President’s Message

Advocating for Advancement & Growth

As we enter June and reach the midpoint of the year, it is an important time to reflect not only on our progress but on the continued advancement and growth of our profession through intentional advocacy and leadership.

Across Oregon, dental hygienists are making measurable impacts through clinical care, public health initiatives, education, and critical advocacy. As access to care remains a pressing issue, our role extends beyond the operatory and into the communities and systems we serve. The work you do every day positions you as both a healthcare provider and a powerful advocate for your patients and the profession. 

With summer bringing an increase in community events, health fairs, and outreach opportunities, we are presented with meaningful opportunities to expand access and elevate awareness. These moments are not only about service, they are about visibility, education, and reinforcing the essential role of dental hygienists as a health care provider.

National Safety Month, led by the National Safety Council, reinforces our responsibility to uphold the highest standards in patient safety and infection control, key components of quality care that we must continue to advocate for in all practice settings. Additionally, the focus on family and pediatric health highlights the importance of early preventive care and equitable access for children. These are areas where our voices are essential in shaping policy and community-based solutions.

National Smile Month serves as a reminder that oral health is directly tied to overall health, confidence, and quality of life. As dental hygienists, we are not only improving smiles, we are advocating for the integration of oral health into broader healthcare conversations and ensuring it remains a priority at every level.

The continued advancement of expanded practice dental hygiene and dental therapy in Oregon demonstrates what is possible when advocacy leads to action. These advancements are the result of persistent efforts to remove barriers, increase access, and create sustainable solutions for underserved populations. Our responsibility now is to continue that momentum, protecting these advancements while identifying new growth opportunities.

I would also like to share an important update regarding the New Professionals Symposium, originally scheduled for May 1st. This event has been rescheduled to October 2026 to allow for enhanced programming and greater engagement. Supporting new professionals is a vital component of our advocacy efforts, and we look forward to fostering the next generation of leaders within our profession.

Advocacy is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing commitment. Whether you are engaging with legislators, participating in association initiatives, or educating your patients and communities, your involvement matters. Collective action is what drives change. I strongly encourage each of you to remain engaged and responsive as opportunities arise. Please stay tuned for future updates and upcoming legislative priorities where your voice and participation will be essential in advancing our profession and ensuring continued access to care.

As we move forward, let us remain unified in our purpose to advocate for our patients, our profession, and the future of oral healthcare. Growth and advancement depend on our willingness to lead, to speak, and to act.

Thank you for your continued dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association. 

With appreciation, 

ODHA President 2024-2026 | To email Kim, click here.

Evolving to Meet the Needs of Today's Dental Hygiene Community

For many years, ODHA's Annual Conference provided members with opportunities to earn continuing education, connect with colleagues, engage with industry partners, and strengthen our professional community. These gatherings created meaningful experiences and valued traditions that many members have enjoyed over the years.

At its May meeting, the ODHA Board of Directors decided not to host an in-person Annual Conference in its traditional format moving forward. This decision was not made lightly and reflects careful evaluation of changing member preferences, participation trends, and ODHA's responsibility to remain fiscally responsible.

Over the past five years, attendance at annual meetings and conferences has steadily shifted. At the same time, the costs of hosting in-person events continue to rise. Hotels and conference venues typically require commitments for meeting space, guest room blocks, and food and beverage minimums months in advance. These agreements can put organizations in a difficult position if attendance levels fall short of projections.

ODHA is not alone in navigating these challenges. Across industries, organizations are reassessing traditional conference models as attendee behavior evolves. Additional factors continue to reshape the professional development landscape. Industry sponsorship support has changed: employer reimbursement for education and travel expenses is less common, and dental professionals today have more educational choices than ever before. Virtual learning and on-demand programming provide flexibility that many members increasingly value, allowing them to access high-quality education when and where it works best with their schedules.
This decision is not about doing less; it is about evolving to do better.

