Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association

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READ ABOUT MDHA's Dental Hygiene Day at the State House
Tuesday, May 27, 2008

MDHA held its Second Annual Dental Hygiene Day at the State House on Tuesday, May 27, 2008. The event was attended by over fifty dental hygienists and students, as well as over seventy legislators and/or their staff members. The theme that resonated throughout the day was ACCESS TO CARE and the role that public health practice hygienists will play when S2567 becomes law.

The attendees were treated to an inspirational speaking program that included remarks from the bill’s lead sponsors, Senator Dianne Wilkerson and Representative Smitty Pignatelli. While these two legislators are from opposite ends of the Commonwealth, they are acutely aware of the ACCESS TO CARE issue that many of their constituents encounter on a daily basis. Lynn Bethel, Director, MA Department of Public Health Office of Oral Health discussed the findings from the2007 Statewide Survey of the Commonwealth’s Dental Hygiene Workforce. Antonia Blinn, Program Director, MA Coalition of School-Based Health Centers discussed “Access to Preventive Dental Care in School-Based Settings.” The program concluded with a rousing Keynote Address, delivered by Harold Cox, President of the Massachusetts Public Health Association titled, “The Need for Increased Access in Public Health Settings.”

The event concluded with approximately forty individual legislative visits, oral cancer and health screenings, and information sharing about MDHA’s legislative initiatives.

"Filling a gap in Bay State dental care", and Op-Ed was featured in the Monday, April 21st edition of the Boston Globe, (page A-12).

The Op-Ed focuses on the oral health care crisis many residents, especially children, the low income, and the elderly, are facing when they try to access dental care and the challenges from organized dentistry, that licensed dental hygienists in the state are facing trying to fill the gap with direct access to preventive services.

"It is one thing for dentists to refuse to see poor kids and seniors, but it is quite another for them to stand in the way of other perfectly qualified health professionals who are trying to help."Click hereto read the published Op-Ed.

LEGISLATION TO GET JUNK FOOD AND SUGARY DRINKS OUT OF SCHOOLS IS IN THE HOUSE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE
According to the Mass. Public Health Association (MPHA), our state is suffering from an epidemic of childhood obesity, linked to skyrocketing rates of diabetes, asthma, and other health problems. One solution is encouraging healthy eating habits in school. And as dental hygienists, you know the benefit this will have on oral health, as well. Legislation to get junk food and sugary drinks out of schools is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee.

To learn more about this bill, visit the MPHA web site,www.mphaweb.org. The home page currently features the School Nutrition Bill, including a link to their "email your legislator system," which will allow you to contact your legislator about this issue. As MDHA's own legislative agenda progresses, let's keep in mind other ways we can remain politically active, by supporting other worthy pieces of legislation. Take the time to learn more about this bill and urge your representatives for their active support.

You are invited to an Unforgettable Evening with Dr. Esther Wilkins and A Stylin’ in Scrubs Fashion Show by Clicking here for more information

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Releases
Dental Hygiene Workforce Report
In early January, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) released a report titled, "A Report on the Commonwealth's Dental Hygiene Workforce…Results and Recommendations from a 2007 Statewide Survey". As part of the 2007 license renewal process, Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association collaborated with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on a 29-item survey whose purpose was to determine the status, practices and potential utilization of the dental hygiene workforce. More than 70% of licensed dental hygienists responded to the survey. The Report provides recommendations regarding utilization of the dental hygiene workforce to increase access to oral health services for the most vulnerable residents, such as children, the elderly, the developmentally disabled and those on MassHealth.

Printed copies ofA Report on the Commonwealth’s Dental Hygiene Workforce...ResultsandRecommendations from a 2007 Statewide Surveyare available from MDHA or you can download a copy of the Reporthere.

Dental Hygiene Month Event -MDHA Spirit of Boston Cruise 2008 This year’s cruise will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2008. We are planning a 3-hour cruise around Boston Harbor which will include a brunch buffet. Contact your Component Trustee orPeter Gangifor more information and to reserve your ticket.

2007 Graduates -may become Active members by logging in to their student membership record atwww.adha.org, click on the "Convert Now" link and complete the required information - which includes their new dental hygiene license number. Students may also convert by calling ADHA directly at
(800) 243-2342, press 1 or by emailing their name, ADHA ID, license number and state of licensure tomember.services@adha.net.

Walk the Rock... Success in Plymouth to support oral cancer research

Death of Boy Emphasizes Necessity of Preventive Oral Health Care in Massachusetts…(click herefor MDHA Press Release)