CE) event on June 22nd. Your presence and engagement in our discussion on the LGBTQ+ community were invaluable as we strive to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Please mark your calendars for our upcoming virtual trivia, game and happy hour on Friday, July 19 at 6 PM, hosted on Zoom. It will be a fun and interactive event for all families to enjoy together.
Celebrations from the Month:
- We celebrated Pride Month in June with great enthusiasm and solidarity, showing our support for every member of our community.
- A special acknowledgment goes out to DeAnn Dardis for her dedicated service as the Northwest Component Director since December of 2022. Her contributions to organizing component meetings and fostering community collaboration have been invaluable. She has played a vital role in organizing many component meetings and fostering collaboration within the community.
As we continue to embrace summer, we look forward to the sunny days ahead filled with opportunities for relaxation and fun. Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and active participation in our community.
Warmly,
Payton Cuellar
Metro East
Hello RDH’s!!
It’s finally feeling a bit more like summer (well…most days)! This summer at Metro East we have been busy with graduations and participating in community events! We participated in the Walk for the Women and Children at Rose Haven Day Shelter in NW Portland which was fantastic. This summer we are simmering down a little on our ODHA activities to focus on family and travel with one exception! We are firming up dates for our favorite Dr. Steven Beadnell to provide all the CE we need to meet our Medical Emergencies AND Nitrous requirements sometime this August which will be held again at the fabulous Portland Golf Club. Stay tuned for details! Until then, hoping you all have a fantastic summer!!
Warmly,
Heidi M. Klobes RDH, BSDH
Metro East Component Director
South West
Hello South West Component! Our fellow member, Kyle Isaacs is organizing the "Oral Cancer Fundraiser". Here is a special note from her below!
Hello all,
Hope some of you will be able to make it this year to our walk and screening. We will have some medical students on hand to share information about the HPV vaccination and if I can find some vaccine, they will have a Dr. with them to administer. If anyone knows how to access vaccines I would appreciate some help with this.
We are always looking for sponsors, if you can't sponsor, you can still make a donation! Please share with colleagues, friends, etc. I am now answering the OCF phone and I talk to people all the time who have experienced oral cancer. For most, it is caught late stage making the treatments horrific, with facial deformity and inability to eat for many. Please help us to change this. Your support is most appreciated.
Would love to get over 100 people to be there. Here is the link to our event where people can register and/or donate.
You can share the link as well. https://ocf.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=851
Register or Donate
Together we can do more than I can do alone.
Please email me if you can sponsor or know someone who might. My email is: [email protected]
Thank you so much,
Kyle Isaacs
Call for Nominations
The 2025 Oregon Dental Conference (ODC) will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 3-5, 2025 at the Oregon Convention Center.
As a partner group for this conference, the ODHA may recommend a speaker whose honorarium will be paid by the Oregon Dental Association. If you would like to recommend a speaker or course topic for this conference, please contact ODHA President Karan Bershaw at [email protected] by July 19, 2024.
Oregon Board of Dentistry News - Meetings in 2024
| August 23 |
| October 25 |
| December 13 |
The Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings are in person but you also may join via Zoom. Meetings for the remainder of 2024 are on August 23, October 25 and December 13.
Next meeting agenda: Friday, August 23
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 Sessions of this or any future Board meeting, contact ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa Rowley at [email protected] for more information.
Continuing Education
Dental Hygiene License Renewal - Continuing Education Requirement
If you received your Oregon dental hygiene license during an even year, you will need to renew your license by September 30, 2024.
To renew a dental hygiene license in Oregon you need to complete 24 hours of continuing education during every 2-year renewal cycle, or 36 hours of continuing education if you have an Expanded Practice Permit. Continuing education must be related to clinical patient care or the practice of dental public health. Of your total hours of continuing education during each 2-year renewal cycle, 3 hours must be related to medical emergencies, 2 hours must be related to infection control and 2 hours must be related to cultural competency. No more than 2 hours of practice management or patient relations may be counted toward your continuing education requirement during a 2-year renewal cycle. Self-study continuing education such as correspondence courses & online courses may be counted if the course includes an examination & you pass the examination. There is no limit on how many hours self-study continuing education courses you can count toward your requirement.
