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

President’s Message

Dear Oregon Dental Hygienists,

I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and have exciting plans to soak up the beautiful blue-sky days that summer in Oregon offers.

Celebrating the Month of July

As we head into the heart of summer, July brings a time for celebration! Beginning with Independence Day. This year marks the 249th anniversary of our nation's independence. It’s a perfect time to reflect on what freedom has meant for our country and what it can mean for us as professionals.

In that same spirit of independence, I encourage you to consider what it would be like to practice as an Independent Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist (EPDH). For many of us, this is more than just a dream; it’s a real and rewarding career path. Some of our colleagues have already taken this step and found great success in building their own practices while expanding access to care in underserved communities.

If this is something you aspire to, know that you're not alone! I encourage you to seek out mentorship. Whether from educators, experienced independent hygienists, or members of your ODHA Board of Directors. We are here to support and guide you on your journey.

Fun & Meaningful July Observances

July is also filled with fun and thoughtful observances that offer great opportunities to engage with our patients:

  • July 6: International Kissing Day – A lighthearted reminder that oral health is something we share with those we love. A healthy mouth benefits the entire family.

  • July 7: World Chocolate Day – Everyone loves a sweet treat now and then. Let’s remind patients to enjoy it in moderation and to brush 30 minutes after eating to protect their enamel.

  • National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month – This is an important time to bring awareness to cleft lip and palate, which can impact a child’s oral and overall health for years. Let’s continue to advocate for early intervention and comprehensive care.

The Power of Volunteerism

Summer also provides a great opportunity to give back. Volunteering as a dental hygienist, whether through school screenings, oral health fairs, mobile clinics, or nonprofit programs is one of the most impactful ways we can serve. Your time and skills can make a real difference in improving access to care for those who need it most.

ODHA is always looking for volunteers to serve on committees. If you’re looking for a place to start, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d love to connect with you and help you get involved!

Looking Ahead: Continuing Education

Your ODHA Board and Component Directors have been working hard to bring you an exciting and accessible Continuing Education (CE) Subscription Series. I’m thrilled about what’s ahead!

This series will include a variety of flexible learning formats such as on-demand classes, live Zoom sessions, and select in-person events. You can expect dynamic speakers, evidence-based content, and valuable opportunities to connect with your peers. The full CE calendar and registration information will be released in August, giving you plenty of time to plan for your ongoing professional development.

Please know that as your board president, I am here for you. Whether you're seeking education, encouragement, mentorship, or support. I’m committed to helping every Oregon dental hygienist thrive in whichever path they pursue.

Wishing you a joyful, restful, and inspiring July.

Warmly, 

Kimberly Perlot, DT, MSAH, BS, EPDH

ODHA President 2024-2025 | To email Kim, click here.   

Congratulations 2025 Graduates

Congratulations to the 159 dental hygiene students who have graduated or will graduate from the following Oregon dental hygiene education programs this year. We welcome each of you into the dental hygiene profession!

Concorde Career College

32

Lane Community College

20

Mount Hood Community College

18

Oregon Institute of Technology – Klamath Falls 

19

Oregon Institute of Technology – Salem

19

Pacific University

31

Portland Community College

20

Your colleagues at ODHA understand the long hours and tremendous effort that you put into your dental hygiene education. And we salute your program directors, faculty, staff, patients, family and friends who were with you along the way on this rigorous journey.

ADHA’s Hygienist Hub is a collection of articles that are 2-4 minute reads  and address advocacy, career strategies, clinical insights & member stories. Click on the following link for Dear Graduates. Welcome to the Profession. Your Voice Matters. - ADHA. 

We hope that you will continue to value and protect your profession by becoming an ADHA professional member. ADHA provides you with a freetrial membership from the date you graduate until the end of 2025. And for 2026 and 2027 you will be eligible for ADHA’s new professional membership that provides you with a 35% discount on member dues for the first two years after you graduate. For more information about the value of ADHA membership, click on www.adha.org/membership. 

