ADA responds to ADHA's dental workforce objection

The ADA has issued a statement addressing the American Dental Hygienists' Association's (ADHA) objection to new resolutions, including one that would permit students and foreign-trained dentists to practice dental hygiene in the U.S. without a state exam.

The ADA recently passed resolutions 401, 413, and 514B, which would remove faculty-to-student ratios in dental hygiene programs. The ADHA opposes these resolutions, citing concerns about potential threats to educational standards, patient safety, and professional integrity.

"To be clear: the ADA would not support, or encourage states to support and adopt, any legislation that compromises patient safety or undermines professional standards," according to the ADA's letter dated November 14 to the ADHA and shared with DrBicuspid.

The new resolutions aim to fill staffing gaps with qualified professionals without compromising standards. They include measures to ensure only well-trained individuals practice in roles that match their qualifications, such as requiring internationally trained dentists to pass board exams before practicing as dental hygienists, according to a letter from ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler.

Also, the resolutions aim to ensure that dental students and residents meet licensure requirements before practicing. Additionally, resolution 401H-2024 suggests updating faculty-student ratios to allow for larger class sizes, helping address staffing shortages.

The ADA's goal is to expand access to care while respecting the role of dental hygienists and supporting workforce wellness, according to the letter. The ADA is committed to enhancing workplace culture and reducing strain on dental teams with policies that offer flexibility to states based on their specific workforce needs.

The ADA stated that it valued its collaboration with the ADHA to strengthen the dental profession and improve public health outcomes and hopes to discuss the issues further together, according to the letter.