The Flossophy Corner

          The book titled The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes & Posner offers several poignant quotes, one being “Only shared visions have the magnetic power to sustain commitment over time” (4^th ed. p. 125). This quote brings about contemplation of the visions and power behind our profession of dental hygiene. While there are many RDH’s working as “unsung heroes” behind the scenes of great legislative movements, there is still plenty of room (and need) for more proactive members to take on leadership roles, no matter how small. There is power in numbers and through that, shared visions gain momentum creating even more magnetic power toward taking our profession to a much higher level over time.

          The resolution of an advanced dental hygiene practitioner (ADHP) was proposed in June of 2004. The ADHP vision statement claims “The advanced dental hygiene practitioner will improve the underserved public’s health and access to quality, cost-effective oral health care and appropriate referrals within multidisciplinary healthcare teams” (ADHA, 2006). This mid-level oral health care provider (similar to the nurse practitioner model) will be able to provide direct access to care where there once was none. For more information on the ADHP go to http://www.adha.org/adhp/index.html.

          Almost four years after its adoption, the advanced dental hygiene practitioner resolution is moving forward. As of late February, the Minnesota Dental Hygiene Association has taken this proposal to their State Capital and it was voted on in favor of the hygienists. Although it will be a topic of hot debate, this is a step in the right direction for our profession. The leadership role we can all take starting today is through educating each of our patients as to what the ADHP is and what it would mean for the underserved populations. It is imperative to stress the high level of education that must be attained in order to gain licensure for this mid-level dental care practitioner. Provided is a web link to view a video news clip of this proposal.

http://wcco.com/video/?id=38796@wcco.dayport.com

          Leadership roles need not be grand to make a difference, yet each voice promoting our profession is a way to increase the shared vision and magnetic power toward not only a broader scope of practice, but access to care for those in need.