The U.S. dental sector is currently grappling with a significant workforce shortage that has raised concerns among professionals in the field. (iStock)
U.S. dental hygienists are taking to social media platforms to express their discontent after the American Dental Association (ADA) recently passed resolutions that permit unlicensed individuals to perform essential dental hygiene services.
In a recent assembly, the ADA voted to approve Resolutions 401, 413, and 514B, a decision that will eliminate faculty-to-student ratios within dental hygiene education programs and enable dental students, as well as dentists trained overseas, to provide dental hygiene services in the United States without the necessity of passing a state licensing examination.
“Having worked diligently to overcome numerous challenges, including profound hearing loss, I find it disheartening to witness the latest ADA proposal allowing foreign-trained dentists to perform dental hygiene services without the requisite license,” lamented a hygienist known as That Deaf RDH, who commands a follower base of 1,411 on Instagram.
Another user chimed in, stating, “Feeling this,” and added, “We work tirelessly to secure our licenses, yet how can a Registered Dental Hygienist practice without the same state-level authorization that is required for us?”
From Here.
In another discussion, a user named tooth_fairynyc provided feedback on a video that presented proposed solutions for the dental sector’s current challenges, asserting:
“We should establish more dental hygiene schools. We should lower tuition costs and consider increasing the acceptance rate for applicants, even for those with a C grade, to ensure we can train a larger number of dental hygienists.”
“Having international dentists performing hygiene services on patients in the U.S. is unnecessary. Instead, we could have these practitioners work in offices that offer lower insurance reimbursements to balance out with dentists who expect higher pay when they join in-network.”
From Here.
‘Resolutions threaten professional integrity’
In a strongly worded open letter released on Nov. 5, Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, the President of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), expressed her firm opposition to the ADA’s resolutions.
“The proposed measures outlined in these resolutions threaten professional integrity and patient outcomes, fundamentally undermining the dental hygiene profession,” stated Haley-Hitz with conviction.
“ADHA firmly believes that we should focus our efforts not on diminishing professional standards but rather on enhancing workplace culture, enriching professional development opportunities, and offering competitive benefits for all dental professionals.”
According to data from the ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI), the dental sector is grappling with a workforce shortage, facing a concerning 10% reduction in practice capacity due to declining enrollment in dental assisting and hygiene programs, a trend that has only worsened in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What impact do you think the workforce shortages in dental hygiene have on patient care and staff well-being?
**Interview with Dental Hygienist and Social Media Advocate, “That Deaf RDH”**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in the U.S. dental sector. Can you tell us about your experience with the workforce shortages you’ve been witnessing in the field?
**That Deaf RDH**: Thank you for having me. The workforce shortage is very real and concerning. Many dental practices are struggling to fill positions, leading to burnout among existing staff. As a dental hygienist, I see firsthand how this shortage impacts patient care and the overall well-being of the professionals in our field.
**Editor**: Recently, the American Dental Association (ADA) passed resolutions that allow unlicensed individuals to provide dental hygiene services. What’s your reaction to this decision?
**That Deaf RDH**: I find it deeply disheartening. After years of hard work, education, and overcoming personal challenges, such as my hearing loss, it’s upsetting to see a path for unlicensed individuals to enter the field without the rigorous training and licensing we go through. It undermines the professional integrity of dental hygiene.
**Editor**: Many in the community have expressed their concern on social media. How important do you think that platform is for addressing these issues within the dental field?
**That Deaf RDH**: Social media is incredibly important for advocacy. It creates a space for dental hygienists to voice their concerns and unite in our struggles. We can share our stories, experiences, and even strategies on how to navigate these changes. It also helps raise awareness among the public about the value of licensed professionals.
**Editor**: You mentioned in your posts the need for systemic changes. What do you think could be done to improve the current situation in dental hygiene education and practice?
**That Deaf RDH**: We need to prioritize the establishment of more dental hygiene schools to accommodate the growing interest in our field. Lowering tuition costs would make education more accessible, and we should reconsider acceptance rates to bring in more new talent. Ensuring that all practitioners are adequately trained and licensed is paramount for patient safety.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights. What message would you like to convey to other dental hygienists who might be feeling frustrated by the recent changes?
**That Deaf RDH**: I want them to know they are not alone. It’s vital that we continue voicing our concerns and advocating for our profession. Together, we can push for reforms that uphold the standards of dental hygiene practice and ensure that our patients receive the best care possible.
**Editor**: Thank you for your time and for sharing your perspectives on these important issues.
