CODHA Word of Mouth March 23rd 
Opening Bite
17 experts. 6 disciplines. One summit. The Integrated Care Summit brings together thought leaders from dentistry, medicine, nursing, public health and behavioral health – all sharing practical strategies to make integrated care work in your practice. Join us May 15-17 in Colorado.
#IntegratedCare #ICS26 #OralSystemicHealth #WholePerson
adha.org/ICS26
With the generous support of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health & Henry Schein, ADHA brings you a new medical-dental-behavioral event that bridges health disciplines for better patient care and stronger professional collaboration.
Integrated Care Summit 2026:
Bridging the Gaps to Whole-Person Care
Friday, May 15 — Sunday, May 17, 2026
Broomfield, Colorado
ADHA Members | $469
ADHA Student Members | $269
ADHA New Professional Members | $369
Nonmembers | $569
Event fees include breakfast and lunch for two days; evening reception, sessions, exhibit hall and wellness activities (golf/spa).
What’s In it For You?
The Integrated Care Summit 2026 brings together professionals across the medical, dental, behavioral, and public health continuum who are committed to improving whole-person care. If you work with patients, influence care delivery, shape health education or support clinical decision-making, this event is designed for you.
This summit is ideal for professionals who want to:
- Strengthen collaboration across disciplines
- Incorporate oral-systemic and behavioral health insights into daily practice
- Improve prevention, screening and early detection
- Build practical workflows and inter-professional communication skills
- Align care delivery with emerging evidence, technology and patient needs
- Be part of the national movement transforming integrated care
CE/CME Info
Sign up!
Back to top
ADHA Advocacy Updates
|
This edition of Advocacy in Action highlights ADHA’s ongoing federal and state advocacy—including new congressional action on community water fluoridation, threats to professional standards in Virginia, and key regulatory developments impacting dental hygiene education and access to care. We also share recent updates on ADHA's engagement with the Dentist and Dental Hygienists Compact Commission, reflecting our continued commitment to protecting the public and advancing the profession.
|
Introduction of H.Res 1087
On February 26, 2026, Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) introduced H.Res. 1087, a measure recognizing community water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health intervention to prevent tooth decay and promote both oral and overall health. If adopted, this resolution would affirm that the House of Representatives recognizes Community Water Fluoridation as an evidence-based mechanism to prevent dental caries, supported by nearly a century of factual, peer reviewed research demonstrating the benefits of fluoride at scientifically determined levels. ADHA will continue to advocate for the passage of this resolution in the House of Representatives and to support broader national conversations about the importance of fluoride within oral health policy.
Support the active VoterVoice campaign backing H.Res. 1087, currently under consideration in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
|
|
|
|
Despite strong advocacy by the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA), ADHA, and constituent advocates, Virginia is poised to introduce Oral Preventive Assistants (OPAs) and new licensure pathways for foreign-trained dentists. Companion House and Senate bills passed with little opposition, even after extensive outreach and media engagement. VDHA President Derik Sven publicly refuted organized dentistry’s claims that the proposals would not undermine dental hygiene standards, despite their framing of the bills as solutions to access to care challenges. Our engagement indicates organized dentistry heavily funded and lobbied for this legislation.
These bills are currently sitting on the Governor's desk and are likely to be signed by the end of the month. Virginia members should continue engaging with the Governor’s office and participating in our OPA and foreign‑trained dentist VoterVoice campaigns to keep speaking out against these harmful bills. ADHA remains committed to defending the profession and safeguarding the public amid ongoing attempts to dilute dental hygiene standards nationwide.
|
|
On March 2, 2026, the Department of Education closed the comment period on a proposed rule that would revise the definition of a professional degree and, as a result, change the amount students can borrow in federal loans for advanced degrees. The Master of Dental Hygiene was not included in the proposed list of professional degrees, meaning students pursuing this credential would face lower federal borrowing limits. This could force students to rely on typically higher‑interest private loans or discourage them from pursuing graduate education altogether.