You must maintain at all times current BLS for Healthcare Providers certificate or its equivalent. The initial CPR course must include a hands-on element. After the initial CPR certification, the Board will accept a BLS for Healthcare Providers or its equivalent online renewal course for recertification.
To renew a Nitrous Oxide Permit you must also complete 4 hours of continuing education in one or more of the following areas during every 2-year renewal cycle: sedation, nitrous oxide, physical evaluation, medical emergencies, monitoring & use of monitoring equipment, or pharmacology of drugs & agents used in sedation. This 4-hour continuing education requirement may be counted toward your total hours of required continuing education. Your BLS training hours may not be counted toward this 4-hour requirement.
For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/dentistry.
Oregon Health Care Provider Loan Repayment
The Healthcare Provider Incentive Loan Repayment Program was established by the Oregon Legislature to help support underserved communities in recruitment and retention of high-quality providers who serve Medicaid and Medicare patients. In exchange for service at a qualifying practice site, participants receive funds to repay qualifying student loan debt. Awards are calculated based on the balance owed on qualifying loans upon program entry.
Eligible providers include dentists and expanded practice dental hygienists. Coming summer 2024 the program will expand to include Dental Assistants and Dental Therapists. Information and applications can be found at Health Care Provider Incentive Program.
DDH Compact Policy Update
On April 22, 2024, the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact) legislation was adopted by its 7th state, so the compact is now in effect. The following states have adopted the DDH compact legislation: Iowa, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Virginia, Kansas, Maine, Colorado, and Minnesota. Only states that adopt this legislation may participate in the compact. Dentists and dental hygienists who hold a license in a compact state will be able to apply for compact privilege that will allow them to practice in another compact state.
In Summer 2024 the DDH Compact Commission will be formed. Each member state will elect one representative to serve on the compact commission. The compact commissioners will be selected by the state’s dental licensing board. In Fall 2024 the compact commissioners will convene for the inaugural meeting of the DDH Compact Commission where they will elect an executive committee, vote on initial rules and bylaws, and take other steps to make the compact commission operable. The DDH Compact Commission will need to develop a data system that will communicate licensure and compact privilege information between the member states. This process is expected to take 10-12 months.
For more information about the DDH Compact, visit www.odha.org/advocacy-news.
Call for 2024 ODHA Award Nominations
The Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association has an annual awards program that recognizes ODHA members & community partners who have demonstrated exemplary service, dedication & contributions to the dental hygiene profession in Oregon.
The Lynn Ironside Access to Care Award recognizes an ODHA member who has made a significant contribution to increasing access to dental care for underserved patients. This award was established by ODHA in 2016 to honor Lynn Ironside for her many years of work to increase access to care for underserved patients & to advance the dental hygiene profession. Lynn’s advocacy work with ODHA led to Oregon becoming one of the first states to create an opportunity for dental hygienists to practice without the supervision of a dentist so that they could increase access to dental care for underserved patients.
The Lois Whitford Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award recognizes an ODHA member who has made exceptional contributions to dental hygiene on the local, state, & national levels for an extended period of time, & who is known widely for their achievements & service. It is a prestigious award, which is presented only as warranted by the accomplishments of an Oregon dental hygienist.
The Outstanding Partner Award recognizes a community partner (agency, association, coalition, corporation, legislator, volunteer, etc.) who has worked in collaboration with the ODHA to advance the dental hygiene profession. Community partners are essential to achieving ODHA’s mission to provide advocacy, professional development & networking opportunities for dental hygienists & the dental hygiene profession.
Award nominations are due by Friday, September 27, 2024, and will be presented at the 2024 Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference (ODHC), November 1-2, 2024 at the Salem Convention Center in Salem, OR.
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION
Congratulations to our 2024 Lois Whitford Memorial Scholarship recipient
Catalina Garcia Allejo from Pacific University
Catalina wrote about her plans to effect change in the dental hygiene profession through the experiences she has had while in school. Her winning essay earned a reward to defray the cost of the State Board Exam. Come to the ODHA Conference in November to meet Catalina and prepare to be inspired!
