President’s Message

Leading Through Change: Focusing on What Matters Most

As we move further into the year, I want to speak directly and transparently with our members about where we are and where we’re headed. Like many professional associations across the country, ODHA is in a period of transformation. Engagement is shifting. Expectations are evolving. And the way professionals connect, learn, and grow is changing rapidly. Standing still is not an option and we won’t.

As your ODHA President, I am committed to building the kind of organization our members are asking for: one that is responsive, relevant, and forward-thinking. At the same time, every step we take must protect the long-term strength of ODHA through active membership involvement and financial sustainability. We will continue to pursue what matters most to you and we will do so in a way that ensures this organization not only endures but thrives well into the future.

A recent example is our New Professionals Symposium. While we were excited to host this event in person, registration did not meet expectations. Rather than stepping back, we are choosing to move forward differently reimagining this program as a virtual symposium this fall to better meet you where you are. This adaptability will define us moving forward.

You will see changes this year. Some of our traditional programs may look different and that is intentional. We are making strategic decisions that align with both member needs and responsible financial stewardship.

What will not change is our focus:

• Supporting your professional growth 

• Advocating for the dental hygiene profession 

• Delivering meaningful, accessible continuing education 

ODHA exists because of you—and its future will be shaped by how we respond to this moment. This is an opportunity to think bigger and reimagine how we connect, how we learn, and how we show up for one another as professionals. Whether you are early in your career or bring decades of experience, your engagement, voice, ideas, and participation matter now more than ever.

I encourage you to stay connected, attend upcoming continuing education opportunities, and share your feedback with us. Together, we can ensure that ODHA remains a strong voice and valuable resource for dental hygienists across Oregon.

I invite you to join us for the upcoming ODHA Board Meeting to be held via Zoom on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 PM. For more information click on ODHA Board Meeting. 

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the profession.

With appreciation, 

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

Celebrating Lori Killen Aus on her 70th Birthday

A group of close friends recently gathered to celebrate the 70th birthday of Lori Killen Aus, a living legend in the dental hygiene profession. For those who don't already know, Lori is Oregon's Iconic Dental Hygienist. A stellar career is not simply made by the passage of time and years of staying in the industry, it is the substance and depth of those years. 

Lori is a very modest and humble servant-leader at heart, and one who leads by example. She has an enduring passion for elevating our profession, and also for patient advocacy and access to care. She's taken part in countless volunteer outreach events both at home and abroad. Her mobile dental hygiene business has touched myriad lives in our state, and she continues to do the work that she loves. Lori is an inspirational humanitarian, and her tenacity for doing good in our world is unparalleled. It's been a privilege seeing how Lori does life and every year of her is a classic! 

This celebration in included Lori's daughter Laine Aus Neal; Lori's husband Wayne; Jennifer Aubry, MHCC Program Director; Tracy Brunkhorst and husband Jim; Ilya Babiy and wife Lyuda along with Ilya's three children who put on a mini piano recital to honor Lori. Good friend Karen Hartley was unable to attend due to a family emergency. A great time was had by all sharing memories, reminiscing and talking dental hygiene.

 Left photo pictured left to right are Vickie Woodward, Lori Aus and Lori Underwood.

Center photo pictured left to right are Lori Aus and her husband Wayne Aus.

Right photo pictured left to right are Jennifer Aubry, Tracy Brunkhorst, Lori Aus and Ilya Babiy. 

Light Up Your Clinical Skills: Join ODHA's Live Laser Dentistry CE Webinar This Thursday!

Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Virtual via Zoom | On Demand

Ready to take your clinical expertise to the next level? Don’t miss ODHA’s upcoming live Zoom continuing education webinar this Thursday, May 14, focused on one of the fastest-growing technologies in dental hygiene practice — laser dentistry!

This comprehensive CE course is designed to give dental hygienists an in-depth understanding of laser dentistry, from the science and safety behind laser use to real-world clinical applications in hygiene treatment. Participants will explore diode laser technology and learn how lasers are being used for periodontal therapy, bacterial reduction, and soft tissue procedures in today’s evolving dental practices.

Whether you are brand new to laser dentistry or looking to expand your clinical toolkit, this course will provide practical guidance on safely and effectively incorporating laser technology into everyday patient care — including proper coding and documentation for laser-assisted procedures.

