OCTOBER 2024

HAPPY NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH

A Message From the President

Hello Illinois Hygienists!

It’s Dental Hygiene Month! Without dental hygienists, periodontal disease and halitosis would be rampant, toothless grins would be the norm, and there would be limited brushing and flossing! Thank goodness for our profession! Do not ever forget that we are an integral part of the dental team, whether you are in an office that you are appreciated in or not.

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

IDHA's 2024 Annual Session & General Assembly

The Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association's Annual Session & General Assembly is our state conference, planned by dental hygienists, with the specific needs of dental hygienists as our top priority.

Join Matt Crespin, Crystal Spring, Marti Santizo and Jan Starr for up to 8 hours of CEUs. Engage in valuable networking opportunities, explore a range of exhibitors, and connect with sponsors.

STUDENTS ARE WELCOME!

Learn More & Register Today

Understanding Employee Rights in the Dental Office Setting

Are you concerned or confused by the legal and ethical issues surrounding certain workplace practices such as being given a 1099 for a temping job, not getting paid for working interviews, or the lack of lunch breaks? Have you heard about the new mandatory time off law? You are not alone.

Laws can be difficult to understand, and misinformation is plentiful and can lead to workplace stress and burnout. Certain laws such as being classified as an independent contractor vs an employee can have legal implications for the practice.

This course will help you understand the labor laws that impact your workplace and the dental office workplace.

Learn More

*Contributions or gifts to IL Hy-PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

*Contributions to the IL Hy-PAC may be used to support candidates for local or state office. These contributions are voluntary and not required as a condition of membership.

Disclaimer:

This CE does not constitute legal advice.

Please do not ask specific office/boss situational questions.

Questions may be submitted in advance to: caroljahn23@comcast.net

We Are Coming to a Crossroads as an Association

We need your help!

Trustees for components across the state are necessary to be able to create a well represented association.

Please consider contributing in some way. Become an association member. Volunteer. We all work as clinical dental hygienists, or have children, or volunteer for other groups. IDHA would like to use our voices combined strong and united for dental hygiene in Illinois.

Submit Your Nomination Today!

Public Health Dental Hygienist Certification Course

According to a 2022 report from the Illinois Department of Public Health, 8,219 individuals received care from Public Health Dental Hygienists (PHDHs) in our state, covering ages from birth to 65. Efforts to enhance oral health benefits for adults have been recognized across the nation, there's never been a better time to get involved. Have you signed up for the upcoming PHDH certification course? The opportunities for practicing dental hygiene under the PHDH model are expanding, now including long-term care facilities and prisons.

We are making significant progress in improving access to dental care, one community at a time!

The next PHDH Certification Class is scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024. In October, start getting your CEs to qualify (and they will count for the NEW licensure period!)

If you are interested in getting your PHDH certification, visit IDHA.net/PHDH

Eligibility Form

PHDH Information

IDPH Town Hall Meetings

IDPH is having Town Hall Meetings throughout the state. Please consider attending one of their meetings to voice oral health concerns for Illinois residents.

Stay connected!