Why I Attend My Local Dental Hygiene Association Day at the Capitol to Advocate for Dental Hygiene
Every year, dental hygienists from across my state gather at our Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association Day at the Capitol. Not for a comfort zone, not for a photo op, and not for a chance to skip work, but because our profession and our patients are counting on us.
This past legislative session in Arizona, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1124, creating a new category called Oral Preventive Assistants (OPAs). This role that allows dental assistants to perform supragingival scaling and polishing after about 120 hours of training and under strict supervision.
Meanwhile, dental hygienists complete nearly 3,000 hours of accredited education, learning not only how to remove biofilm safely, but how to assess periodontal health, educate patients, manage complex cases, and connect oral health with total health.
This isn’t happening just in Arizona. Other states have been introducing it throughout the year, especially since the American Dental Association has stronger supported this model. It’s definitely been brought up here in Utah, and I have no doubt that it will be tried to push though.
For me, attending Dental Hygiene Day at the Capitol is essentail. Here’s why:
1. Our Education and Expertise Must Be Valued
Dental hygiene isn’t just about scaling teeth. It’s about comprehensive preventive care rooted in scientific education and clinical judgment. When proposals allow less-trained individuals to perform procedures traditionally provided by hygienists, it inadvertently diminishes the value of our specialized training. Patients deserve providers educated to the highest standards.
2. Patient Safety
Professional associations like the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) weighed in strongly against an amendment to another bill (AZ Senate Bill 1037) that would have eliminated CODA educational standards for OPAs. We advocate not just for our profession but for the oral health and safety of every patient who we come in contact with.
3. Advocacy is Hard, But Has Impact
When hygienists show up in person, by phone, or through email, legislators take notice. They see that this is not just an abstract profession, but a healthcare discipline with a voice. Sometimes our advocacy shapes legislation; other times, it stops proposals that would weaken standards or compromise care.
4. Our Voice Matters
One voice can start a conversation. Hundreds of voices can shape state policy. Whether we’re discussing scope of practice, supervision rules, reimbursement models, or workforce issues, legislators need to hear directly from hygienists because we bring expertise they don’t have.
5. Connecting with Others Beats Burnout
The Capitol isn’t just about politics. It’s about community. When we stand together we build momentum to strengthen our profession, our services, and our patients’ access to care.
How To Get Involved:
Advocacy doesn’t have to be intimidating! Here’s how to start:
Find out when your dental hygiene association’s advocacy day is scheduled. Most states hold these events each legislative session.
Register and show up. Even one visit to your legislator’s office makes a difference.
Share your story. Legislators remember personal experiences far more than talking points.
Stay informed. Follow updates from your local and national dental hygiene associations. They track bills that matter to us.
Invite a colleague. Advocacy gets stronger when we lift each other up.
If we want expanded scope, fair compensation, recognition as healthcare providers, and safe, high-quality care for patients, we must step into the legislative process. Being a dental hygienist means being a caregiver, educator, and sometimes, an advocate. Showing up at the Capitol is an investment in our profession’s future.
So mark your calendar, clear your schedule, and plan to attend the next lobby day in your area. Your voice matters and our profession needs it now more than ever.