1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. GDHA Network GDHA carefully monitors the profession of dental hygiene
Go to 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 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, 10 AM for hearing of RDH rules

9. 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