The Lois Whitford Memorial Scholarship annual fundraiser was the first one held since 2019. Twelve supporters of the scholarship enjoyed enlightening conversation and an 8-course gourmet meal designed around An Evening in Tuscany. What a huge success it was, bringing in funds for the scholarship. Special guests included the 2023 recipient along with our 2024 recipient.
Brought to you by Lori Killen Aus
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
Oral Cancer Walk | September 7, 2024 | Corvallis, Oregon
When you walk in the Oral Cancer Foundation Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support oral cancer survivors.
ODHA is partnering with the Oral Cancer Foundation and we're hoping you’ll support us. Form a team or join another. Anyone raising $1000 will receive $100 for themselves. There is a prize for the person who raises the most $!
Where: Willamette Park 1350 SE Goodnight Ave. Corvallis Oregon
When: September 7 | 8:30am: Registration, 9:30am Walk Begins, 1:00pm Event concludes
Register or Donate Here
Contact Kyle Isaacs at 541-740-4694 or email [email protected] with any questions.
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Oregon Public Health Association 80th Annual Conference & Meeting | October 7-8, 2024 | OSU
80th Annual Conference! Registration for this conference will open soon.
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.
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
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Oregon Rural Health Conference | October 2-4, 2024 | Bend, Oregon
The 41st Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference will be held Wednesday-Friday, October 2-4, 2024 at the newly renovated Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, Oregon. This conference brings together over 300 providers, policy-makers, public health, hospital and clinic leaders to explore topics of vital importance to Oregonians who live in rural communities and to share challenges and solutions. Our presenters are among the most dedicated experts from Oregon and beyond.
Registration is now open!
Book your room now, at a discounted rate
When the discounted room block will fills up, room rates will be higher so reserve early.
ODHA is an organizational member of the Oregon Rural Health Association. You do not need to be an individual member of the ORHA to attend or present at this conference. We encourage all dental hygienists to consider attending or presenting at the 2024 Oregon Rural Health Conference.
For more information about this conference visit Oregon Rural Health Conference.
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Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center
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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.
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.
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2024 Oregon Dental Conference | April 3-5, 2025 | Oregon Convention Center
The 2025 Oregon Dental Conference (ODC) will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 3-5, 2025 at the Oregon Convention Center.
As a partner group for this conference, the ODHA may recommend a speaker whose honorarium will be paid by the Oregon Dental Association. If you would like to recommend a speaker or course topic for this conference, please contact ODHA President Karan Bershaw at [email protected] by July 19, 2024.
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
Career Center
Sign up to receive new position updates via email and to learn more about these positions below on the ODHA Career Center:
Featured PositionsAll About Smiles Columbia River Dental Care |
Brodie Dental - Jacksonville, Oregon
Dental Hygienist
Willamette Dental Group Job Openings
Dental Hygienist - Grants Pass
Dental Hygienist - Lincoln City
Access your CE Credits
Benefits of Membership
Our Partners
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June 2024
President’s Message
Hello ODHA Members,
As we embrace the warmer weather and spend quality time outdoors, it’s a pleasure to connect with all of you, our dedicated community of dental hygienists!
June: A Month of Health, Wellness, and Pride
June is not only the start of summer but also an important month for us in several ways:
Oral Health Month
Oral Health Month is a fantastic occasion for dental hygienists to engage with the community and stress the importance of good oral hygiene. This is an excellent time to raise awareness about oral health, attract new patients, and establish your practice as a crucial part of the local healthcare network. Utilize this month to strengthen your commitment to promoting health and wellness.
Employee Wellness Month
Celebrated concurrently in June, Employee Wellness Month focuses on enhancing health and well-being in the workplace. For dental hygienists, this is particularly pertinent given the physically demanding nature of our work. Consider introducing the following wellness initiatives in your practice:
Ergonomics Training: To prevent occupational injuries and promote comfortable working practices.
Stress Management Workshops: Essential for mental clarity and managing the high-pressure environment of dental care.