Laura Vanderwerf Elected ADHA District XI Director

ODHA member Laura Vanderwerf, BSDH, EPDH, CDA, FADHA has been elected to serve as ADHA District XI Director. In this position Laura will serve on the ADHA Board of Directors representing the following states that are included in District XI: Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington.

The ADHA Board of Directors isthe administrative body that meets throughout the year to conduct all national association business. The ADHA president, president-elect, vice president, treasurer, immediate past president and the eleven district directors make up the ADHA Board of Directors.

As ADHA District XI Director, Laura is responsible for actively participating in all meetings of the ADHA Board of Directors, communicating with state leaders in her district, preparing district delegates & alternate delegates for their participation in the ADHA House of Delegates and contributing financial support to the ADA Foundation.

Laura has served ADHA on the component and constituent levels including two terms as ODHA president. On the national level, Laura has served on theHouse of Delegates Taskforce, the Committee on Policy and Bylaws, and currently serves as vice chair of the Policy Committee. Laura is also a full-time faculty member and department chair with the dental hygiene program at Portland Community College.

Component News  

HIGH DESERT COMPONENT

Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa & Wheeler Counties

I hope your July is treating you well!  I wanted to remind everyone who is interested that the OIT dental hygiene students leave for their international externship program next month. They are still in need of donations and if you would like to contribute please contact Jeannie Bopp at OIT. Her email is [email protected].

Our component is very spread out, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet about half of you. As the director I would like to start a member spotlight that highlights someone from the component once a month. If you have anyone you would like to nominate for next month's spotlight please email me at [email protected]. To kick off the member spotlight I will introduce myself.

I was born and raised in Grants Pass Oregon. I became a veterinary technician after graduating high school, and that is where I first started cleaning teeth, dog and cat teeth. In 2005 I enrolled at Oregon Tech and completed my bachelor’s of Dental Hygiene in 2009. I worked clinically in a variety of different practices until 2020, when my husband and I moved back to Klamath Falls. I started instructing at OIT, enrolled in their Master’s of Allied Health program, and graduated in 2023 with my master’s degree. I decided to start a consulting company which would allow me to utilize my master’s degree to present continuing education courses, while still doing clinical hygiene on a temporary basis. I also obtained my expanded practice permit, as I have some goals for treating patients in a non-traditional environment and reaching populations with barriers to care.  

Personally, I enjoy the outdoors and the amazing landscape that living in Oregon offers.  My husband and I have two Rottweilers and four horses. We both love rafting, hiking and exploring. I have been barrel racing since I was about 11 years old, and I still haven’t outgrown my love for the sport. I hope this gives you a little insight into who I am, and I look forward to learning more about the rest of you in the future!

Kim Pratt, MSAH, MAADH, RDH
High Desert Component Director | To email Kim, click here. 

METRO EAST COMPONENT

Representing Clackamas, Hood River, Multnomah & Wasco Counties

Happy Summer! School is out and many of us are in “vacation mode” (though we might not be on vacation)! This year, how the time flies has really hit me. I feel like just yesterday we were in the middle of winter hoping for a snow day. Going back even further, I can still remember the days of hygiene school and what it felt like to finally become licensed and how extremely proud I was when I held that piece of paper in my hands. It meant that I wasn't a technician…..I was a professional. This term I am teaching a seminar course and I found in chapter 14 of  the Wilkins textbook a breakdown of the difference between the two titles of technician and professional. Given what recently happened in Nevada (Scaling Assistant legislation), I wanted to share: 

Technicians have mechanical abilities, responsibilities are delegated by a supervising dentist and there is no ownership of the care provided. 

Professionals have a solid, scientific knowledge base, are critical thinkers and problem solvers. A dental hygienist assumes responsibility for care provided.

There is a lot of pride in our profession! We need to continue to advocate for our profession by staying up to date with what is happening legislatively and using our voices. I know I keep saying this, but it is so evident by what has been happening because of the shortage of dental hygienists that we have to stay advocating and connect with membership. It’s the only way. So please, if you have been on the fence with membership, there is no more important time than now. We are professionals! For the sake of public health, technicians should NOT be doing our job. We MUST stay organized.

