Advanced dental hygiene practitioners frequently asked questions
Advanced dental hygiene practitioner. Nists across the country, recognized the need for ADHA to lead the effort to address the public& 8217;s unmet oral health needs and thereby approved the development of an advanced dental hygiene practitioner. ADHA recognizes that much of the restorative aspect of the ADHP& 8217;s responsibilities will require some widespread changes with regard to scope of practice enhancements. The dental hygiene profession is already on the frontline of defense against disease; however, due to current state practice acts, there are unwarranted barriers imposed that do not allow the public direct access to preventive care and education from dental hygienists. The U.S. is experiencing a crisis shortage of dentists available to treat millions of Americans, including a concentration of un-served populations in both rural and inner city areas who are unable to obtain care because there are not enough dentists practicing in those areas. Government statistics reveal a projected decline in the number of dentists while there is a projected growth in the dental hygiene profession. It is clear that dental hygienists will be able to make a huge impact through the expanded role of the ADHP. While the ADHP could be applicable in any setting, the ADHP is expected to work in hospitals, nursing homes, public health or wherever there is a need for this position. The concept of an ADHP, pioneered by ADHA, is not the first of its kind in the health care industry. Precedent has been set in the nursing profession with positions that include: certified nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialis
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The advanced dental hygiene practitioner
S not replace the traditional registered dental hygienist position, but rather is an opportunity for advancement in the dental hygiene field. This position is modeled after the nurse practitioner and extends beyond the entry-level education requirements for the dental hygienist. Including basic restorative care in the dimensions of practice will affect current laws, but will not require all dental hygienists to practice as an advanced dental hygienist. Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner Curriculum The ADHA developed a comprehensive curriculum focused on the systemic well-being of the patient. This master's degree program builds upon the knowledge and skills attained at the baccalaureate level. The fundamental principle is to provide training that equips the student with instruments to diagnose correlations between oral and physical health conditions at the onset. The advanced dental hygiene practitioner will make the necessary referrals for treatment, whether it is to see a dentist or other healthcare provider. The curriculum fosters independent thinking, preparing the student for clinical, evidenced-based decision making. Upon completion the program, the advanced dental hygiene practitioner will exhibit analytical skills, broad-based perspectives, and enhanced abilities to integrate theory, research and practice. The educational framework is based on five themes: (a) Provision of Primary Oral Healthcare; (b) Healthcare Policy and Advocacy; (c) Management of Oral Care Delivery; (d) Translational Research; and, (e) Professionalism. The curriculum provides course guidelines
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