The ODHA Board is committed to exploring innovative opportunities that better align with today's members' realities and preferences. This includes evaluating educational experiences that are more accessible, flexible, and responsive to an ever-changing professional environment. On-demand education, targeted learning opportunities, and new ways to connect members are all part of these ongoing discussions.

Investing in the Future of Dental Hygiene in Oregon

At its May meeting, the ODHA Board also voted to invest in the future of the profession by engaging a government relations consultant to conduct a strategic assessment and landscape analysis this summer. This work is intended to better position dental hygienists in Oregon by identifying opportunities, challenges, and priorities to guide the profession forward.

To support this effort, ODHA is making a strategic investment from its legislative reserve funds. The goal is to provide the organization with a roadmap for 2026–2027 and ensure that future initiatives are informed by thoughtful analysis and a stronger understanding of the evolving healthcare and legislative landscape.

We look forward to sharing the results of this important work and providing members with updates as the process moves forward.

Help Shape the Future of ODHA Professional Development

We want member voices at the table as we determine what continuing education should look like moving forward. If you are interested in helping explore educational topics, formats, and future opportunities, we invite you to join ODHA's Professional Development Committee.

The committee is currently establishing a summer meeting schedule consisting of one to two evening meetings each month, with each meeting lasting approximately one hour.

If you would like to participate or learn more, please email [email protected].

As we move forward, our focus remains the same: delivering meaningful value to our members while ensuring the association's long-term sustainability and fiscal health. We appreciate your continued support and engagement as we evolve and work together to build the future of ODHA.

Thank you for your continued support of the ODHA and the profession.

Cristina Bowerman, MNM, CAE
ODHA Executive Director

ODHA Expands Advocacy Efforts with Government Relations Consultant 

The ODHA is pleased to announce its partnership with Molly McGrew, MBA, MPA, Principal and Founder of MMc Consulting & Government Relations, to strengthen the Association's advocacy efforts and advance the dental hygiene profession throughout Oregon.

Molly brings more than 15 years of experience in legislative advocacy, organizational strategy, coalition building, public engagement, and public policy implementation. Throughout her career, she has advised elected officials, healthcare organizations, trade associations, businesses, and community leaders on a wide range of policy issues, including healthcare, workforce development, behavioral health, housing, transportation, and economic development.

As ODHA's government relations consultant, Molly will work closely with Association leadership to enhance legislative advocacy, strengthen relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and help position dental hygienists as essential members of Oregon's healthcare workforce. Her work will focus on advancing policies that support prevention, improve access to care, strengthen workforce sustainability, and elevate recognition of dental hygienists' critical role in promoting overall health and well-being.

"Dental hygienists are on the front lines of prevention, patient education, and early detection," said McGrew. "As healthcare continues to evolve, there is a tremendous opportunity to ensure oral health is included in broader conversations about public health, healthcare access, and workforce innovation."

ODHA's investment in government relations reflects the Association's commitment to protecting and advancing the profession while ensuring dental hygienists have a strong voice in shaping the future of oral healthcare in Oregon.

Molly holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Willamette University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Portland State University.

ODHA looks forward to working with Molly as we continue to advocate for our members, strengthen the profession, and advance oral health for all Oregonians.

Dental Hygiene School News

Congratulations Graduates!

The ODHA congratulates all dental hygiene students who are graduating in 2026!

As your fellow colleagues, we know how hard you have worked to achieve this milestone.

Welcome to the dental hygiene profession and our very best wishes for your future as dental hygiene professionals!

ADHA Foundation Scholarship

Congratulations to Kylie Burk from Oregon Tech who was selected to receive a 2026 ADHA Foundation Hu-Friedy/Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarship. As an award recipient, Kylie received HuFriedy Group dental hygiene instruments of her choice equivalent to a retail value of $1,000.

"I'm very grateful to my school and to this scholarship for supporting me! This scholarship allowed me to try new instruments as well as collect more of the ones I already love! I have really appreciated having new and functional instruments when integrating into the new space of full-time hygiene. I am excited to continue to learn and grow as I continue my journey as an RDH/EPDH!”