I invite all dental hygienists in Oregon to contact me ([email protected]) if you would like to be more active in ODHA/ADHA. It’s a great community and we have a lot of passion as a group to improve the profession for ALL dental hygienists, not just members–we are volunteers and we need you! If you have questions about all of the legislative activities happening right now you can contact our Advocacy Director Lisa Rowley at [email protected].

Heidi Klobes, M.Ed., EPDH, CDA 
Metro East Component Director | To email Heidi, click here. 

ADVOCACY NEWS

The American Dental Association (ADA) has proposed the following in response to the workforce shortage of dental hygienists:

  • Reducing CODA accreditation standards for dental hygiene education programs

  • Creating alternative pathways to dental hygiene licensure that do not require completion of a CODA accredited dental hygiene program

  • Allowing dental students & internationally trained dentists to be licensed to practice as dental hygienists

  • Adopting an Oral Preventive Assistant model that would allow dental assistants with limited training to perform periodontal probing and supragingival scaling

The Oral Preventive Assistant model, also called a scaling assistant, is an expanded function dental assistantwho can perform periodontal probing & supragingival scaling for healthy patients. The required training & allowable procedures would be determined by each state’s legislature. This model was already legal in Kansas & Illinois. Missouri is currently conducting a scaling assistant pilot project. 

This year Massachusetts passed a law that allows dental students & internationally trained dentists to be eligible for dental hygiene licensure. Arizona passed a law that creates the oral preventive assistant model for their state.Scaling assistant bills have been introduced in Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Washington & Wisconsin. 

The ADHA &ODHA are opposed to the scaling assistant model and are opposed to allowing individuals who have not completed a CODA accredited dental hygiene education program to be licensed as dental hygienists. 

The ADHA has responded to these proposals by keeping their members informed. releasing position statements, monitoring state legislatures and assisting states in addressing  pending legislation.

What can you do?

  • Belong to & actively participate in ADHA

  • Follow ADHA on Facebook & other social media

  • Respond to advocacy alerts from ADHA & ODHA

  • Inform you state legislators about these issues

  • Network with your professional colleagues

For more information contact ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa J. Rowley at [email protected] 

OREGON BOARD OF DENTISTRY NEWS

Dental Hygiene License Renewal

If you received your Oregon dental hygiene license in an odd year, your license will expire on September 30, 2025. You are personally responsible for renewing your license. License renewals must be completed online. You may not practice as a dental hygienist if your license has expired. If you continue to practice after your license expires, you can be disciplined for practicing without a license. 

All licensees are required to maintain at a minimum a current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification or its equivalent. ​You will be required to upload an image of your certification card with your license renewal. Additional information about license renewal is available on the Oregon Board of Dentistry website at www.oregon.gov/dentistry/Pages/renewal.aspx. 

BLS Certification

Failure to maintain at a minimum a current BLS for Healthcare Providers certificate or its equivalent is considered to be unprofessional conduct [OAR 818-012-0030(18)]. The BLS certification standard is the American Heart Association’s BLS Healthcare Providers Course or its equivalent, as determined by the Board. Your initial BLS course must be a hands-on course. Online BLS courses will not be approved by the Board for initial BLS certification. After the initial BLS certification, the Board will accept a Board-approved BLS for Healthcare Providers or its equivalent online renewal course for license renewal. A BLS certification card with an expiration date must be received from the BLS provider as documentation of BLS certification. The Board considers the BLS expiration date to be the last day of the month that the BLS instructor indicates that the certification expires [OAR 818-001-002(20)]. Training hours taken to maintain a current BLS for Healthcare Providers certificate or its equivalent may not be counted toward fulfilling the continuing education hours required for license renewal [OAR 818-026-0040(11)].

Continuing Education Requirements

Dental hygienists licensed in Oregon must complete 24 hours of continuing educationrelated to direct clinical patient care or the practice of dental public health every two-year renewal cycle. Dental hygienists who hold an Expanded Practice Permit must complete 36 (12 additional) hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle [OAR 818-021-0070].

