FDHA Focus
Official e-Newsletter of the Florida Dental Hygiene Association
Issue Eight - March 2014
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Greetings,
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| We hope you enjoy this March edition of our 2014 dental hygiene news service created for you! Our purpose is to present the latest facts and updated information concerning your profession. This newsletter is distributed to all licensed Florida dental hygienists and is published three times a year. Future editions are planned for August and October! Please click "reply" to this email to inquire about having your information published or advertised. |
In This Issue
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Message from Karen Hodge - FDHA President
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Dear Dental Hygiene Friends and Colleagues,
It's that time of year again when our legislators meet in Tallahassee. This year Dental Hygienists' Smile Day on the Hill is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2014. This day gives us a wonderful opportunity to meet our elected officials and let them know how we feel about issues that concern us and our profession here in Florida. I urge everyone who can, to please come and show your support for our Association and the legislative issues.
This year we will again be addressing the Medicaid "billing glitch" from last year. The glitch is in reference to the health access legislation that was passed in 2011 which allowed dental hygienists to do sealants, fluoride and oral assessments in various public health programs such as school sealant and Head Start programs without the prior authorization or examination of a dentist. Currently Medicaid will not reimburse the health access setting, such as the Health Department or Head Start center, without a supervising dentist. The passing of this legislation will allow preventive programs that do not have a supervising dentist to become more sustainable with the ability to bill for children receiving Medicaid.
Please come to Tallahassee and help us to persuade our legislators on the importance of improving access to care for our most vulnerable citizens. Registration information and agenda can be found in article below or by visiting the FDHA website.
We are always better together!
Warm regards,
Karen Hodge, RDH, MHsc
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Join Dental Hygienists from all over Florida for Dental Hygienists' Smile Day on the Hill in Tallahassee.
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| Enjoy a breakfast orientation and capital building visit. The registration form, agenda and hotel information can be downloaded at this link: 2014 DHSmile Day registration (2). If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Cathy Cabanzon, RDH, BSDH. |
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Make a Difference! Just be there!
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About HYPAC - Your HYPAC Questions Answered:
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Q. What is HYPAC
A. The Hygienists' Political Action Committee (HYPAC) is a group of dental hygienists and citizens that contribute to the campaigns of candidates for state leislative offices that support the oral health care of the patients that dental hygienists serve.
Q. How does HYPAC benefit me?
A. HYPAC is the only state political action committee that represents the interests of the profession of dental hygiene, ensuring that legislators are aware of the role of the dental hygienist on the dental team and the impact the profession has on the delivery of care.
Q. Who oversees HYPAC?
A. The committee is comprised of a representative from each FDHA district who volunteer their time to participate, manage HYPAC's fundraising, and develop/ present communication activities.
Q. How does the HYPAC committee determine which candidates receive contributions?
A. The HYPAC committee, with advice from the FDHA lobbyist, looks at a number of criteria when considering candidates for state office: policy positions, demonstrated leadership on issues of importance to FDHA, committee placement and dedication to improving access to oral health care. The committee is open to suggestions from FDHA members about candidates HYPAC may be interested in supporting.
Q. Does HYPAC support both Democrats and Republicans?
A. HYPAC is a bipartisan program, therefore it does not favor one political party over another.
Q. What legislative actions have been influenced by HYPAC?
A. In 2011 the Access To Care legislation passed, which provides direct access to the preventive oral health services in health access settings by a registered dental hygienist without the supervision or preauthorization of a dentist. In 2012 we were successful in passing the Local Anesthesia legislation that authorizes Florida dental hygienists to provide local anesthesia for our patients.
Donations to HYPAC are essential to fund the contributions to legislators supporting our goals. Every contribution, no matter the amount, counts in a big way! If each Registered Dental Hygienist in the state would give $10 or more, this donation would make a huge impact. Please click on the link provided and download a donation form to make a contribution (HYPAC Email donation form).
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The citizens of Florida thank you for your support and commitment to increasing access to oral health care for everyone!
Cheryl Thompson, HYPAC Chairman
Paula E. Schad, HYPAC Treasurer |
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Read the National Governors Association (NGA) paper on the Role of Dental Hygienists in Providing Access to Oral Health Care
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This paper describes "the alternative provider models and legislation that states have enacted to leverage dental hygienists in an expanded capacity."
The NGA concludes that "Innovative state programs are showing that increased use of dental hygienists can promote access to oral health care, particularly for underserved populations, including children."
2014 January NGA Report - Role of DH
Note: What is the NGA?
Answer: The National Governors Association is the "collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected public policy organizations. It's members are the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths."
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Find Your Area's Continuing Education Courses on the Florida Dental Hygiene Association Newly Designed Website
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- Please visit our updated FDHA website which contains information for all dental hygienists!
- Find current and future continuing education courses.
- Visit the interactive monthly calendar of FDHA components and local meetings
- Post your own information to the calendar for all Florida licensed dental hygienists to see!
- Locate links to the Florida dental hygiene licensing exam, which is especially helpful for hygienists relocating to Florida.
- Visit the career center, post your confidential resume, find interview tips.
- Find your local area's FDHA officers' names and contact information.
- See new 2014 local anesthesia courses offered in Florida for dental hygienists.
- Find information on membership to our association.
Don't miss out on current events and important announcements! Visit our website today!
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About us
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The FOCUS eNewsletter is published by the Florida Dental Hygiene Association (FDHA). We are a constituent of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Thank you for reading FOCUS.
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