You Should Be Proud!

Many members of the Sacramento Valley Component are council and committee members:

Carol Lee & Gail Griffin--Informational Technologies
Ellen Standley--Professional Development
Toni Adams-- Journal, Advisory
Deborah Horlack--CAMBRA (Caries Risk Assessment)
Stephanie Mozell--Ways and Means

 

This article appeared in October issue of RDH magazine. A single act of
pigment to pulp finalized a new law that changes the future of dental hygiene in California.

http://www.rdhmag.com/display_article/343506/56/none/none/Feat/With-a-Singl e-Stroke-of-the-Pen:-a-New-Reality-for-Dental-Hygienist

 

 

A Report on the House of Delegates Meeting in Sacramento

FACULTY MEMBERS—it was announced that in the following hygiene programs had, 100% of teaches who were ADHA members: Loma Linda University, Diablo Valley College, Pasadena City College, Sacramento City College, , San Joaquin Valley college, both Visalia and Rancho Cucamonga, Taft College, West LA, University of the Pacific, Western Career college in San Jose.

THE MOST EXITING NEWS—is the formation of a separate bureau for hygienist, it’s before the governor awaiting his signature. This will create autonomy for RDH’s. We are all keeping our fingers crossed hoping the bill will be signed! You will get an email blast when this happens. To read the details of the bill use this link: Click Here

The above change means that COMDA will make decisions about our direction, not CDA. We will move forward with the legislation for ourselves. We hope to forward our issues to the legislators.

While the board is sunsetted, research of fees charged for license renewal is being done. Licensing fees will probably go up. CA has one of the lowest fees for license renewal.

LOGO—CDHA has a new logo. We are lucky enough to have the services of a professional graphic artist donate his time and talents for the new logo. His wife is a RDH….lucky us! I LOVE it, its similar to the Nike swoop, but it goes in the oposite direction.

CORPORATE SPONSORS--Sonicare was one of them, they was generous enough to sponsor our activities. Stats for Sonicare: new elite brush is improved by 80% less vibration & a sanitizer is available.

NEW HYGIENE PROGRAMS—West Coast University in Los Angels will be opening a new dental hygiene program next year. The university is a private institution offering nursing as well. Check out their site: Click Here. Another program slated to open is San Mateo College and another one in So. CA will be starting a program.

In the last 5 years, 7 new programs have opened their doors. All this in spite of an independent study sponsored by UC Berkeley and 2 other institutions, saying there was no shortage of hygienists in the state. This study is at least 6 years old. Again, money talks…..are you wondering what your association does for you? It costs money to commission another independent study.

BOARD RELATED FEES—The legislature increased the fees to the RDH Exam. It costs the state $500 for each person to take the hygiene boards; now those taking the boards will have to pay the full amount.

CE—did you know that CDHA has lots of CE online? great courses at fabulous prices. All licensed professionals can take their course, dentists, assistants, hygienists. Check out their link: Click Here
Support your organization by taking CE thru CDHA….another way your association looks out for you!

Information was presented that research shows us that when we attend CE courses, its best to use round tables rather than classroom style, this allows attendees to connect and communicate with one another. The Sacramento Valley plans to try this at our next day long CE.

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES—Delegates to represent the hygienists at the ADHA meeting in Albuquerque, NM this month, were chosen by asking them to identify 3 things CDHA should do for its membership, everyone laid out their ideas and they included: increasing membership, communicating with members on what the organization is doing, autonomy, strong components, reaching out to other health care providers, i.e. nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians. What a bunch of gifted people were chosen! You CAN be proud of your organization!

PUBLIC REALTIONS—press releases are available through CDHA for local newspapers. They also have “pass along” cards with the pre med guidelines and one with high blood pressure guidelines. They can be distributed to patients, offices and other health professionals. CDHA info is on one side guidelines on the other. Contact CDHA for them, they will gladly send you as many as you want. Another thing your organization does for YOU.

STUDENTS HYGIENISTS—they were exited, eager and wonderful to watch. They voted to increase their member fees, so we could donate more to CAL HYPAC. 22 school were represented, students donated $422.25 to CAL HYPAC. Only $11 from our dues go to help with legislation….the more members we have, the more influence we have with legislators. Yes, money talks.

LOBBYING—Our lobbyists are priceless, they didn’t ask for a raise this year, and we are grateful for that. They have a special place in their hearts for our cause as they have had outstanding personal experience with hygienists. We donate $38,000 for support of legislators, in contrast CDA’s budget is 1.5 million. Money talks, membership is essential to fund our cause.