In its comments, ADHA emphasized the potential barriers to entry that reduced federal loan access could create, as well as the impact this policy may have on the dental hygiene educator pipeline, since most faculty positions require a master’s degree. ADHA also developed a letter template for state leaders to share their concerns with the Department about how this rule change would affect prospective dental hygiene educators.
The Department received over 75,000 comments and must review all submissions before issuing a final regulation. ADHA will continue to monitor the outcome of this rulemaking and extends its appreciation to all state leaders who engaged with the Department.
|
ADHA Submits Comments on New CMS Rule
On March 6, 2026, ADHA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on a proposed rule updating Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace regulations. The rule would prohibit issuers from including routine adult dental services as an Essential Health Benefit (EHB), reversing a previous policy. CMS stated the change would better align EHBs with benefits typically offered by employer plans.
ADHA cited data from Delta Dental showing that dental coverage is common in employer-sponsored insurance: about 90% of employers with 500 or more employees offer dental benefits, and 78% of employees say dental coverage influences recruitment and retention.
The rule also proposes lowering the Essential Community Provider (ECP) participation threshold from 35% to 20%. ADHA argued that because ECPs, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), serve low-income and underserved populations, reducing the threshold could limit access to safety-net providers and narrow plan networks.
ADHA urged CMS to maintain adult dental coverage as an EHB and preserve the current ECP participation threshold to support access to care and equitable coverage.
|
Dental Hygiene Diagnosis White Paper Release
On February 10, 2026, ADHA released a new white paper, Dental Hygiene Diagnosis: Defining the Essential Role of Diagnostic Decision-Making in Dental Hygiene. Dental hygienists routinely diagnose patient needs, yet only three states explicitly recognize this practice. This White Paper formally defines dental hygiene diagnosis, examines its status across state practice acts, and outlines a path forward for broader recognition.
ADHA encourages state leaders to utilize the evidence based research in the white paper series to continue advancing the profession.
|
|
|
|
Back to top
Legislative Session Action Update
Recently, CODHA testified at a hearing for SB 26-1324, the Sunset Review of the DORA Division of Professions and Occupations. One of the recommendations in the Sunset report, which was included in the draft of the bill, was a proposal which would have given authority to DORA or a professional Board to license an internationally trained professional without meeting statutory requirements for that profession. While this recommendation was not specific to dentistry, it would have allowed the Colorado Dental Board to license dentists and dental hygienists who had not completed a CODA accredited program.
CODHA worked with other professional associations including the Colorado Dental Association and the Colorado Medical Society to bring forth an amendment to remove this section. CODHA provided testimony to support the amendment. The committee passed our proposed amendment unanimously and this part of the bill has been REMOVED!
CODHA will continue to advocate for our profession and ensure that the highest standards of education and licensure are upheld.
Back to top
Beyond the Op: Get Involved
Join us, CODHA just made a donation to support this event!
Remote Area Medical free care for those in need. Colorado Springs August 1st-2nd. Hosted in part by Pikes Peak State College.
Back to top
Beyond the Op: Get Involved
Katilyn Oxley, the Component Director for the Southern Component, will give updates and details as soon as possible for the postponed Free Dental Hygiene Day for the community previously scheduled on February 14, 2026. Watch for updates in coming weeks.
Did you know that there are many volunteer positions that are available with CODHA?
Get Involved
Back to top
Beyond the Op: Get Involved
 Colorado hygienists—this one's for you!
Join TeamSmile on April 14 for a powerful day of giving back in partnership with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field 
 Use your skills to provide life‑changing dental care to underserved children  Earn 4 CE credits for volunteering  Be part of a team making a real difference—right in your community
Know someone who should be there? Tag a hygienist or share this post to help us fill the roster!
Back to top
RDH Voices
Have something to share with our profession? Email [email protected] and your voice could be featured in our next Monday email.
Back to top
Mark Your Molars
We’re excited to invite you to the RMDS-Boulder Hygiene Study Club for an engaging evening of learning, collaboration, and connection.