What You’ll Learn

• Explore the history of soft tissue lasers in dentistry and understand how laser light interacts with human tissues
• Understand essential safety protocols and best practices for laser usage
• Differentiate between various dental lasers, wavelengths, and their clinical applications
• Gain practical insights into integrating diode lasers into hygiene workflows
• Learn proper coding considerations for laser-assisted procedures

Meet the Presenter: Emily McCadden, RDH

ODHA is excited to welcome Emily McCadden, Registered Dental Hygienist and full-time Dental Hygiene Instructor at the Oregon Institute of Technology. Emily brings both strong academic expertise and hands-on clinical experience to this engaging presentation.

With five years of clinical dental hygiene experience and extensive use of diode laser technology in practice, Emily currently teaches clinical dental hygiene, restorative dentistry, and introductory laser dentistry. Since joining Oregon Tech as a full-time instructor in January 2025, she has focused on preparing future dental hygienists to confidently integrate emerging technologies into patient care.

Her passion for evidence-based treatment, clinical excellence, and advancing dental hygiene education makes this a webinar you won’t want to miss.

Register Today & Attend Live!

Join colleagues from across Oregon for this timely and practical CE opportunity. Attending the live Zoom broadcast gives participants the opportunity to engage with the presenter, ask questions, and gain valuable real-time insights into laser-assisted hygiene care.

Seats are still available — register today and sharpen your skills with one of dentistry’s most exciting emerging technologies!

From Essay to Excellence: Meet Our 2026 Lois Whitford Memorial Scholar, Kaela Tindall

Congratulations to the 2026 recipient of the Lois Whitford Memorial Scholarship: Kaela Tindall! The committee found Lois’ spirit is alive and well in Kaela’s essay. Kaela will be awarded $1,200 to help cover the costs of her board exams.

Kaela will also be our guest of honor at the scholarship fundraiser dinner on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Seats are still available for this popular event! This year’s theme celebrates the flavors of Oregon — featuring renowned chefs, fresh local ingredients, and exceptional Oregon wines. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience and wonderful table conversation while supporting future dental hygiene professionals.

For reservations or additional information, contact Lori Killen Aus at [email protected] 

Honoring Achievement: Announcing the 2026 Dennis Muir Scholarship & Award of Excellence Recipients

The Dennis Muir Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Dennis Muir Scholarship and Awards of Excellence, recognizing outstanding dental hygiene students across Oregon.

Named in honor of Dennis Muir, a longtime Procter & Gamble representative and a dedicated supporter of the dental hygiene profession, the scholarship continues his legacy of encouraging excellence, leadership, and professional growth among the next generation of dental hygienists.

The Dennis Muir Scholarship awards $3,000 to a second-year dental hygiene student to support their educational journey. At the same time, the Awards of Excellence recognize exceptional dental hygiene students from programs throughout the state with $200 awards.

2026 Dennis Muir Scholarship Recipient

• Nastaja Wheeler — Rogue Community College

2026 Awards of Excellence Recipients

• Autumn Westergren — Concorde Career College
• Amanda Smith — Lane Community College
• Dulce Rivera — Oregon Institute of Technology
• Annalise Fagliano — Pacific University
• Joy Shaw — Portland Community College

We congratulate this year’s recipients and extend our best wishes to all applicants as they continue their pursuit of excellence in dental hygiene education and patient care.

Individuals interested in supporting future dental hygiene professionals may contribute to the Dennis Muir Scholarship Fund. 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

Supporters can also contribute by purchasing a commemorative license mat for their dental hygiene license. The mat fits an 8x10 frame and may be purchased by using the Square links below. Flat prices include shipping in a padded envelope and postage. 

Student License Mat - $20.00 

Professional License Mat - $25.00

Dental Hygiene School News

Concorde Career College Pinning Ceremony

A Pinning Ceremony was held for 30 graduating dental hygiene students at Concorde Career College in NE Portland. This is the second cohort to complete this new dental hygiene education program. A third cohort is scheduled to graduate in November 2026.

Mt. Hood Community College Community Outreach 

 Students and faculty from Mount Hood Community College recently provided free dental hygiene care to the community at Clackamas Community College in partnership with Clackamas Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) and Clackamas Community College dental assisting students and faculty.

 To register for the Dental Q&A Panel & Grad Celebration, click here. 

Free Infection Control Resources from the Oregon Health Authority

Oregon Project Firstline is an educational initiative developed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and state health agencies from around the country to provide free, high-quality professional resources for infection control training and education. 

Resources are available on a range of infection control topics and include infographics, interactive guides, factsheets, videos, lesson plans, micro-learns, webinars, posters and social media content. These materials have been developed by health care workers for health care workers. The materials are designed for all types of health care workers and students in medical, dental and long-term care settings. This program is federally funded so all resources are available to you at no charge. To learn more visit www.cdc.gov/ProjectFirstline. 

