the new Access to Oral Health Law HB 154 It’s time for a clean start in Georgia Pam Cushenan, RDH, MS GDHA Advocacy Chair; ADHA Delegate pam@softsmiles.net www.softsmiles.com

Objectives Discuss status of oral health law Forecast transition process into implementation within safety-net settings Describe intent of the law State HOW the GDHA Network represents you

Why Is This Law so important to Georgians? one-third of older adults have untreated tooth decay nearly 25 percent of adults ages 65 to 74 have severe gum disease a significant percentage of lower income children in Georgia do not have adequate access to dental care, putting them at significant risk of developing tooth decay and other oral health conditions In 2016, 4,106 Georgians sought emergency dental care at Grady Memorial Hospital at a cost of $1.75 million Of Georgia's 159 counties, 118 are considered dental health professional shortage areas Preventative care is the most cost-effective care that can be delivered to the public

Transitioning into Safety-net settings Implementation Date: January 1, 2018 Tool Kit Development Teams Grady hospital Dr. David Reznik; Dr. Charles Moore Wesley Woods/emory Dr. Kevin Hendler

What does this law mean to the RDH? General Supervision: A licensed DDS has authorized the delegable duties of an RDH, but does not require that the DDS be present when such duties are performed The DDS is not required to authorize general supervision of RDH’s or participate in the new oral health law (HB 154) RDH Eligibility: must have practiced for two years; maintain liability insurance, a current license, & current CPR Preventive services include assessments, education, prophylaxis, sealants, fluoride, and radiographs (by specific standing orders of dds) Private practice: DDS must clinically examine each new patient; must examine patients at least annually Patient must be notified in advance of the appointment when the DDS will not be present during subsequent preventive appointments with the RDH

Safety-net settings Dds must have a physical office within 50 miles of the safety-net setting may only authorize up to 4 RDH’s to provide dh services DDS discretion whether or not to require an initial exam of patient prior to DH Services Rdh required to investigate and be knowledgeable of medical emergency protocols & procedures in service settings All patients must receive in writing the name & license # of the RDH Provider & Authorizing dds Patients must receive statement to seek more thorough exam from dds within 90 days

Safety-net settings Title I Schools Hospitals Long-Term-Care settings Family violence Shelters Hospices FQHC’s

GDHA Network GDHA carefully monitors the profession of dental hygiene Go to www.gdha.org for the FAQ’s regarding the new law Maintains a presence at the Georgia Board of Dentisty Collaborates with organizational and legislative leadership Represents the interests of Georgia dental hygienists On August 7, 2017, the GBOD posted intent to amend rule 150-9-01 that would have exceeded the intent of the law GDHA immediately responded with a comprehensive letter to oppose these changes The proposed rule changes were withdrawn At this time, there are no posted rules for general DA’s nor training curriculum proposals We will keep our membership posted of any changes Next GBOD meeting: December 4, 2017 @ 10 AM for hearing of RDH rules

Conclusion 2018 begins a new era in dentistry for Georgia The future is bright!!! Encourage your DDS to expand the practice into safety-net settings ADHA Georgia membership equals Free & reduced fee cutting-edge dental hygiene education Great networking prospects low-cost liability insurance Leadership-building opportunities & support in the promotion of the dental hygiene profession