Dental hygienists (DHs) play an important role in providing preventive oral health services. Recent changes in scope of practice, care delivery models, and technology have created new opportunities for DHs while also highlighting persistent barriers to workforce utilization and access to care, particularly in underserved communities. This article examines how national dental hygiene leaders perceive…
State-based dental hygiene scope of practice (DH SOP) laws, regulations, and policies define the services that dental hygienists are authorized to perform and the supervision requirements under which they may provide those services. Variation in these laws across states can impact access to oral health care and contribute to workforce shortages in states with more…
Health Resources and Services Administration-supported health centers (HRSA-HCs) are a critical resource for individuals who may otherwise lack access to care, however there is difficulty recruiting oral health providers, which highlights the importance of retaining current staff. Addressing drivers of well-being outcomes, including job satisfaction, burnout, engagement, and intention to stay, may inform efforts to…
This webinar shares findings from the 2024 New York State Oral Health Needs Assessment, highlighting communities with the greatest oral health needs and barriers to care. The webinar explores how these findings can help guide policies and workforce strategies to improve access to oral health services, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations. Presented by the…
Both low birth weight and preterm birth pose serious health risks for infants, including being born with or developing a severe disability, having oral health problems, and experiencing infant mortality. Although the global prevalence of low birth weight declined from 2000 through 2020, prevalence in the United States and Canada increased during the same period….
A scoping review was conducted to assess the evidence base for dental therapy in the United States and identify gaps in knowledge regarding its implementation, safety, quality, economic impact, and contribution to access to care. In this webinar, Beth Mertz, leader of the review team, presents key findings from the research. Co-sponsored by Schuyler Center…
The dental safety net is a crucial component of the oral health care delivery system providing needed care for vulnerable populations. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are an important part of the dental safety net and serve underserved communities, delivering care to all patients, regardless of income or insurance status. Staffing levels, types of services…
In the United States, use of oral health care services during pregnancy remains low, with fewer than 40% of pregnant women seeking preventive oral health care. Low use of oral health care services is concerning, as a lack of regular preventive oral health care and delayed treatment increase the risk of developing dental disease and…
The dental workforce in the US is facing a significant reduction in the number of dental hygienists and dental assistants. This decline, marked by a 10% decrease in practice capacity in 2022, is impacting the efficiency and quality of dental care services while presenting serious challenges to job satisfaction and the overall well-being of the…
Our most recent oral health webinar discussed the state-to-state variability in dental hygiene (DH) scope of practice (SOP) and the impacts of DH SOP on access to care. This webinar explores best practices for community-based DH services in Oregon and Minnesota—both states that support a broad SOP for hygienists.
