provider into state statute - The mid-level providers will provide educational, preventive, palliative, therapeutic, and restorative services to underserved populations. o Six other states have introduced legislation to establish a mid-level oral health provider. · The ADHP will be a licensed dental hygienist educated at the Master’s degree level. o A Master’s degree is the general academic standard for mid-level providers. o The ADHP master’s program is specific to advanced dental hygiene practice. ·
ADHPs will be supervised by dentists. o
The legislation requires a collaborative agreement.
o ADHP is limited to specified services and procedures; identified in the legislation. ·
ADHPs will not perform “complex dental surgical procedures.” o ADHPs will perform only procedures for which they are educated and clinically trained. o
·
ADHPs will refer patients when more advanced treatment is needed.
ADHPs practice in Public Health Settings; o
Serve primarily low-income and uninsured in underserved areas.
o No one is required to work with an ADHP – the ADHP program will be voluntary. ·
The ADHP education program will be rigorous and must meet
accreditation requirements. o
The ADHP master’s education program will be taught in an institution
accredited by the Governors of Higher Education. § When a new practitioner is developed, such as this one, accreditation agencies wait until the first education programs have been established and the first graduates enter practice before they establish accreditation standards.