Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well.

We recognize the recent concerns raised regarding the resolutions passed by the American Dental Association (ADA), as highlighted by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), our esteemed national organization. These developments hold significant implications for our profession and the patients we serve if enacted into law.

In her follow-up communication, ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz shared vital recommendations for dental hygienists nationwide. As we navigate these challenges together, I encourage you to consider the following actions:

1. Join or Renew Your Membership with ADHA
If you are not currently an ADHA member, now is the time to join or renew. Membership amplifies our collective voice, enabling us to advocate more effectively for our profession and the oral health of our communities.

2. Hold Meaningful and Respectful Conversations with your Employer
Initiate a conversation with your employer to share your concerns regarding the resolutions. Discuss the potential impact on your practice and patients and explore proactive steps to address these issues together.

3. Seek Additional Information
If you require further details or guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to ADHA. They are an invaluable resource in understanding and navigating the complexities of these developments.

As dental hygienists, our shared commitment to patient care and professional integrity remains steadfast. Let us use this opportunity to unite, advocate, and strengthen the future of dental hygiene.

Thank you for your dedication to our profession and for taking these important steps forward.

Sincerely,
Tomika Johnson-Flowers, MPH, BSDH, PHDH
President, Illinois Dental Hygienists’ Association 2024-2025

There was some great conversation regarding preventive care in Illinois. Your patients are so lucky to have you taking care of them! Here is the legislative information regarding how a bill becomes a law. We are currently working on the recording and plan on downloading it shortly.

Please watch for the registration information for our next event on October 9, 2024 presented by ILHy-PAC and the Illinois Department of Labor. 

Join The Illinois Department of Public Health for Oral Health Regional Meetings to Inform Development of Illinois' 2026-2030 State Oral Health Plan.

REGISTER FOR A MEETING NEAR YOU

Applications are Due Sunday, September 15 by Midnight

What is the Scholar Society/The Mary Denowh Scholarship?

The Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association Scholar Society helps ensure scholarship funding for dental hygiene students in Illinois.  ** The Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association Scholar Society name was changed by Board of Trustees vote at the 2020 General Assembly in memoriam of IDHA Past President Mary Denowh.

Dental Hygiene Students can apply for the Mary Denowh Scholarship using the application below:

On Friday, May 3rd, 2024 Parkland College and the Dental Hygiene Clinic celebrated 50 years of excellence in training today’s dental caregivers! Festivities included honoring past accomplishments, graduate successes, and service to our district communities. 

Congratulations!

License Renewal for Illinois Dental Hygienists is scheduled for September 30, 2024.  Make sure that you are getting your 36 hours of Continuing Education completed before the end of September.  Mandatory CEs include:

• Mandated Reporter (every 3 years) 
  
• Implicit Bias
  
• CPR
  
• Sexual Harassment 
  

 Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM, there will be an information session regarding the Licensure Compact for dentists and dental hygienists. Legislators are also invited to attend this informative session led by Matt Shafer from the Council of State Governments. He will be reviewing the Compact, giving updates, and answering questions.  Seven states needed to make the compact a reality. Passed in Washington State, Iowa, and Tennessee.

Update on the Licensure Compact January 16, 2024!

Both the Assembly and Senate passed the DDH Compact legislation in Wisconsin today. This legislation now goes to the Governor for his signature.

A hearing was held in Indiana regarding their DDH Compact legislation, and the bill was immediately passed out of committee. No opposition was recorded.

Both Nebraska and Kansas will have hearings on their DDH Compact legislation next week.

Are you unsure about if dental hygienists in IL are allowed by law to see a new patient prior to the dentist exam, and what type of exam is considered the exam? Please read this guidance provided by the IDHA that helps to elaborate this.

On January 29, 2021, The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation invoked their emergency powers to modify the professional license and certification statutes, along with regulations for Illinois licensed dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Unfortunately, this PROCLAMATION did not include dental hygienists. 

In response, IDHA sent out a PRESS RELEASE to share our disappointment that dental hygienists were not included in this proclamation.  It was sent to various news outlets in Illinois.

IDHA sends second letter to Governor Pritzker requesting Executive Order for expanded functions to administer vaccinations during the mass vaccination effort. See letter here.