A Message From the President

Hello Illinois Hygienists!

This September is when all licensed dental professionals are to renew their licenses. Hopefully all RDHs have their 36 Continuing Ed. hours, in addition to CPR, Mandated Reporter, Sexual Harassment, and Implicit Bias. If you are a PHDH, in addition to the above, you must have 12 additional Continuing Ed. hours (4 for each year relating to PHDH topics).

If you are still short, IDHA is hosting a 1.5 Live Webinar on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

We want to hear from YOU! What might you like to see someday in our scope of practice? Join us on 9/11/24 at 7 PM to learn about a couple current trends in dentistry. See the flyer in the newsletter to register or click here.

Next year is an important year for Illinois Dental Hygienists, as it is Sunset. This is where the

Dental Practice Act is reviewed by IDFPR, IDHA, and ISDS. We will be working hard to maintain our scope of practice for all Illinois Hygienists. It is very important for all hygienists to visit their legislators, and support IDHA and yourselves during this Practice Act Sunset.

IDHA Annual Session is scheduled for November 8-9,2024 at College of DuPage, in Glen Ellyn. This event is open to members, non-members and dental hygiene students. We would love to meet you at this informative, educational event!

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

Board Nominations

We are coming to a crossroads as an association. We need participating, interested individuals who would like to work together to improve our profession in Illinois. 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. 

Townhall Meetings

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

ANNUAL SESSION

Wow, time flies! It’s that exciting time of year when we come together in person to explore the latest product innovations, trends in dental hygiene, and reconnect with colleagues. Join us at IDHA's Annual Session on November 8-9 at the beautiful College of DuPage Health Services Center.

Have you heard about Matt Crespin? Our neighbors in Wisconsin have been leading the way in improving access to care, with Governor Tony Evers recently signing a comprehensive healthcare package that includes a $20 million investment in oral health workforce initiatives.

Registration opens soon. Don't miss this opportunity to discover how we can enhance access to dental care in our state and beyond. See you there!

IDHA is now on LinkedIn!

Follow the IDHA on LinkedIn and grow your professional network of other dental hygienists!

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