ODHA Advocacy News

Oregon Board of Dentistry April Meeting

The Oregon Board of Dentistry will meet on Friday, June 12, 2026 at the Board office located at 1500 SW 1^st 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 & click on Meetings. The public packet is usually more than 200 pages in length. We recommend that you review this document online & only print pages if you need them.

If you would like to participate in the Open Sessions of this or any future Board meeting, email ODHA Advocacy Director Lisa J. Rowley at for more information. Oregon Board of Dentistry meetings will be held on the following Fridays in 2026: August 21, December 11.

ODHA Representatives to Standing Committees of Oregon Board of Dentistry

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.

Hawaii

The Hawaii State Legislature is considering SB 2854 that if passed would allow a licensed dental hygienist to place interim therapeutic restorations in public health settings under the general supervision of licensed dentist.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts State Legislature is considering SB 2854 that if passed would establish a framework for dental therapist licensure, education, and practice including requirements for collaborative management agreements with supervising dentists.

Nevada

The Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners has posted five new Bill Draft Requests (BDR) that may affect dental hygiene practice in that state. BDRs are concepts that the Board may be recommending for consideration by the Nevada Legislature.

• BDR Concept A would permit dental assistants to perform supragingival scaling after completing unspecified training and demonstrating competency. This is being framed as a solution to the dental hygienist shortage.

• BDR Concept B would revise anesthesia and sedation permitting by reducing the current three-permit structure to a two-permit structure.

• BDR Concept C would change the biennial license renewal deadline from a universal date (June 30 every other year) to each licensee’s individual birthdate every other year.

• BDR Concept D would rename the Board from the “Board of Dental Examiners of Nevada” to the “Nevada State Board of Dental Medicine” to reflect current functions and remove references to examinations.

• BDR Concept E would remove a statutory requirement that currently makes dental therapist licensure legally impossible, thereby enabling the licensure pathway to function as intended.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island State Legislature is considering HB 7838 that if passed would allow foreign-trained dentists and dental hygienists to to obtain limited licenses if they graduate from reputable dental colleges or universities, work under a supervising dentist and pass a board-approved exam

Virginia 

In spite of strong opposition from the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association, the Virginia State Legislature passed the following bills that are intended to address the dental hygienist shortage.

• Expanded Roles for Dental Assistants – HB 970 & SB 178will allow experienced dental assistants (1,800+ hours) to become certified in supragingival scaling and coronal polishing.

• Foreign-Trained Dentist Pathway – HB 1036 & SB 282will establish a route for internationally educated dentists to become licensed dental hygienists without completing a CODA accredited dental hygiene education program.

First Dental Therapist Licensed in Michigan

Dana Obey is the first dental therapist to be licensed in Michigan. She is currently practicing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDLRA) are working together to increase access to dental care for all Michigan residents by licensing dental therapists. In addition MDHHS is assisting with the development of Michigan’s first dental therapy education program at Ferris State University.

“Strengthening the state’s dental workforce is an important focus for the department,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Licensing Michigan’s first dental therapist is an important step in expanding access to care in underserved areas where there are limited providers.”  

"I am proud to be the first dental therapist in Michigan because I have the opportunity every single day to show others how rewarding this career can be and the powerful impact a dental therapist can have on improving access to oral health care in underserved communities,” said Dana Obey, licensed dental therapist. “I hope my journey inspires others to join this profession. Becoming Michigan’s first dental therapist is more than a career milestone – it’s an opportunity to go above and beyond to provide a safe space where patients feel respected and heard. I’ve seen firsthand how, with the right support, tools and education, lasting lifestyle changes are possible.”  

Michigan established a licensure pathway for dental therapists in 2021. However, as no dental therapy programs are offered in the state, Michigan students have had to pursue their education in other states with the intention of returning to serve in Michigan communities. There are only five dental therapy education programs in the U.S. at this time.

Ferris State University is developing Michigan’s first dental therapy education program. MDHHS is assisting Ferris State with program development through a federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) oral health workforce grant. This includes $85,000 in funding to help the university hire a consultant to assist with curriculum design and accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).  

“The development of a Michigan dental therapy education program is another way our state is working to ensure Michigan families can easily access care as oral health plays a critical role in overall health and well-being,” said Hertel. 

Learn more about dental therapy at MI Dental Access. 

ADHA News

ADHA Updates Workforce Position Statement

The ADHA has issued an updated position statement on the dental hygiene workforce shortage, replacing its December 2024 statement. The update draws on three independent bodies of research, including two produced in direct partnership with ADHA, and concludes that the profession is not facing a shortage of qualified professionals. It is facing a shortage of workplaces worth staying in.

