Advocacy starts with awareness.
CDHA helps connect local dental hygienists and students with advocacy efforts that protect the profession, support access to oral health care, and keep members informed about issues affecting dental hygiene in Ohio.
Why advocacy matters
Professional advocacy helps dental hygienists stay informed, protect practice standards, and support policies that improve access to preventive oral health care.
Protecting the Profession
Advocacy helps monitor legislation, scope of practice, supervision rules, and workforce issues affecting dental hygienists.
Improving Access to Care
Public policy can influence how preventive oral health services reach schools, communities, and underserved populations.
Keeping Members Informed
CDHA connects local members to ODHA and ADHA resources so hygienists can follow issues affecting practice in Ohio.
Ohio Laser Rules Effective May 11, 2026
Ohio has finalized administrative rules allowing licensed dental hygienists to perform certain laser-assisted procedures under specific education, training, supervision, and documentation requirements.
CDHA is currently reviewing the finalized rules and exploring future educational programming opportunities related to laser education and certification pathways for dental hygienists in Northeast Ohio.
Advocacy in action
ODHA advocacy has helped shape major changes in Ohio dental hygiene practice over time. These highlights show why organized professional representation matters.
Dental hygienists were approved to work under general supervision.
Registered dental hygienists gained the ability to administer local anesthesia.
The Oral Health Access Supervision Permit was created to support care in designated underserved settings.
RDHs were given permission to initiate, adjust, administer, and terminate nitrous oxide.
Teledentistry legislation was enacted, expanding ways dental services may be delivered.
The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Interstate Compact was enacted in Ohio.
Dentist & Dental Hygienist Interstate Compact
The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Interstate Compact creates a pathway for qualified dentists and dental hygienists to practice in participating states through a compact privilege.
Ohio enacted the compact in 2024, with implementation beginning in 2025. Members should continue following ODHA and the Ohio State Dental Board for implementation updates.
Follow legislation directly
Members are encouraged to use official state and association resources to stay informed about legislation, advocacy priorities, and issues affecting the dental hygiene profession.
ODHA Advocacy
Follow Ohio dental hygiene advocacy updates and professional resources.
National AdvocacyADHA Advocacy
Review national policy priorities and advocacy resources for dental hygienists.
Ohio LegislatureOhio House
Search representatives, bills, committees, and legislative activity.
Ohio LegislatureOhio Senate
Search senators, bills, committees, and state legislative updates.
Get involved in advocacy.
Advocacy is stronger when members are informed and connected. Whether you attend an advocacy event, follow legislation, or share resources with colleagues, your involvement helps strengthen the profession.