Nutrition Advice: To fuel the body correctly for long, demanding days.
Mental Health Days: Encouraging time off to maintain mental well-being.
Fitness Programs: To keep the team physically active and engaged.
Team Building Activities: To strengthen bonds and improve collaboration within the team.
These initiatives can boost team morale, enhance patient care, and ensure that practitioners remain in peak physical and mental condition. I’m curious to hear how these ideas resonate with your team and if there are specific challenges at your clinic that these suggestions could address.
Pride Month
June is also Pride Month, honoring the 1969 Stonewall uprising—a pivotal event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. During this month, many cities around the world, including those as vibrant as Portland, Oregon, host a variety of activities to celebrate the community and advocate for ongoing issues. Check with local community centers, LGBTQ+ organizations, or municipal websites for event calendars and ways to get involved.
As we proceed through this month, let’s embrace these opportunities to grow professionally and personally, while also celebrating the diversity and resilience of our community.
Warmest regards,Best regards,
Karan Bershaw, MS, RDH, EPDH, FADHA
[email protected] Board President
Component News
North West
Happy June to our ODHA friends,The calendar says Summer is finally here! This quote sums up “adulting” summertime pretty nicely:
“How quick time goes by now, compared to when you were a kid. Summer used to last forever. Now it’s twelve weeks.” — John Goodman
The past few months have been packed with opportunities for our members. In March we learned valuable tools for communicating with our patients at our monthly meeting and free CE, “Communication- Building Trust with Patients”. Thank you to all who attended! In April our members enjoyed the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. We squeezed in a lovely afternoon of strolling through the flowers and snapped some cool photos too! In May we covered a difficult but important topic, “Abuse and What it Means to Be a Mandatory Reporter”. May also brought dental hygiene students from PCC together to volunteer for Hands on Greater Portland-
Books for Kids Schoolhouse Supplies. We had a blast!! Together we sorted over 1500 books donated by Powell's to get them into the hands of those who need them most. Thank you PCC students for your strong hands and big hearts!
SAVE THE DATE
I am excited to share that in June our CE topic will be “Working With the LGBTQ+ Community''. Please join us for our Component Meeting and CE on Saturday, June 22nd at 10:00 AM. As usual, we will meet at the Vanport Building, 1810 SW 5th Ave. Room 268, Portland, OR 97202. Parking is across the street on 4th and Harrison in the CVS building. There is also parking between Montgomery and Mill on 4th Ave.
Wishing you all a lovely start to your summer!
Warmly,
DeAnn Dardis, RDH, BSDH, EPP
North West Component Director
Metro East
We do not have any meetings set up for June or July as we realize most RDH’s and student’s are focusing on board exams, graduation, travel and family activities. August we will likely have a social. Stand by for more information for that!
Happy “early” summer to all!
Warmly,
Heidi M. Klobes RDH, BSDH
Metro East Component Director
Oregon Board of Dentistry News - Meetings in 2024
| June 14 |
| August 23 |
| October 25 |
| December 13 |
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 Sessions of this or any future Board meeting, contact ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa Rowley at [email protected] for more information.
Continuing Education
Dental Hygiene License Renewal - Continuing Education Requirement
If you received your Oregon dental hygiene license during an even year, you will need to renew your license by September 30, 2024.
To renew a dental hygiene license in Oregon you need to complete 24 hours of continuing education during every 2-year renewal cycle, or 36 hours of continuing education if you have an Expanded Practice Permit. Continuing education must be related to clinical patient care or the practice of dental public health. Of your total hours of continuing education during each 2-year renewal cycle, 3 hours must be related to medical emergencies, 2 hours must be related to infection control and 2 hours must be related to cultural competency. No more than 2 hours of practice management or patient relations may be counted toward your continuing education requirement during a 2-year renewal cycle. Self-study continuing education such as correspondence courses & online courses may be counted if the course includes an examination & you pass the examination. There is no limit on how many hours self-study continuing education courses you can count toward your requirement.
You must maintain at all times current BLS for Healthcare Providers certificate or its equivalent. The initial CPR course must include a hands-on element. After the initial CPR certification, the Board will accept a BLS for Healthcare Providers or its equivalent online renewal course for recertification.