LICENSE PORTABILITY—WREBS (western Regional Boards) was a hotly debated issue. The vote was so close, all the delegates stood up and were counted, the difference was less than 20 votes. Those in favor of CA accepting the WREBS won. It was felt that license portability was important.

CAMBRA—stands for “caries management by risk assessment”. CAMBRA embraces the medical model of care vs. surgical care. It’s a shift toward prevention and remineralization, away from “drilling and filling”. Risk assessment tools will help the professionals set frequency of recall, need for nutritional counseling and patient education. RDH’s should be involved in contributing to literature, treatment and making recommendations. We are educated to do that. This policy will spread nation wide. We all do this when we see patients, we are trained and educated to identify lesions and abnormalities. It’s a policy ADHA doesn’t have. This is an exiting move in the right direction.

This is the digest of 3 intensive days as a delegate. Consider volunteering to be a delegate, it’s so exciting and rewarding. Volunteer one time and see how your organization works for you, even if you aren’t a member. You reap the benefits.

Should you decide to help the ONLY organization that works for you, use this link to find the form: Click Here

Linda Belaus, CDA, RDH
HOD Delegate
SVDHA President

 

 

Congratulations to the Scholarship Award Recipients

                                    Heather Steich from UOP        Nicole Esposto from SCC      Rachel Cavalli from WCC

One student was selected from each of the area's hygiene schools. A
scholarship of $300 was awarded to each student along with a certificate, goodie basket, and dinner.

Wilma Motley Merit Scholarship Winner

Pictures of Rebecca Wooden (component member) receiving congratulations from Dr. Dorothy Rowe, Program Director and Sue Smith, Western Career College Director, on her receiving the American Dental Hygiene Association Wilma Motley Merit Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded on basis of leadership and grade point average. Rebecca just graduated from Western Career College in August and successfully passed her clinical boards. She is a graduate of Dixon High School and attended Northern Arizona University for three years on a volleyball scholarship majoring in Health Education. She had a 4.0 GPA during her Dental Hygiene education and was the Distinguished Graduate of her class. She is married to Joshua Wooden of Placerville and is pursuing her bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University.

Celebrating Liz Moore

Liz Moore, RDH, MEd receives the 2007 CDHA President's Award from Susan McLearan, RDHAP, MS, honoring her for distinguished service to CDHA and our profession.

Liz's role within CDHA has been extensive and over the years, she has touched members and potential members alike.  She has served as Vice President of Administration and Public Relations and Speaker of the House as well as leading committees and task forces. Liz has been active in local political campaigns, a board of education member, church fundraising and other community-based efforts.We are fortunate as a professional association to have someone like Liz, who exemplifies what it means to not only be an active member, but a passionate one at that.

Liz repeatedly demonstrates what it means to be an active and dedicated member. CDHA's recognition of Liz serves as an important reminder that an association can only be effective with the contribution of time, energy, ideas and talent a member brings to the table. Liz Moore has certainly contributed to CDHA's legacy of success over the past decade and she receives our gratitude and heartfelt congratulations.

SB 534 Vetoed

Dear CDHA Leaders,
 
I have previously informed you of the veto of SB 534 (Perata) and had mentioned how stunned we were as was the author, Senator Perata.  There was no warning from the administration that the governor was planning to veto this bill. Even the California Dental Association was shocked.  The resulting veto not only eliminated hopes for a new Dental Hygiene Committee of California,  but it also eliminated an extension of sunset for the Dental Board of California. The result is that the DBC will be disbanded via sunset on July 1, 2008.   Senator Perata is greatly concerned about this and has issued the following press release and letter to Governor Schwarzenegger.  We will continue to keep you informed of any new developments regarding this issue.
 
Jean Honny, RDH, BS
CDHA President

MARY TURNER, RDH, MS AWARDED THE HIGHEST HONOR

JoAnn Galliano, RDH, MEd (left) and Mary Turner, RDH, MS (right)

Mary Turner, RDH, MS received the Johnson & Johnson/ADHA Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award.  This award is the highest honor bestowed in dental hygiene.  Her accomplishments and passion as an educator are unique as leader and mentor.

Mary is now Dean of Science & Allied Health of Sacramento City College (SCC).  Her ability to stand out has been evident for a long time. As a researcher, she focused her Master’s research project on the effects of stannous fluoride on subgingival flora and presented this at the ADHA Research Conference in 1984.

Some of Mary’s biggest contributions are as a consumer advocate and agent of change.  These contributions include working to safeguard dental hygiene scope of practice and supervision legislation in statute; establishing the newest category of California dental hygiene licensure, the Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP); assisting in the development of a distance learning based RDHAP program to make the RDHAP a reality; and while CDHA President, nearly realizing an independent dental hygiene board.  We are still in pursuit of our own Board.