ADHA Foundation Travel Grant 

Congratulations to Chelsie Evernham from Rogue Community College who was selected to receive a 2026 ADHA Foundation Travel Grant. This grant covers the cost of registration & 3 night’s hotel stay for Chelsie to attend the 2026 ADHA Annual Conference. 

“I’m honored to receive the ADHA Conference Travel Grant and grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge, grow professionally, and connect with leaders in dental hygiene at the national level. This is such an exciting milestone in my journey as a dental hygiene student, and I look forward to learning, growing, and bringing new knowledge back to better serve my future patients and community.” 

Rogue Community College Graduates First Class

Congratulations to the first dental hygiene class to graduate from Rogue Community College’s new dental hygiene program! All 20 students have passed the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the Local Anesthesia Clinical Board Exam. They will receive their associate degrees on June 13, 2026, at Rogue’s Commencement Ceremony.

Oregon Tech Offers New MSDH Program

Oregon Institute of Technology is pleased to offer a new Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (MSDH) program. This program is the first of its kind in Oregon and one of a limited number offered nationwide. The program officially launches in the summer term 2026 and applications will be available through their website.

This fully online graduate program will allow dental hygiene students and graduates to earn the highest degree currently offered in the dental hygiene field. This degree can open career pathways in education, public health, research, education, administration, and business. 

Students will complete 15 courses that include 30 credits of required courses and 15 credits of elective courses. Students who are currently enrolled in an entry-level dental hygiene program or dental hygiene bachelor’s degree completion program may take MSDH courses that count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The MSDH program graduates will:

• Apply evidence-based practices, project-based learning, and effective educational methodologies across didactic, clinical, and online learning environments to support and enhance educators’ roles.

• Develop leadership and advocacy experience to support and promote diversity and inclusion in research, teaching, service, administration, and public health.

• Apply critical thinking and innovative approaches to evaluate multidisciplinary health care teams, dental hygiene independent practice models, and emerging technologies to enhance the effectiveness of the health care delivery system.

• Develop research skills that advance the dental hygiene profession and contribute to the expansion of its body of knowledge. 

Darlene Swigart, MS, EPDH, FADHA will serve as MSDH program director and primary advisor. For more information, please contact Darlene at [email protected].  

 Second Dental Therapist Licensed in Michigan

Jamie Toney is the second dental therapist to be licensed in Michigan. She is currently practicing with The Wellness Plan Medical Center in Metro Detroit. Jamie’s licensure follows on the heels of Dana Obey who was the first dental therapist licensed in Michigan. Dana is currently practicing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

“Dental therapists are an important addition to the state’s dental workforce,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director Elizabeth Hertel. “They are helping expand access to care, especially for residents in underserved areas where there are limited providers, which is an important focus for the department.”  

“I take great pride in serving my community and being in a role that helps expand care for underserved populations, which allows me to give back to the place I call home in a meaningful way.” said Jamie Tomey. “For anyone who feels called to the dental field and is passionate about community impact and health equity, I encourage you to explore dental therapy. It is a powerful profession that is helping create meaningful change in Detroit and throughout the state of Michigan.”

Ferris State University is developing Michigan’s first dental therapy education program to help increase the number of dental therapists in the state. Ferris recently chose Dr. Deborah Brown, chief executive officer at My Community Dental Centers, to lead the program. My Community Dental Centers is a non-profit organization that operates dental clinics across Michigan and provides comprehensive dental care to all including Medicaid beneficiaries and the uninsured.

“Throughout my career, my focus has always been expanding access to oral health care for communities in need,” said Dr. Brown. “Dental therapists are an important part of strengthening the oral health workforce and reaching patients who have historically faced barriers to care. I’m honored to join Ferris State University in helping educate and mentor the next generation of providers who will continue advancing that mission.” 