Topic:
Behavioral Management and Compliance in Your Everyday Clinical Practice – Empowering the Team Approach
This course will focus on practical strategies to better understand patient behavior, communicate with clarity and empathy, and align your team around a consistent, patient-centered philosophy—helping build trust, accountability, and long-lasting patient relationships.
Educational Objectives include:
- Understanding patient behavior and decision-making
- Communicating with clarity, confidence, and empathy
- Aligning the team around a consistent, patient-centered approach
- Building trust, accountability, and lasting patient relationships
Details:
 Thursday, March 26th
 6:00 PM
 RMDS – Boulder
2601 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80304
 Dinner provided
 1.5 CE credits provided
Presented by: Dr. Suzanne Delima
Sponsored by: ADHA, Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association & Maxxeus
Space is limited, so please RSVP to Victoria@rmdentalspecialists.com to reserve your spot.
We hope you can join us for a great evening of education and connection. Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues who may be interested.
Back to top
Mark Your Molars
Keep Growing with CODHA – CE Courses & Events Designed for You
Looking to expand your skills, earn continuing education credits, or just connect with fellow dental hygienists? CODHA has you covered with a packed calendar of CE courses, workshops, and community events throughout the year.
Whether you're diving into the latest clinical techniques, brushing up on soft skills, or exploring new areas of practice, our events are curated to keep you at the top of your game. And it’s not just about learning—CODHA events are a great way to network, share ideas, and recharge with peers who truly get it.
From in-person meetups to virtual webinars, there’s always something happening. Stay in the know, stay licensed, and stay inspired.
Explore upcoming CE and events now at codha.org and join us for your next professional adventure.
Back to top
Mark Your Molars
Expand your RDH license and productivity with an ITR permit.
Back to top
Job Postings
Looking for Your Next Opportunity? We've Got You Covered!
Whether you're a new grad ready to launch your career or a seasoned RDH looking for a fresh start, CODHA's Job Postings Board is your go-to hub for dental hygiene opportunities across Colorado. From full-time roles in bustling clinics to flexible part-time gigs in serene mountain towns, there's something for everyone.
Our listings are updated regularly with positions from employers who value your expertise, professionalism, and passion for patient care. Don't miss your chance to find a role that truly fits your lifestyle and goals.
Visit the Job Postings page on codha.org and take the next step in your hygiene journey today!
Job Postings
Back to top
Support the Mission
Did you know that a small, consistent gift can create a huge impact?
By giving just $10 a month, you will be the force that helps the
Colorado Dental Hygienists' Association (CODHA) sustain its mission year-round for all of us.
Your monthly gift helps:
-
Advocate for our profession: Power our legislative efforts throughout the year to protect and expand the practice of dental hygiene.
-
Empower our leaders: Support a full-time Executive Director and provide leadership training for the next generation of hygienists.
-
Serve our communities: Expand CODHA's statewide presence and fund RDH-led mission trips for those in need.
-
Invest in education: Offer more scholarships and provide quality continuing education (CE) for our members.
-
Build a stronger network: Grow our collaborations with key health partners to promote integrated care.
Join our monthly giving community today and be a catalyst for change in the oral health of every Coloradan.
💳 Contribute Today
Back to top
CODHA Merch
This store supports the work of the Colorado Dental Hygienists' Association including membership initiatives, community outreach, and advocacy.
CODHA Merch
Back to top
Headliners
Donate to District 10 with CO!
Join Us in Funding it Forward
For 70 years, the ADHA Foundation (formerly Institute for Oral Health) has supported students, researchers and community programs that expand access to care and elevate the dental hygiene profession. In collaboration with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), we transform generosity into opportunity through:
- Scholarships that help hygienists learn and grow
- Grants that drive innovation in care and research
- Community programs that deliver smiles where they’re needed most
ADHA Foundation
Back to top
|
Sign up here: https://47594775.hs-sites.com/registration/46160355152