Mary LIVES the professional roles of dental hygiene and we are fortunate to have her as a member of our profession and our component.

 

Scholarship Winners

From Left: Dr. Dorothy Rowe (Western Career College Director Dental Hygiene), Jennifer Helgeson (Sacramento District Dental Society Scholarship winner and SADHA member), Brenda Kunz (Instructor
at Western Career College)

 

From Left: Sarah Morris (Allied Dental Health Scholarship winner from Sacramento City College) and Nicole Esposto. Both are SADHA Members.

 

Heidi Emmerling Assumes Full Time Instructor Position at SCC

Heidi Emmerling comes to SCC with 18 years of private practice experience.  A 1986 graduate of SCC, she is thrilled to be teaching at her alma mater.  Her teaching experience includes working as a part time instructor at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada.  Most recently she was a full time instructor in the Writing Program at UC Santa Barbara.

Heidi obtained her Bachelor’s Degree through a distance degree completion program at the University of Saint Francis.  She continued her academic career and received her Masters and PhD from the University of Nevada in Reno.

Heidi is best known by some people through her active participation in the dental hygiene profession and her writing career.  She has served as the President for the Nevada State Dental Hygienists Association as well as National Delegate to ADHA.  Her column in RDH magazine ran for several years.  She was a co-author of The Radical Hygienist website.  Her various publications and more can be found on her website www.writingcures.com.  SCC is lucky to have Heidi as a new staff member.

Congratulations Carol

The Sacramento Valley Component is proud to feature one of our own. Carol Lee, RDH, BS was selected to be a recipient of the Sunstar/Butler RDH Dental Hygiene Award of Distinction.

Five years ago, Sunstar Butler created a prestigious award to recognize the contributions of grassroots hygienists. Aptly called the Award of Distinction, Sunstar America in conjunction with RDH Magazine, recognizes eight dental hygienists nationally each year. As one of the judges told her, Carol's passion for her profession leaps off every page of her application to engage you.

All the recipients demonstrate a high level of excellence in leadership, community service and the attention to the patients they serve. Carol was flown to Washington DC in August to receive her award at the RDH Under One Roof Convention. Her trip included a personal spa day, networking receptions, a formal award ceremony, a photo shoot at the Washington Monument, focus groups, a dinner cruise on the Potomac River, a farewell reception, attendance of the Under On Roof Convention as well as other planned events. All this complimentary of and thanks to Sunstar Butler and RDH Magazine.

 

Good Luck Janet!

Janet Weber, Past President of Sacramento Valley Component has returned home. Her new position is at the University of Maryland in Baltimore at the School of Dental Hygiene. She will be teaching online and didactic courses for the first year students. Jan created and maintained the first web site that we had. Jan thoroughly enjoyed that task and will be missed. The "dust" is finally settling and she has had a chance to send the following: "You guys are a wonderful, dynamic group! It will certainly be hard to match that out here." Keep in touch Jan!

 

 

A New Law Requires Dental Care for Kids

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KCBS)  -- A new California law dictates that children in their first year of school must get a dental check-up before May 31st. Some Bay Area clinics are seeing an increase in young patients because of the requirement. “There have been a couple of kids that come in and the parents weren’t aware of the problem, it was just a small hole in a back tooth and the child never complained about any pain,” said Dentist Anu Minocha, with the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley.

The law was enacted because tooth decay, when it is severe, can interfere with a child's eating, and even learning habits. Minocha said that children should have their first dental check-up at one year of age.

 

The Value of Education in Tobacco Cessation in California

$1.8 Billion in Tobacco Control Saves Calif. $86 Billion, Study Says September 2, 2008

California spent $1.8 billion on statewide tobacco-control during the program's first 15 years but saved $86 billion in personal healthcare costs during the same timespan, according to a study from the University of
California at San Francisco. Consumer Affairs reported Aug. 29 that the study on the cost benefits of the
California Tobacco Control Program estimated that the program prevented the consumption of 3.6 billion packs of cigarettes -- worth $9.2 billion -- in its first decade and a half. The return on investment in the program was
50-to-1, researchers said. "The benefits of the program accrued very quickly and are very large," said
Stanton Glantz, Ph.D., director of the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education. "When adults stop smoking, you see immediate benefits in heart disease, with impacts on cancer and lung diseases
starting to appear a year or two later." Unlike many other prevention programs, California' tobacco-control
initiative focused on changing social norm for adult smokers, not adolescents. Massive cost savings were seen even though funding for the program was trimmed in the mid-1990s. Researchers said that if funding had
been sustained throughout the study period the state would have saved $156 billion.