“This profession has done the work,” said ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH. “The research is in and the causes are documented. The next step is clear: implementation at the practice level, where dental hygienists decide whether to stay or go.”

The statement calls for implementation of seven evidence-based priorities: responsive compensation, competitive benefits, positive workplace culture, professional autonomy and full scope of practice utilization, licensure portability through the DDH Compact, targeted pipeline growth through the Hygienist Inspired Chairside Recruitment Program and expanded professional development pathways. 

The updated position statement is available at adha.org/positions.

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ADHA Inaugural Integrated Care Summit

ADHA will host its first Integrated Care Summit: Bridging the Gaps to Whole-Person Care to be held May 15-17, 2026 at the OMNI Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colorado. This two-day event will bring together dental, medical and behavioral health professionals to explore how to provide a more systemic approach to healthcare by coordinating patient care across disciplines. 

Participants will work through interprofessional care mapping exercises, clinical simulation labs and breakout sessions on biomarkers, tele-dentistry, behavioral health integration and health equity. On the exhibit floor, an Activation Station Lounge lets attendees analyze their saliva and receive an Oral Fitness Score in minutes using Dento’s ORALyzer technology, run blood pressure screening simulations with the American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Initiative and practice A1C point-of-care testing at the Henry Schein station. Between sessions, attendees can join morning fitness classes, guided mindfulness and wellness-focused networking breaks, reinforcing the summit’s focus on whole-person health across the full event experience.

The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts Initiative and the Academy of General Dentistry are joining as collaborating organizations, bringing medical and dental leadership to the summit. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and Henry Schein are anchoring the event as platinum sponsors, with additional support from industry and nonprofit partners.

You can register for this conference at adha.org/ICS26.

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ADHA Annual Conference

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.

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 hygiene.

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ADHA Lobby Day on Capitol Hill

ADHA’s Advocacy Advisory Committee & their federal advocacy partners spent the day on April 16th in Washington, D.C. meeting with members of Congress to bring the voice of dental hygienists directly to their elected legislators. The ADHA Advocacy team discussed the importance of community water fluoridation, access to dental care and Medicaid reimbursement reform. Learn more about ADHA’s Advocacy Action Center at https://www.adha.org/advocacy/action-center/. 

 

 

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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, visit www.adha.org/hygienist-hub/. 

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ADHA Hygiene Rising

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

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

Member perks include:

• 50% off Foundation-hosted fundraising events

• Double acknowledgement in the Donor Honor Roll

• Invitation to Foundation Reception at ADHA Annual Conference (for $50+ per month)

• Special invitations to Legacy League meet-ups

• Annual thank you gift on your donation anniversary

• Digital membership certificate, email signature PNG & digital badge

• A chance to be featured in our Foundation Faces social media series

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

Remember to Vote

The 2026 Oregon Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Oregon has the most convenient voting system in the country. Since adopting vote-by-mail, Oregon consistently ranks as a national leader in voter turnout and security.

The Democratic and Republican parties in Oregon will use this Primary Election to determine which of their candidates will go on the ballot for the General Election in November. The winning candidates from each party’s primary will face each other in the General Election in November.

You should receive your official ballot and voters’ pamphlets with information about candidates and ballot measures two to three weeks before Election Day. Because this is a “closed” Primary Election, your ballot will only show Democratic candidates if you are registered as a Democrat or your ballot will only show Republican candidates if you are registered as a Republican.

For this Primary Election all ballots will include Ballot Measure 120 that will allow voters to vote on whether to uphold or repeal the controversial transportation law that was passed in 2025. Your ballot may also include local ballot measures for your county or city.

A "yes" vote on Ballot Measure 120 upholds five sections of House Bill 3991 (HB 3991) related to tax and fee increases, including increases to the state's gas tax from $0.40 to $0.46, payroll tax for transportation from 0.1% to 0.2%, and vehicle registration and title fees, with revenue dedicated to the State Highway Fund for transportation funding.

A "no" vote on Ballot Measure repeals five sections of HB 3991 related to tax and fee increases, including increases to the state's gas tax from $0.40 to $0.46, payroll tax for transportation from 0.1% to 0.2%, and vehicle registration and title fees, with revenue dedicated to the State Highway Fund for transportation funding.

Ballots can be mailed or dropped off at any official drop box across the state. Ballots must be received or mailed with a valid postmark by 8:00 PM on Election Day.

For more information about voting in Oregon, visit oregonvotes.gov.