To renew a Nitrous Oxide Permit you must also complete 4 hours of continuing education in one or more of the following areas during every 2-year renewal cycle: sedation, nitrous oxide, physical evaluation, medical emergencies, monitoring & use of monitoring equipment, or pharmacology of drugs & agents used in sedation. This 4-hour continuing education requirement may be counted toward your total hours of required continuing education. Your BLS training hours may not be counted toward this 4-hour requirement.
For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/dentistry.
Committee News
Professional Development
Hi all,
Before updating you on what the Professional Development Committee has been working on, I would like to introduce myself! My name is Beth Kreinheder and I am Chair of the Professional Development Committee as well as Chair of the Metro East Component. I graduated from Portland Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program in 2022 and Portland State University in 2019 with a BS in Biology. While in school I had the opportunity to be president of the ADHA Student Chapter at PCC which has led me here, to multiple leadership positions in the ODHA. I am passionate about public health, education, and advocacy. Outside of dental hygiene I enjoy live music, nature, and loving my 13 year old forever puppy.
Back to business! The PDC offered an Infection Control CE via zoom.us on May 16th in which Kandis Garland, RDH, MS, CDPIC presented, “What’s Lurking in Your Dental Unit Water Lines? Best Practices in Dental Unit Water Quality.” Kandis is an educator, author, and speaker whose career spans over 26 years as a dental hygienist and 21 years as a dental hygiene education. In addition, she presented her research that focuses on infection control nationally. Kandis discussed issues related to Dental Unit Water Lines (DUWL) such as biofilms, disease transmission, and maintenance/testing. Kandis also explained CDC guidelines interpretations and OSAP best practices to safely manage DUWL. She concluded her presentation with strategies to improve and maintain DUWL.
The ODHA’s Annual Conference will be held November 1-2, 2024 at the Salem Convention Center so mark it in your calendars! Information will be posted on the ODHA website soon. The theme of the Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference is Defining the Future: Advocate, Educate, Innovate. Get ready for an amazing Conference!
I look forward to meeting you all.
Sincerely,
Beth Kreinheder,
Chair of the Professional Development Committee
Chair of the Metro East Component
Oregon Health Care Provider Loan Repayment
The Healthcare Provider Incentive Loan Repayment Program was established by the Oregon Legislature to help support underserved communities in recruitment and retention of high-quality providers who serve Medicaid and Medicare patients. In exchange for service at a qualifying practice site, participants receive funds to repay qualifying student loan debt. Awards are calculated based on the balance owed on qualifying loans upon program entry.
Eligible providers include dentists and expanded practice dental hygienists. Coming summer 2024 the program will expand to include Dental Assistants and Dental Therapists. Information and applications can be found at Health Care Provider Incentive Program.
ODHA Adopts DDH Compact Policy Statement
“The Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA) supports the Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) Compact legislation developed by the Council of State Governments (CSG) that will facilitate license portability for dentists and dental hygienists in Oregon.”
The ODHA has also drafted a Letter of Support that is posted on the DDH Compact website.
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. Only states that enact this legislation may participate in the DDH Compact.
Iowa, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Virginia, Kansas & Maine have passed this legislation, and legislation is pending in several other states.
The ODHA looks forward to working with the Oregon Dental Association (ODA) to pursue this legislation in 2025.
For more information about the DDH Compact, visit www.odha.org/advocacy-news.
Scholarship Announcements
From Sue Schaedel, Dennis Muir Scholarship
The Dennis Muir Scholarship Committee selected the 2024 Scholarship winner and Awards of Excellence in May. We thank all applicants and Congratulations to the Scholarship winner and Award of Excellence Winners. We look forward to working with all our future dental hygienist winners.
Dennis Muir Scholarship Winner:
Makya Smith, Lane CC
Award of Excellence Winners:
Bailey Wagner, Mt. Hood Community College
Rodolfo Recinos, OIT, Chemeketa Campus
Megan Nelson, OIT, Klamath Falls Campus
Justin-Troy Apilado, Pacific University
Julie Park, Portland Community College
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
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Oral Cancer Walk | September 7, 2024 | Corvallis, Oregon
When you walk in the Oral Cancer Foundation Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support oral cancer survivors.
