The American Dental Hygienists Association has expressed its opposition to a Nevada bill that establishes alternative pathways for hygiene licensure, according to a May 22 news release from the organization.
Here are three things to know:
- Nevada Senate Bill 495, specifically sections 77-79, which would create new pathways to dental hygiene licensure without proper educational foundations.
- Under the bill, individuals can obtain a dental hygiene license without graduating from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and instead complete a board-approved training course under dental supervision, aligned with American Dental Association guidance.
- ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz wrote a letter to the organization’s members and the healthcare community, expressing concern that the bill would lead to lower dental hygiene standards and worsen patient care.