Learn more about dental therapy at MI Dental Access.  

Make Summer Count: Complete Your CE Requirements On Your Schedule

Summer is the perfect time to invest in yourself and your professional growth. Whether you're enjoying a well-deserved vacation, spending time with family, or simply taking advantage of a more flexible schedule, ODHA's On-Demand CE Library makes it easy to complete your continuing education when it's convenient for you.

The entire 2025–2026 Winter & Spring CE Series is now available on demand, giving dental hygienists the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace. No travel. No schedule conflicts. Just quality education designed specifically for dental hygiene professionals.

 From advocacy and professional engagement to clinical topics and emerging trends, these courses provide valuable insights while helping you stay current and meet your continuing education requirements.

ODHA members receive some of the most affordable continuing education opportunities available:

 Professional & Student Members

• Included as a member benefit at no additional cost

 New Professional & Graduate Members

• $159 for the complete series (8 CE credits)
• $24.75 per individual course

Non-Members

• $399 for the complete series (all 8 CE courses — a $39 savings)
• $54.75 per individual course

Not only is summer a great time to complete your CE requirements, butit's also an opportunity to learn from respected presenters and gain knowledge that can immediately benefit your patients, practice, and career.

Don't wait until your license renewal deadline approaches. Take advantage of the flexibility of on-demand learning and complete your CE requirements on your schedule.

To register, click here and make this summer a season of professional growth.

ODHA Advocacy News

The city of Warrenton on the northern coast of Oregon had a fluoridation measure on their ballot for the May 19, 2026 election. Over 60% of voters supported the ballot measure to continue fluoridating the drinking water supply for the city of Warren and customers outside of city limits including the city of Gearhart as a wholesale customer. This measure was initiated by the city commission to determine if voters wanted the city to continue to add fluoride to their drinking water.

Congratulations to Jackie Sanchez, MPH, RN, Warrenton City Commissioner Jess Sollacio, MPH and  Safe Water Strong Smiles who worked with health professionals throughout Clatsop County to support this measure. Please visit their website for more information https://www.safewaterstrongsmiles.org.  

2026 State Regulatory Updates

The ODHA is monitoring regulatory issues across the country that may impact the dental hygiene profession and the oral health of the public.

CALIFORNIA

California Assembly Bill (AB) 1952, sponsored by the California Dental Association (CDA), proposes an alternative licensure pathway for internationally educated dentists to practice as licensed dental hygienists without completing a CODA accredited dental hygiene education program. The bill aims to address the state's shortage of dental hygienists and increase linguistic and culturally diverse care for immigrant communities. However, it has ignited a major debate in the oral health sector.

The CDA argues that the bill safely integrates highly skilled, internationally trained professionals into California's dental teams and helps fill critical dental hygiene vacancies. The CDHA opposes the bill in its current form, and argues that it undermines dental hygiene education, places unnecessary regulatory burdens and costs on the Dental Hygiene Board of California, and forces dental hygienists to shoulder the administrative weight of the transition. The CDHA instead advocates for a restricted dental license regulated by the Dental Board of California

COLORADO

The Colorado Dental Association (CDA) and the Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) have maintained a collaborative relationship for many years and most recently have worked together to expand dental hygiene scope of practice and to help address workforce shortages. Dental hygienists in Colorado can practice unsupervised and can own or operate their own dental hygiene practices. In the last few years collaborative efforts by CDA and CDHA have resulted in the opening of three new dental hygiene programs and increased class size at two existing dental hygiene programs, nearly tripling the number of dental hygienists graduating in Colorado.

INDIANA

Effective July 1, 2026, House Bill 1254 allows internationally educated dentists to obtain a dental hygiene license in Indiana without completing a CODA accredited dental hygiene education program. Applicants must still meet requirements that include a credential evaluation, the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, a regional clinical board exam and a background check. This new law aims to address the shortage of dental hygienists and to benefit internationally educated dental graduates.  