ODHA is partnering with the Oral Cancer Foundation and we're hoping you’ll support us. Form a team or join another. Anyone raising $1000 will receive $100 for themselves. There is a prize for the person who raises the most $!
Where: Willamette Park 1350 SE Goodnight Ave. Corvallis Oregon
When: September 7 | 8:30am: Registration, 9:30am Walk Begins, 1:00pm Event concludes
Register of Donate Here
Contact Kyle Isaacs at 541-740-4694 or email [email protected] with any questions.
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Oregon Public Health Association 80th Annual Conference & Meeting | October 7-8, 2024 | OSU
80th Annual Conference! Registration for this conference will open soon.
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.
Abstract submissions will be accepted through June 12, 2024. Abstracts addressing all public health topics are welcome and presenters should seek to make connections between research, policy and practice. The breakout sessions and poster presentations in the conference will represent the themes and content areas from the abstract submissions. For information about submitting an abstract, visit Call for Abstracts.
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
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Oregon Rural Health Conference | October 2-4, 2024 | Bend, Oregon
The 41st Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference will be held Wednesday-Friday, October 2-4, 2024 at the newly renovated Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend, Oregon. This conference brings together over 300 providers, policy-makers, public health, hospital and clinic leaders to explore topics of vital importance to Oregonians who live in rural communities and to share challenges and solutions. Our presenters are among the most dedicated experts from Oregon and beyond.
Registration is now open!
Book your room now, at a discounted rate
When the discounted room block will fills up, room rates will be higher so reserve early.
ODHA is an organizational member of the Oregon Rural Health Association. You do not need to be an individual member of the ORHA to attend or present at this conference. We encourage all dental hygienists to consider attending or presenting at the 2024 Oregon Rural Health Conference.
For more information about this conference visit Oregon Rural Health Conference.
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Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center
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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
Sign up to receive new position updates via email and to learn more about these positions below on the ODHA Career Center:
Featured PositionsVernonia Dental Columbia River Dental Care Siskiyou Community Health Center |
Northwest Human Services
Dental Hygienist - Salem
Dental Assistant (EFDA)
Willamette Dental Group Job Openings
Dental Hygienist - Durham
Dental Hygienist - Bend
Dental Hygienist - Lincoln City
Dental Hygienist - Salem
Dental Hygienist - Grants Pass
Dental Hygienist - Portland
Dental Hygienist - Portland (second opening)
Access your CE Credits
Benefits of Membership
Our Partners
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MAY
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
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Catalina Garcia Alejo, Shanice Tsen, |
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
| June 14 |
| August 23 |
| October 25 |
| December 13 |
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
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Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference | November 1 - 2, 2024 | Salem Convention Center
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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
Career Center
Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings like these:
Featured PositionsRegistered Dental Hygienist - Richardson DMD Inc.
Dental Hygienist - The Gleamery Beaverton, OR - Part-time |
Willamette Dental Group Job Openings
Dental Hygienist - Lincoln City
Nappy Lam DDS Job Opening
Access your CE Credits
Benefits of Membership
Our Partners
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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.
| BUY TICKETS HERE |
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:
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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
| April 26 |
| June 14 |
| August 23 |
| October 25 |
| December 13 |
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.
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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
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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
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
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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
| April 26 |
| June 14 |
| August 23 |
| October 25 |
| December 13 |
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!
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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
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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
Career Center
Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings like these:
Featured Job OpeningDental Hygienist – Lakeside, MT Lakeside Dental is located in beautiful Lakeside, Montana on the shores of Flathead Lake and just 15 miles south of Kalispell, MT. Our long-established practice is urgently seeking both a FULL TIME (4 days/week) and a PART TIME dental hygienist. Our practice has a small town feel while offering our patients comprehensive dental services with state-of-the-art technology. We have a wonderful, hard-working dental team that delivers trusted patient care in a fun, supportive environment. |
Northwest Human Services
Willamette Dental Job Openings
Traveling Dental Hygienist - Hillsboro
Dental Hygienist - Grants Pass
On-Call Dental Hygienist - Bend
Access your CE Credits
Benefits of Membership
Our Partners
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February
President’s Message
Hello ODHA members!
