Explain the advanced practice that is already occurring in other states and how does it differs from the ADHP?
Our nation’s more progressive states, such as Minnesota and Washington, which have already expanded the role of dental hygienists, have recognized that the traditional oral health delivery system does not work for many segments of our population. In a certain number of states, dental hygienists can already do some restorative procedures. But at this time the ability of dental hygienists to actually remove decayed tooth structure and prepare the tooth for a temporary or permanent restoration has yet to be enacted in any state. The ADHP takes this next step. As many of our citizens, the working poor, their children and the elderly, have untreated dental decay and do not have access to proper oral health care, ADHA feels strongly that the ADHP can make a huge impact in un-served communities by providing much needed preventive services and home care education, as well as some restorative services that are currently not available. For more information on the current scope of dental hygiene