Historically, internationally trained dentists have had two options: repeat 2 to 3 years of dental school through advanced standing programs that may cost upwards of $150,000 or leave the profession.

MISSOURI

On May 14, 2026 the Missouri Dental Board voted 4–3 to move forward with the proposed “Periodontal EFDA” administrative rule, formerly referred to as the OPA-EFDA proposal. The Missouri Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA) maintains that the Missouri Dental Board does not have statutory authority to permanently create this position through administrative rulemaking without legislative authorization. MDHA retained an administrative law attorney to represent the Association’s position before the Board.

MDHA believes the proposed rule raises serious concerns regarding:

• Patient safety

• Education and training standards

• Scope of practice

• Clinical assessment responsibilities

• Statutory authority

Missouri law currently limits scaling and removal of hard and soft deposits from teeth and comprehensive periodontal charting to licensed dentists and licensed dental hygienists. The proposed administrative rule would also allow “Periodontal EFDAs” to complete periodontal charting and supragingival scaling which is currently performed only by licensed dentists and licensed dental hygienists.

The original OPA-EFDA project was established as a temporary pilot project by the Missouri Legislature, with findings intended to be reported back to legislators and the Missouri Dental Board. MDHA maintains that major scope of practice changes should proceed through the legislative process. The proposal now moves into Missouri’s formal rulemaking process, including review by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR). MDHA will continue providing updates and guidance as this process progresses.

OKLAHOMA

On May 13th, 2026, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 540 making Oklahoma the 13th state to enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact). Effective November 1, 2026, this new law aims to address dental workforce shortages by reducing barriers to license portability. 

Senator Brenda Stanely, one of the sponsors for this bill, stated that ”By joining the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, we are removing unnecessary licensing barriers so these qualified professionals can continue practicing across state lines,” and that SB 540 “is a meaningful step for military spouses working in dentistry and dental hygiene, who often see their careers and licensing disrupted by frequent relocations…”

For more information, click on Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.  

Celebrate Your Achievement While Supporting Future Dental Hygienists

Earning a dental hygiene license is a significant milestone and a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment required to join the profession. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned dental hygienist, you can celebrate your achievement while helping support the next generation of oral health professionals.

The Dennis Muir Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to dental hygiene students pursuing their education in Oregon. Individuals who wish to support future dental hygienists are encouraged to make a tax-deductible contribution to the scholarship fund.

Supporters can also purchase a commemorative license mat designed to display a dental hygiene license in an 8" x 10" frame. These mats make a meaningful keepsake for new graduates and practicing professionals alike, while helping raise funds for future scholarship recipients.

License Mat Pricing (includes shipping and postage):

• Student License Mat – $20
• Professional License Mat – $25

Donations may be made online with Square by clicking on this link, or by issuing a check to the Dennis Muir Scholarship and mailed to:

Heidi Jo Grubbs
8725 NE Eugene St.
Portland, OR 97220

Thank you for investing in the future of the dental hygiene profession and for supporting students as they begin their careers.

ADHA News

ADHA Annual Conference Registration Open

Saddle up for ADHA26 to be held September 26-28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. Join dental hygienists from across the country as we gather in the heart of Texas to connect, learn and celebrate everything we love about dental hygiene.

Register Today! The state with the highest percentage of ADHA members registered for this conference by Friday, September 11th will receive five complimentary passes for the 2027 ADHA Annual Conference.

Register by August 7th to save on conference registration, travel and housing. Early birds save up to $100. ADHA members save up to $200 more than nonmembers.

New This Year! Educational sessions do not require advance tickets. Attendees will queue outside the session rooms. Flossy VIP package registrants have priority entry and reserved seating. General seating is first come, first served. Paid add-ons will still require tickets selected during the registration process.

These boots were made for flossin’ – and this conference was made for YOU! Whether you’re looking to expand your clinical skills, network with fellow hygienists, or simply soak up some Texas hospitality, ADHA26 promises big hearts and big fun in the heart of dental hygiene. Sign up for conference updates by clicking on this link. 

