The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has published a white paper examining the potential role of professional self-regulation in dental hygiene and its implications for public protection and access to oral healthcare. Titled “Dental Hygiene Self-Regulation: How Self-Regulation Strengthens Public Protection and Expands Access to Care”, the paper outlines the current regulatory landscape in the US and presents arguments in favour of self-governance for the profession.
According to the ADHA, only two US states — California and Washington — currently operate under a model of dental hygiene self-regulation. In the remaining states, dental hygienists are regulated by state dental boards, which are typically dominated by dentist members. The association suggests that this structure may influence decisions affecting the scope and delivery of dental hygiene services.
ADHA representatives state that dental hygiene meets established criteria for a recognised healthcare profession, including specialised education, an established body of knowledge and a professional code of ethics. The paper positions self-regulation as a potential mechanism to align regulatory decision-making more closely with public health objectives.
The document concludes by encouraging dental hygienists to engage with the topic of self-regulation, participate in professional and policy discussions, and collaborate with stakeholders to explore regulatory approaches that support patient access and public interest.
