In an effort to address the severe oral health disparities plaguing millions across the United States, the ADHA adopted three key resolutions at its 81st Annual Session that set the stage for creating an advanced dental hygiene practitioner, which will impact the oral health of the public. Already a major topic among those in dentistry, the draft curriculum establishes key points on the level of care this new professional will provide to the public and the respective education required, including:
• Master's degree credential with no duplication of entry-level coursework for the RDH credential
• Responsibilities including, but not limited to, advanced preventive therapies, diagnosis, treatment such as restorative procedures, and appropriate referrals.
The advanced dental hygiene practitioner (ADHP) curriculum has moved into the second phase of development. Based on feedback from members and the ADHP advisory committee, a revised draft curriculum has been developed that includes a vision statement, background information, domains, and competencies. The task force will devote considerable time to reviewing and evaluating the feedback related to the curriculum and preparing the next version. Members are encouraged to provide feedback.
In preparation for the 83rd ADHA Annual Session, June 21-28, 2006, in Orlando, Fla., the ADHA is providing individuals with an opportunity to review the draft curriculum prior to the meeting in an effort to facilitate on-site discussion. We are interested in receiving feedback on the DRAFT ADHP curriculum from the oral health community. During the Annual Session, the draft curriculum will be presented during two forums: Educator's Forum, Wednesday, June 21, 4:00 to 6:00; and the Association Activities Forum, Friday, June 23, 10:00 to 12:30.
Simply review or download the Draft ADHP curriculum and provide your comments on the feedback form. You may type your comments directly into the electronic document and select the "save as" button to save it to your computer and return to ADHA via electronic mail. Alternatively, you may fax or mail the completed form to ADHA. Please return the completed feedback form by Aug. 1, 2006 to:
Colleen Schmidt, RDH, MS, Director of Education
[email protected] or by fax at (312) 467-1806
Or mail to:
ADHA
Colleen Schmidt, RDH, MS, Director of Education
444 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400
Chicago, IL 60611
Source: ADHA Web site; accessed June 26, 2006