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GoTu 2026 State of Work Report

GoTu is the largest dental staffing marketplace in the U.S. connecting 200,000+ dental professionals with 45,000+ offices across all 50 states. GoTu's 2026 State of Work Report surveyed over 7,800 dental professionals across the United States on burnout, compensation, satisfaction, and what they actually want.

GoTu's 3rd Annual State of Work Report for dental hygienists surveyed over 3,800 dental hygienists from across the U.S. to discover:

• Compensation and career: pay rates, raises, benefits, and work arrangements Burnout and well-being: prevalence, causes specific to hygienists, and what respondents say would help 

• Flexibility and temp work: how hygienists use temporary assignments and what drives those decisions 

• Autonomy and scope of practice: clinical independ

• ence, restrictions, and the connection to retention 

• The Compact and interstate practice: awareness, support, and what passage would mean in practice 

• Advocacy and what comes next: associations, desired changes, and the five-year outlook

Download your report now at GoTu State of Work Report.

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ADHA Hygienist Hub

Hygienist Hub is ADHA’s resource for short articles on clinical updates, career strategies, highlights & can’t-miss stories. To access any of the following topics, click on www.adha.org/hygienist-hub/. 

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ADHA Hygiene Rising Podcast 

Hygiene Rising: Real Talk on Oral Health is the official podcast for the ADHA. Join us as we discuss relevant thoughts, ideas, & best practices for dental hygienists throughout the United States. Be sure to reach out with ideas for our show on any of ADHA’S social media channels. Former ADHA President Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA is the host for these podcasts. To access these topics, visit Hygiene Rising - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

 

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ADHA Foundation Legacy League

Two Oregon dental hygiene students received awards from the ADHA Foundation this year!

●      Kylie Burk from Oregon Tech was selected to receive a 2026 ADHA Foundation Hu-Friedy/Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarship.

●      Chelsie Evernham from Rogue Community College was selected to receive a 2026 ADHA Foundation Travel Grant.

You can support these scholarship and grant programs by joining the ADHA Foundation Legacy League. The Legacy League is the ADHA Foundation’s monthly recurring donor program for supporters who want to make a lasting impact. With a minimum gift of $20 per month ($240 per year) members receive exclusive perks while helping sustain scholarships, research and community projects throughout the year.

Please join the following ODHA members who belong to the ADHA Foundation Legacy League:

●      Lori Killen Aus

●      Lisa Rowley

●      Laura Vanderwerf

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.adha.org/foundation/donate-now.

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Upcoming Events

Walk for Awareness. Walk for Patients. Walk for a Cause Bigger Than Ourselves.

As dental hygienists, we are often on the front lines of prevention. We educate patients, identify changes in oral health, and help detect concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed. Oral cancer screenings are an important part of what we do—and every early detection has the potential to change a life.

This September, we encourage ODHA members, students, families, and dental teams across Oregon to lace up their walking shoes and join the Oregon Oral Cancer Foundation Walk/Run in Corvallis.

This event supports oral cancer research, public education, and patient support services while bringing together individuals who understand the importance of awareness and early detection. As professionals dedicated to improving oral and overall health, this is an opportunity to take our commitment beyond the operatory and into the community.

Whether you participate as an individual, gather your dental team, create an office fundraising effort, or help spread the word, your involvement makes a difference.

Event Details:

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Registration: 8:30 a.m. | Walk Begins: 9:30 a.m.

Willamette Park 1350 SE Goodnight Ave, Corvallis, OR

Registration is $35 for pre-registered walkers ($40 after September 1). Oral cancer survivors participate free of charge. Children ages 5 and under are free, and children ages 6–10 are $15.

Let's show the strength of Oregon's dental hygiene community and help give oral cancer a voice. We hope to see ODHA members represented at this important event.

For more information or to register, visit, https://ocf.donordrive.com/oregon. To download a flyer, click here.