Dental hygienist continuing education must include:
  • At least three (3) hours of medical emergencies every renewal cycle
  • At least two (2) hours of infection control every renewal cycle
  • At least two (2) hours of cultural competency every renewal cycle​​ [OAR 818-021-0070(4,6,7)]
In order to renew a Nitrous Oxide Permit, dental hygienists must complete four (4) hours of continuing education in one or more of the following areas: sedation, nitrous oxide, physical evaluation, medical emergencies, monitoring and the use of monitoring equipment, or pharmacology of drugs and agents used in sedation.These four (4) hours may be counted toward fulfilling the continuing education hours required for license renewal [OAR 818-026-0040(11)].

Oregon Wellness Program

The Oregon Wellness Program (OWP) ensures licensees (dentists, registered dental hygienists, and dental therapists) within the state of Oregon have access to mental health support that is non-reported, urgently available, and complimentary. OWP contracts with licensed and credentialed mental health providers, who each have a minimum of five years professional experience providing services to health care professionals. For more information, click on https://oregonwellnessprogram.org.  

OWP affiliated providers offer:

  • Up to three complimentary sessions (a one-time benefit that can be spread across multiple years)

  • Appointments are generally available within three business days

  • Care without a “paper trail” or reporting to insurance or professional board

Rules Oversight Committee Meeting

The Rules Oversight Committee of the  Oregon Board of Dentistry will meet beginning at 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 17, 2025. This meeting will be held by Zoom only. The agenda and public packet for this meeting will be posted approximately one week before the meeting on the Board website at www.oregon.gov/dentistry. Scroll down to About Us and click on Meetings. This committee will be discussing two proposed rules of particular interest to dental hygienists: 1) a proposed rule amendment that would clarify that dental assistants are prohibited from periodontal probing and dental scaling; 2) a proposed new rule that would allow dental hygienists to administer Botox.

August Board Meeting

The Oregon Board of Dentistry will meet on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Board office located at 1500 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 770, Portland, OR  97201 The agenda for this meeting will include a Zoom link for participants who would like to attend virtually. Anyone may participate in the Open Sessions of the Board meeting.  

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

If you would like to participate in the Open Sessions of this or any future Board meeting, contact ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa J. Rowley at [email protected] for more information. Upcoming Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings will be held on the following Fridays: October 24 and December 12.

ADHA News

ADHA Response to Failed Bill in Nevada

The Nevada legislature considered a bill this year that included provisions that would have created an “alternate pathway” for dental hygiene licensure by allowing individuals with on-the-job training to become licensed dental hygienists without graduating from a CODA accredited dental hygiene education program, without successfully completing the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, and without completing a clinical board exam.. Fortunately, this bill “died” when the Nevada legislative session ended at midnight on June 2, 2025.

This bill was supported by the American Dental Association and the Nevada Dental Association. The bill was opposed by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the Nevada Dental Hygienists’ Association, the International Federation of Dental Hygienists, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Education Association, the American Academy of Oral Medicine and the International Association of Orofacial Myology. 

“ADHA recognizes the real challenges facing our healthcare workforce, but the solution is not to lower standards or bypass proven educational pathways,” said ADHA President Haley-Hitz, MS, RDH. “We must invest in growing our profession through evidence-based strategies that maintain the rigorous training patients deserve. Sustainable workforce solutions require commitment to recruitment, retention and excellence, not shortcuts that compromise care.”

Follow ADHA on Social Media

Be sure to follow ADHA on social media platforms to stay current on what’s happening in Oregon and in other states. Social media is a quick way for ADHA to get this information to you! 

ADHA Outstanding Student Chapter Awards

The ADHA Outstanding Student Chapter Awards recognize the hard work of ADHA’s student chapters across the country in the areas of membership, ADHA involvement, service to the college or university, community Involvement, and chapter management. Each winning chapter receives a cash award and a commemorative plaque. The ADHA Outstanding Student Chapter Awards are sponsored by Heartland Dental. Congratulations to Pacific University on receiving this year’s third place Outstanding Student Chapter Award.

