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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. 

October 29, 2025 

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

Driving Change for Oral Health in North Carolina

At the North Carolina Dental Hygienists Association (NCDHA), we are passionate advocates for advancing oral health initiatives across our state. Our advocacy efforts are driven by a commitment to ensuring access to quality dental care for all North Carolinians and promoting the vital role of dental hygienists in improving oral health outcomes.


As members of NCDHA, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through legislative advocacy, community outreach, and collaborative partnerships. By raising awareness of oral health issues, advocating for policies that support preventive care and access to dental services, and engaging with key stakeholders, we can drive positive change and improve oral health outcomes for individuals and communities throughout North Carolina.


Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to advocacy efforts, NCDHA provides the support, resources, and opportunities to get involved and make a difference. Together, we can amplify our voices, champion oral health initiatives, and empower dental hygienists to be effective advocates for change.

Join us in our advocacy efforts and help shape the future of oral health in North Carolina. Together, we can create a healthier, happier future for all.

NCDHA's Multi-Faceted Advocacy in North Carolina

Access to Care

NCDHA is dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that ensure all North Carolinians have access to affordable and quality dental care. This includes advocating for the expansion of dental services in underserved areas, increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services, and supporting initiatives that improve access to care for vulnerable populations, such as children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Scope of Practice

NCDHA is committed to advocating for the full utilization of dental hygienists' skills and expertise to improve access to preventive dental care. This includes advocating for the expansion of dental hygienists' scope of practice to allow for direct access to care, the ability to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide, and the authority to provide certain restorative procedures under the supervision of a dentist.

Oral Health Equity

NCDHA is actively working to address oral health disparities and promote oral health equity across North Carolina. This includes advocating for policies and programs that address social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to healthy food and clean water, which can have a significant impact on oral health outcomes. NCDHA also advocates for culturally competent care and initiatives that address the unique oral health needs of diverse communities.

Professional Recognition & Advancement

NCDHA is dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that recognize the valuable contributions of dental hygienists to the oral health care team and support their professional advancement. This includes advocating for licensure portability, increased opportunities for continuing education and professional development, and recognition of dental hygienists as primary oral health care providers. NCDHA also advocates for policies that promote a collaborative practice environment where dental hygienists can work to their full potential alongside other members of the oral health care team.

Transformative Influence

Be the voice of change. Join us in advocating for a healthier future for all. Your efforts matter, and together, we can make a real difference in improving oral health access, advancing professional growth, fostering community engagement, and finding personal fulfillment. Take action with NCDHA today.

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Impactful Change

By participating in advocacy efforts with NCDHA, you can directly influence policies and initiatives that shape the landscape of oral health care in North Carolina. Your voice matters, and through collective action, we can drive meaningful change that benefits both patients and dental hygienists statewide.

Community Engagement

Advocacy with NCDHA provides opportunities to connect with fellow dental hygienists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders who share a common goal of improving oral health outcomes. Building relationships and networking through advocacy activities can enrich your professional network and foster a sense of belonging within the dental community.

Professional Growth

Engaging in advocacy allows you to develop valuable leadership, communication, and negotiation skills that are essential for advancing your career in dental hygiene. Whether it's speaking up for important issues or collaborating with stakeholders, advocacy experiences can enhance your professional skill set and open doors to new opportunities.

Personal Fullfillment

Contributing to advocacy efforts can be deeply rewarding on a personal level, as you play a part in making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities in need. Knowing that your advocacy efforts have helped increase access to dental care, promote oral health education, or address oral health disparities can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your work as a dental hygienist.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.