In recent developments, the Texas Dental Hygienists' Association (TDHA) has taken a strong stance against the proposed Dental Access Model Act. This legislation, currently being discussed, has raised troubling questions about its impact on dental hygiene practices and public health. The TDHA's letter to the directors of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) clearly lays out our objections, emphasizing the need to protect patient care and ensure high-quality oral health services for everyone.
Understanding the Dental Access Model Act
The Dental Access Model Act seeks to change how dental services are provided and accessed in various communities. While its goal is to improve accessibility to dental care, the TDHA believes this model could undermine the standards and independence of dental hygienists.
The association asserts that if the act goes into effect, there will be a risk of lowering care quality. For example, allowing unlicensed individuals to perform essential dental procedures without proper supervision can jeopardize patient safety. The focus should be on maintaining high care standards while improving access to services, not choosing quantity over quality.
Key Points of Opposition in the TDHA's Letter
In our letter to ALEC, the TDHA highlights several critical concerns about the Dental Access Model Act:
Patient Safety and Quality of Care: Concerns arise over the lack of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of allowing dental assistants to perform scaling procedures without adequate training. This jeopardizes patient safety, compromises care quality, and undermines established dental hygiene standards.
Prioritization of Profits Over Access: The proposed model is criticized for potentially increasing profits for dental practices rather than improving access to dental care, particularly in underserved areas. This suggests a prioritization of financial interests over public health needs.
Undermining the Dental Hygiene Profession: Dental hygienists, who undergo rigorous education and training, provide comprehensive oral health care beyond scaling alone. They argue against adopting unproven workforce models that fail to recognize their expertise and the breadth of services they offer.
Contradictions and Concerns: The American Dental Association's endorsement of the Dental Access Model Act is contrasted with its failure to support proven models like dental therapy, which has effectively increased access to care for underserved populations. The Act is criticized for creating new roles without effectively addressing existing workforce shortages or engaging relevant stakeholders in its development.
Impact on Access and Care Quality: Critics argue that the Act won't address shortages in rural and underserved areas and may not enhance access to comprehensive dental care. It highlights the necessity of holistic oral health services beyond basic scaling, especially considering the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis among Americans.
Lack of Collaboration: Concerns are raised about the lack of collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), during the Act's development. This omission hinders efforts to address workforce issues effectively and ignores critical data on why dental hygienists are leaving the profession.
The TDHA firmly believes that while the proposed model aims to increase access, it ironically poses a threat to the quality of care provided.
The Importance of Advocacy
The TDHA's proactive stance against the Dental Access Model Act underscores the critical role of advocacy in the dental health community. Like other health professions, dental hygienists are dedicated to ensuring their practice adheres to ethical standards that prioritize patient welfare.
Collaboration among health professionals, regulatory bodies, and advocacy groups is vital. By voicing concerns and engaging in discussions about the ramifications of proposed legislation, the TDHA plays a crucial role in informing policymakers about potential consequences of their decisions.
Next Steps for the TDHA
In the coming weeks, the TDHA plans to keep a close eye on the legislative journey of the Dental Access Model Act. They will ensure that our concerns are effectively represented as discussions progress.
The TDHA urges its members and the wider community to stay informed and participate actively in advocacy efforts. Engaging in conversations and awareness initiatives can significantly influence legislative outcomes.
Final Thoughts
The TDHA's communication with ALEC demonstrates a resolute commitment to uphold high standards in dental hygiene and advocate for quality patient care. The challenges posed by the Dental Access Model Act highlight the fine line between improving access to dental care and maintaining vital quality standards.
As the dialogue about dental health access continues, it is essential for dental professionals, policymakers, and the public to come together to tackle these issues. Through active involvement and advocacy, we can cultivate an environment that values both accessibility and quality in dental services.