Winter is in full swing, thankfully the days are getting longer and Spring is just around the corner.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Certainly, promoting children's oral health awareness is important. As a dental hygienist in Oregon, you can play a significant role in this. Here are some ways to raise awareness about children's oral health:
Educational Workshops: Consider hosting workshops or seminars for parents and teachers in your community. Discuss topics like proper brushing techniques, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and the role of diet in oral health.
School Visits: Collaborate with local schools to visit classrooms and educate children about oral hygiene. You can demonstrate the correct way to brush and floss and provide tips on maintaining a healthy smile.
Social Media Presence: Utilize social media platforms to share informative content about children's oral health. Post tips, infographics, and videos that parents and caregivers can easily access and share.
Community Events: Participate in community health fairs or events where you can set up a booth to offer free dental screenings and distribute educational materials.
Collaborate with Pediatricians: Partner with pediatricians in your area to ensure that parents receive oral health information during routine well-child visits.
Online Resources: Create a website or blog with resources, articles, and FAQs about children's oral health. This can be a valuable reference for parents seeking information.
Local Networking: Connect with other healthcare professionals in your region, such as pediatric dentists and family doctors, to coordinate efforts in promoting children's oral health.
Engage in Advocacy: Get involved in local or state-level initiatives that aim to improve children's oral health policies, access to dental care, and education.
Remember that raising awareness is an ongoing effort, and your expertise as a dental hygienist can make a significant impact on children's oral health in your community.
Warm regards,
Karan Bershaw, MS, RDH, EPDH, FADHA
Component News
North West
Hello ODHA friends,
The Northwest component has exciting news for 2024!
We will begin our monthly component meetings in February! Please join us on the first Saturday of each month from 10 AM to 12 PM to connect with colleagues and learn. The first hour will be for networking and discussing component business. The second hour will be for learning. We are working on one (1) CE credit to be awarded to members attending the second hour. Final details will be shared when you email us to register!
Starting in the Spring, we will offer social gatherings! Socials will take place once each quarter and be in lieu of the monthly meeting.
So far, this is the 2024 Northwest Component lineup (more information will be added to the ODHA calendar once details are finalized):
Monthly Meetings and CE
Feb 3 - Staging and Grading Perio
March 2 - Communication & Building Trust with Patients
May 4 - Abuse and What it Means to be a Mandatory Reporter
June 1 - Working with the LGBTQ+ Community
Quarterly Social Events
April 6 - Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Sept 7 - Swan Island Dahlia Festival
Dec 7 - Silverton Christmas Market
We have plans to start an ODHA Instagram page and one of the features will be spotlights on amazing hygienists in the North West Component. If you would like to nominate an outstanding hygienist, please email me at [email protected]. I can’t wait to see the nominees!
Warmly,
DeAnn Dardis, RDH, BSDH, EPP
North West Component Director
South West
I'm very excited to represent the South West Component!
This is my first time in a leadership position at the state level and I have big plans for the coming year! My goal is to get more involvement in our area and build a supportive network of colleagues. In my opinion, dental hygiene is equally challenging and rewarding and I would love to support you.
Dental decay is present in over half of children ages 6-8, and near 60% in 12-19 year olds in their permanent dentition. Every encounter with our pediatric population is an opportunity to educate and we can encourage parents and caregivers during each visit as well. I challenge you to get back to the basics in your dialogue, to include healthy nutritional choices.
I'm really proud of how hard we work as dental hygienists and how much of an impact we truly make in those we serve.
Happy National Children's Dental Health Month!"
Tommie Kell, EPRDH, OMT
Metro East
Hello ODHA!
