Advocacy Updates
The North Carolina Dental Hygienists' Association (NCDHA) is aware that many dental hygienists across the state received a survey yesterday asking them to vote "yes or no" to a rule change regarding continuing education (CE) requirements for North Carolina hygienists. In April, NCDHA sent a letter (see below) to the NC State Board of Dental Examiners, asking them to consider the possibility of revising the current continuing education requirements and our willingness to work together to support any initiatives aimed at enhancing professional development. We would like to emphasize that NCDHA was unaware of the board’s decision to conduct this survey. It is important to note that there is a lengthy, formal process that occurs regarding any potential rule change. While we support the increase in CE hours for many reasons, we wanted to broaden the topics that would be acceptable for credit while aligning us with other licensed dental professionals in NC and other states, given that CE requirements have traditionally been restricted to courses that are primarily clinical in nature. Traditionally, discussions with the board have preceded open forum discussions with all hygienists, as to not spend time or energy discussing or promoting a change that is simply not an option. Please know that the intent of this letter was to advance and protect NC hygienists, and as an association we do not have any intent to press forward with a rule change until the verbiage and requirements are satisfactory. NCDHA’s mission remains “strengthening the dental hygiene profession through education, advocacy and public service that is inclusive of all communities” and we look forward to future collaboration with the NC State Board of Dental Examiners.
Hello friends and colleagues!
It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as the 2024-2025 President of the North Carolina Dental Hygienists’ Association! I am eager to work alongside the dedicated members of NCDHA’s Executive Committee to fulfill the mission of NCDHA, “strengthening the dental hygiene profession through education, advocacy and public service that is inclusive of all communities”.
Our profession is ever-evolving and as dental hygienists, our strength lies in our ability to work together as a unified front. We all bring unique skills and perspectives that enrich our profession and enhance the care we provide to members of our communities. We are also in a position to collaborate with other oral health stakeholders to help preserve, protect and advance our profession in North
Carolina. I am committed to fostering an environment of collaboration, where everyone’s voice is heard while helping to uplift our entire community. Let’s come together as a unified front to advance our profession in North Carolina.
As dental hygienists, we have a unique opportunity to empower one another. What is empowerment? Empowerment is the process of becoming stronger and more confident in anything we do. This is the heart of NCDHA’s mission! Through ongoing education, mentorship, and advocacy, we can create an environment where every dental hygienist feels valued and capable of making a difference. Together, we can champion the importance of our profession and advocate for the recognition we deserve.
Throughout this next year, let us embrace the spirit of unity. By standing together, we can tackle the challenges our profession faces and seize the opportunities ahead. Our collective voice is powerful! Let’s use it to inspire change and promote the critical role of dental hygiene in health care. Thank you for your dedication and passion. Together, we can achieve greatness!
Brigette Easter, RDH, BSDH, CDHC
NCDHA President, 2024-2025
Empowering Smiles
NCDHA's Vision for Oral Health Equity in North Carolina
NCDHA's Multi-Faceted Advocacy in North Carolina
NCDHA's Multi-Faceted Advocacy in North Carolina
Current Legislative Actions & Recent Rule Changes
This Section Is Focused On Keeping You Up To Date On Recent Changes In The Dental Hygiene Practice Act Which Directly Affects You.
SB382- Proposed Rule Changes
Stay informed about pending changes to mental evaluation requirements in North Carolina's legislative session. NCDHA has sought clarity from the NC Dental Board of Examiners on how these adjustments could impact dental providers across the state. Stay tuned to understand the implications of these potential amendments to current laws.
North Carolina Licensure Information
North Carolina Licensure Information
Explore FAQs on dental hygiene licensure in North Carolina, covering application processes, fees, supervision requirements, continuing education, license renewal, and support services offered by North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals. Stay informed and navigate the licensure process effectively.
Public Health Dental Hygienists
Discover how recent changes approved by North Carolina's dental authorities are reshaping the role of public health dental hygienists, particularly in underserved areas. Learn about new rules effective February 1, 2020, requiring hygienists to undergo Public Health Dental Hygiene training and collaborate with dentists under specific legal agreements.
Together, let's shape a brighter tomorrow. Join NCDHA in advocating for a healthier, more equitable future in oral health care. Your voice matters. Together, we can create meaningful change and make a lasting impact. Take the first step toward advocacy with NCDHA today.