The research was published in the Aug. 25, 2008 issue of the journal PLoS
Medicine.

 

CLICK HERE for information on the "Fostering Smiles" public health project to be conducted during the House of Delegates 2009.

_________________________

ADA new advanced dental assistant‏
New workforce proposal: Oral Preventive Assistant curriculum planned‏
Oral Preventive Assistant curriculum planned Posted April 21, 2008

By Karen Fox
The Oral Preventive Assistant Curriculum Committee met for the first time April 3-4 at ADA Headquarters to begin the planning stages for the ADA's new workforce model designed to enhance the capabilities and versatility of the dental staff.  
 
The ADA's vision for the Oral Preventive Assistant program proposes an additional capability set for the dental assistant that is focused on the basics of preventive care—including oral hygiene education, the application of fluorides, placement of sealants, and coronal polishing for all patients—along with the ability to perform scaling procedures for periodontal Type I (gingivitis) patients.
"This new member of the oral health team can supplement the services of the dentist and/or dental hygienist, allowing them to deliver more advanced preventive services in line with their level of training and expertise," said Adm. Carol Turner, a U.S. Navy dentist who chairs the OPA Curriculum Committee. "The Oral Preventive Assistant can then handle the less complex periodontal Type I cases."
Seeking meaningful solutions to dental workforce and oral health access issues, the 2006 House of Delegates passed several resolutions calling for two new dental team members, the Oral Preventive Assistant and the Community Dental Health Coordinator.
Since 2004 the House has directed three different workgroups to study dental workforce issues as part of a much broader Association effort to evaluate workforce and oral health access. One group studied the adequacy of the current workforce to meet the access needs of the underserved and make recommendations, and some of those studies resulted in the finding that dentists in underserved areas need help operating more efficiently due to a lack of additional staff.
The CDHC, which is set to begin pilot testing this fall, is a new allied dental person with community health worker skills who comes from the community he or she serves. Working under a dentist's supervision in community settings, the CDHC has the potential to enhance and complement the delivery of services by dentists, dental hygienists and community health workers.
The Oral Preventive Assistant will work primarily in private dental offices under dentist supervision and enable the dental team to provide care at the appropriate levels of training—potentially reducing the costs of treatment and increasing access to care.
"Our plan is to offer a curriculum to encompass the requirements and clinical competencies to be successful as an Oral Preventive Assistant and a valued member of the dental team," said Adm. Turner. "The curriculum will be available to states and include several options for implementation. It is the states' prerogative to determine if and how to implement the curriculum."
One aspect of the Oral Preventive Assistant workforce model development has changed since its inception. Initially, the Workforce Models National Coordinating and Development Committee envisioned the OPA as a new type of provider requiring 12 months of training. After further investigation comparing curriculums for the proposed OPA capabilities to those competencies required for Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited dental assisting education programs, the committee believed the Oral Preventive Assistant program should be developed to build on existing CODA-accredited dental assisting programs.
This approach, said Adm. Turner, is consistent with how the services train dental assistants to be prophy technicians.
"For years, the Navy dental personnel were all active duty or reserve due to the deployment schedules that we had to support on ships or in the field with the Marines," said Adm. Turner. "We had our own dental assistants, and some were specialized prophy technicians.
"I have been in the Navy for over 30 years and the prophy technician is as valuable today as it was then," she said. "Our patients are primarily young and healthy, with the majority presenting with a periodontal Type I (gingivitis) condition. This is perfect for a prophy technician because it involves light scaling and polishing. The dentist performs the annual examination at the same appointment as the cleaning, and if no further treatment is needed the service member is considered dentally ready to deploy over the next 12 months."
The Oral Preventive Assistant Curriculum Committee is designing the curriculum, which is approximately three months in length, and believes that OPA program enrollees will be graduates of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program or certified dental assistants by the Dental Assisting National Board.
Many of the OPA's skill sets are already in the curriculums of many CODA-accredited dental assisting programs—such as application of fluoride and sealants and dental hygiene instruction.
"The OPA will expand in those areas along with selective clinical applications to better understand the instruments, instrumentation and proficiency in periodontal Type I scaling procedures," said Adm. Turner. "This will allow the dentist, dental hygienist and dental team an expanded preventive capability that allows more flexibility to support increased access to care."
"The three months' training program will be certification instead of licensure," she added, "because the program encompasses reversible procedures."
ADA President Mark Feldman appointed the Oral Preventive Assistant Curriculum Committee.
In the long term, there is a potential for both the CDHC and OPA training programs to be CODA-accredited pending support from states.

Taken from: http://www.adafoundation.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid=2985

 

 

 

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