Metro East is back!! We had our first, “in-person” regular component meeting of the year in January and we had an AMAZING turnout. Over 30 attendees! We discussed our vision for the year and what meetings would encompass moving forward. Here are the details:
Meetings will be the 4th Thursday of every month from 6:15 - 7:15 pm, short and sweet! (you can stay longer for the “less-meaty” parts like socializing and networking, but the first hour will be purposeful and include:
- CE
- Study Club topics
- Community service organizing
Speaking of community service organizing….our next meeting will be Thursday, February 29th (this is the 5th Thursday of the month and the only meeting as such) and we will all be bringing our extra hygiene supplies to bag up for Rose Haven Day Shelter for Women and Children which is our community focus for the year!! We will have the most updated info on our meetings on the ODHA calendar so be sure to check there first and mark your calendars so you can be there with us as often as possible!
If your office has any extra supplies that are taking up space we would LOVE for you to come to the meeting in February and help us help our neighbors at Rose Haven!! We do ask that you email [email protected] so that we can share our spreadsheet with you for tracking contributions before the meeting.
If you are joining us in February, please RSVP to [email protected] by February 27th.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish or a treat if possible as this will be right after work for many. Drinks and dessert are provided. Also, our meeting schedule for the the rest of the year is as follows; topics are being worked on as we speak!
All meetings are from 6:15 - 7:15 pm
February 29th
TOPIC: bringing and bagging supplies for Rose Haven, Black box Q&A for all participants to ask questions about anything at all related to the field of dental hygiene anonymously!
Save the date for future meetings: March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 27 and September 26
*No meetings happening in October or November as we will be in full Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference planning mode as well as the holidays!
Happy February to all! LOVE your neighbor!! Please feel free to join meetings and help us support each other and Rose Haven Women’s Shelter this year!
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
Extraordinary Outreach Opportunity
There are openings for dental hygienists who would like to take a week off and have an amazing time providing oral health care to grade school children in Santa Catarina Mita, Guatemala. Nuevas Sonrisas volunteers provide preventive, routine, and urgent dental services to about 800 students, classroom education, fluoride applications, and distribution of toothpaste and toothbrushes for approximately 3,100 students. We reach about 800 parents with education and toothbrushes as well.
The 2024 trip is scheduled for March 2-10. Many volunteers choose to stay a couple of extra days in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua following our work week.
There will be at least two orientation sessions prior to the trip to prepare volunteers. Each volunteer is responsible for their own airfare. The cost for the trip will be $475 in addition to the airfare. We look forward to hearing from some adventurous, fun loving, and flexible dental hygienists! You will return tired, but with warm feelings from the many smiles and hugs of the children and knowing you have helped to improve the lives of many.
Please contact Sue Sanzi-Schaedel at [email protected] or by phone at 503-804-3210
National Children’s Dental Health Month
The American Dental Association offers free posters, postcards, and kids activity sheets for order on their website.
Check Them All Out Here
Oregon Board of Dentistry News Meetings in 2024
| February 23 |
| April 26 |
| June 14 |
| August 23 |
| October 25 |
| December 13 |
The Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings are in person but you also may join via Zoom.
Friday, February 23
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
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.
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 2024 Dental Assistants Recognition Week.
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ADHA Annual Conference | July 26-28 | New Orleans
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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 you chance to collaborate and share valuable skills and expertise.
Applications Now Accepted
Career Center
Visit the ODHA Career Center to find out about recent job openings like these:
Featured Job Opening
Dental Hygienist – Lakeside, MT
https://ordha.mcjobboard.net/jobs/131198
Lakeside Dental is located in beautiful Lakeside, Montana on the shores of Flathead Lake and just 15 miles south of Kalispell, MT. Our long-established practice is urgently seeking both a FULL TIME (4 days/week) and a PART TIME dental hygienist. Our practice has a small town feel while offering our patients comprehensive dental services with state-of-the-art technology. We have a wonderful, hard-working dental team that delivers trusted patient care in a fun, supportive environment.
Willamette Dental Job Openings
Traveling Dental Hygienist - Hillsboro
Dental Hygienist - Grants Pass
On-Call Dental Hygienist - Bend
And more can be found here on our website: https://ordha.mcjobboard.net/jobs