 

 

 

 

 

ADHA25 Annual Conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 ADHA Annual Conference to be held October 4-6, 2025 in Long Beach, California. Whether you are a seasoned professional, just getting started, or somewhere in between, personalize your ADHA25 experience to reach your professional and personal goals. The early bird registration deadline is August 15th. Course selection does not begin until August 15 which means all you need to do is register now to secure the early bird rate, then relax and enjoy your savings!Reserve your overnight room early to save and ensure you have your choice of accommodations at one of the ADHA25 official hotels. For more information, visit https://www.adha.org/events/adha25/.

ADHA Podcast

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) offers a wide variety of podcasts that address current issues and best practices for dental hygienists. Some recent topics include:
  • Safety & Standards Under Fire ADHA and Nevada RDHs Rise to Legislative Defense (episode 162)
  • Licensed to Travel: Navigating Multiple State Licensure (episode 161)
  • Standing Our Ground: Professional Ethics in an Era of Change (episode 160)
  • Independent Practice: A New Frontier in Dental Hygiene (episode 159)

For more information, visit www.adha.org/pod.

ADHA IOH Foundation Name Change

Effective July 1, 2025, the ADHA Institute for Oral Health (IOH) Foundation will be branded and known as the ADHA Foundation. The name change and rebranding were a part of a strategic effort to increase awareness and clarify the role of the Foundation and its affiliation with the ADHA.

ADHA Foundation Legacy League

ODHA members Lori Killen Aus, Lisa Rowley, and Laura Vanderwerf have joined the ADHA Foundation Legacy League. Members of the Legacy League make recurring monthly donations to the ADHA Foundation to support its mission of advancing the dental hygiene profession through scholarships, research, and community service grants. 

You can join the Legacy League by scheduling a recurring monthly donation of at least $20 per month to the ADHA Foundation.Your ongoing support will enable the ADHA Foundation to sustain and expand its programs, ensuring that it can reach even more dental hygienists and community members in need. Click on the following link to set up your monthly recurring donation www.mightycause.com/donate/Jfbqxe.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Corvallis, Oregon Oral Cancer 5K Run/Walk - September 13, 2025

Click on the image below to learn more or to register to run/walk in this year's event!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42nd Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference

Registration is now open for the 42nd Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference to be held Wednesday-Friday, October 1-3, 2025 at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, Oregon. The block of overnight rooms at the Riverhouse fills up quickly, so you are encouraged to make your reservation as soon as possible at reserve here.  

The Oregon Rural Health Conference and is the largest gathering in Oregon dedicated to sharing information and showcasing innovative approaches to health and the delivery of health care in rural and remote communities in Oregon. This Conference brings together over 400 health care leaders from across the spectrum, including providers, administrators, policymakers, and public health, hospital and clinic leaders. Sessions will cover issues that affect Oregonians living in rural communities and share strategies and solutions. The presenters are among the most dedicated experts from Oregon and beyond. For more information click on Oregon Rural Health Conference.  

The Oregon Rural Health Association (ORHA) will hold a board meeting during this conference. The ODHA is a founding member & continues to be an organizational member of the Oregon Rural Health Association. Mary Ann Wren represents the ODHA on the ORHA Board of Directors. For more information about ORHA, visit the Oregon Rural Health Association.

OPHA Annual Conference & Meeting 

Save the date for the 2025 Oregon Public Health Association (OPHA) Annual Conference & Meeting scheduled for Tuesday October 14 & Wednesday, October 15 at the Wingspan Event Center located at 804 NE 34th Avenue in Hillsboro, Oregon. 

The OPHA Annual Conference & Meeting is Oregon’s premier public health event, bringing together professionals committed to improving health outcomes across the state. Since 1944, this conference has served as a key platform for a broad range of public health professionals, including decision-makers, educators, policymakers, practitioners, researchers, nonprofit leaders, & students.

Conference attendees represent diverse fields, such as medicine, dentistry, social work, epidemiology, community health, nursing, and more. Together, this collaborative community is united by a shared commitment to improving health outcomes, supporting public health research, and advancing efforts that promote access, well-being, and healthier communities across Oregon. For more information, visit https://www.oregonpublichealth.org/opha-conference.