Call for Nominations 2010 DHASNY Awards
Each year at this time, we pause to recognize our special colleagues through DHASNY’s Excellence in Dental Hygiene Awards. Our honorees take an idea and shape it into a program that makes a difference; or they spark improvement; or they light the way for others. They light candles of inspiration and innovation. As you look through these award descriptions, who comes to mind? Tell us.
PDF of Ballot: HERE
DHASNY APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF LIMITED PERMIT BILL
ALBANY - The Dental Hygienists’ Association of the State of New York applauds the passage by the New York State Assembly and Senate of legislation that will allow a limited permit to practice dental hygiene for persons who have met all the requirements for license as a dental hygienist but have not yet passed the required examination. The measure (A.10638/S.7754), sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, is consistent with provisions in place for many other professions.
The creation of limited permits for dental hygienists will increase the number of practitioners available to provide dental hygiene services throughout the state, important given the continuing challenge of gaining access to oral health care and oral disease prevention for all New Yorkers.
The limited permit would entitle the holder to practice only under the personal supervision of a licensed dentist. The permit would be issued for one year, and may be renewed at the discretion of the department for an additional year. Other medical professions, including physician's assistants, physical therapists, dental assistants and dentists, may obtain a limited permit authorizing them to practice under supervision for a set period of time prior to passing the required examination.
“The Dental Hygienists’ Association of the State of New York wholeheartedly supports this legislation as part of its multi-faceted legislative and educational agenda to provide practice opportunities for the profession of dental hygiene, utilize the education of hygienists, and improve the oral health of all New Yorkers,” said Association President Betty-Jean Roppolo of Valatie.
The Dental Hygienists’ Association of the State of New York, incorporated in 1922, is the largest statewide organization in New York representing the profession of dental hygiene. Its mission is to support the advancement of the art and science of dental hygiene to ensure access to and delivery of quality preventive and therapeutic oral health care services to all New Yorkers in a cost-effective manner.
Mary Ellen Yankosky
Director of Policy and Advocacy
Dental Hygienists' Association of the State of NY, Inc.
150 State Street, Ste. #404
Albany, NY 12307
MEYankosky@comcast.net
Official Delegate Count
Year 2010 DHASNY Annual Session
Procedures and Standing Rules of the HOD
DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
Electing and Credentialing
- Each component shall elect one (1) Delegate and one (1) Alternate Delegate for each thirty (30) members, or major fraction thereof (16), based on the membership records at ADHA on the first Tuesday in May of the current year and reported to Headquarters by the Vice President of Member Services.
5. Each component shall file with the Executive Director the names of the elected Delegates and Alternate Delegates at least fifty (50) days prior to the Annual Meeting.
The meeting is October 29. The due date is September 9 to exdir@dhasny.org.
The following report reflects component membership as of May 11, 2010, as reported by electronic transmission to DHASNY office by Sharon Barnett, Administrator of Member Relations, ADHA.
Component: Westchester
5/11: 84
Delegates: 3
2010 PRIORITIES: At our January 2010 meeting, the Board decided to dedicate initiatives this year to:
· Increasing access to oral health care;
· Promoting measures that would maximize the use of the education and experience of hygienists
In particular, the board is focusing these initiatives this year on: older adults and veterans.
TASK FORCE ON OLDER ADULTS: Our new Task Force on Older Adults will be developing (1) educational programs and resources to increase seniors’ awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene; (2) professional education for hygienists and caregivers; (3) initiatives to expand access to oral health care. We will be setting a conference call in the next several weeks. Want to be part of this initiative and haven’t yet told us? Know other members who would be interested? Is your component doing work to aid seniors? Tell BJ or Beth.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
· Block anesthesia: All is in place for consideration of this bill, which would enable dental hygienists to perform block anesthesia, with the requirement of certification and supervision before undertaking this process At this time, the Legislature’s attention is primarily on getting a state budget adopted so it’s difficult to determine action on this or other bills. DHASNY continues to monitor and advocate for passage of the measure which is in the Higher Education Committee. Letters of support from components would be helpful. We can provide a copy of DHASNY’s letter for a sample of elements that we included.
· Collaborative Practice: DHASNY is working with lawmakers to develop legislation that would provide for collaborative practices of hygienists and dentists, through written agreements and protocols. We will keep you apprised of developments.
· Health Workforce Studies: We have written to lawmakers in support of preservation of state funding for the Center for Health Workforce Studies at SUNY Albany, consistent with our belief in the importance of data collection and analysis on the supply and distribution of health care professionals.
· Lobby Day: Board members are invited to participate in a lobby day being planned by DHASNY’s government affairs program in Albany on Monday, May 17. We’ll meet with lawmakers and their staff to provide information on oral health issues and discuss legislation. There will be no hotel reimbursement available for this, but representatives of the Capital District component have offered to host DHASNY board members in their homes. Interested in participating? Tell BJ or Beth.
HYGIENISTS IN GROUP HOMES: Following presentation at our January board meeting, work is continuing develop a Hygienists in Group Homes program in conjunction with the Empire Project for Oral Health and the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. As envisioned, dental hygienists would be involved in providing training to staff and related oral health services for facilities residents. At this time, concepts and procedures are being prepared and, through EPOH, funding sources are being sought. We will update the board as things move forward.
2010 EMPIRE CONFERENCE: Help us spread the word among components and members that the 2010 Empire Conference/Annual Session will be October 29-31 at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs. The Annual Session committee is planning multiple CE courses, socializing, networking, table clinics, and vendor exhibits at this beautiful site which has adjoining golf and spa facilities. Stay tuned for more information and we welcome your suggestions.
Lobby Day: We had discussed holding a lobby day on Monday, May 17. While our legislative agenda is moving forward, in view of the Legislature’s attention focused on the late budget and related issues, conducting a lobby day at this time would not be a good use of time. Instead, we are going to devote substantial time to the status and nature of our government affairs agenda, board roles and our interaction with other entities in moving the agenda forward. We would expect to reschedule the lobby day for a day that would be better suited in meeting with lawmakers and staff
Opportunity to Support Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax and Promote Oral Health
The Dental Hygienists’ Association of the State of New York (DHASNY) is one of many partners supporting a sugar sweetened beverage tax in New York State. In addition to DHASNY and other organizations, individuals also can sign on to the statement in support. This is one of DHASNY’s efforts in promoting oral health, preventing dental disease, and building awareness of the increased risk of tooth decay in consumption of sugar sweetened drinks.
To sign the statement of support and read more about this initiative go to http://www.nyam.org/initiatives/sp-sbb-contact.shtml, if you haven’t done so already. Please forward this message on to others who might be willing to sign.
The New York State Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Alliance (NYSHEPA) is coordinating this initiative with New York Academy of Medicine and the New York State Public Health Association.
Beth Krueger, Executive Director
Dental Hygienists’ Association of the State of New York
150 State Street, Suite 404
Albany, NY 12207
518-477-0343; exdir@dhasny.org
