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Women are invited into the dental field
A paper written by N. W. Kingsley in 1884 outlines how he believed a women could assist a male dentist on procedures. This was the first account of women being invited into the dental field. Photo retrieved from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_assistant -
Dr. Fones opens the first dental hygiene school
Dr. C. Fones becomes the "Father of dental hygiene" when he opens the first dental hygiene school in Connecticut in 1913. Irene Newman attended the school and became the first dental hygienist. Photo retrieved from:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28481770/irene-e_-newman -
The formation of ADHA
The American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) was founded in 1923 as a method of communication between dental hygienists. Along with this, the Journal of the American Dental Hygiene Association was created.
Photo retrieved from: https://www.newswise.com/articles/american-dental-hygienists-association-announces-new-leadership-for-2017-18-at-94th-annual-conference -
Accreditation of dental hygiene programs begins
The first dental hygiene accreditation program launched in 1952 as a method to ensure quality hygiene programs.
Photo retrieved from: https://pctoday.pct.edu/penn-college-dental-hygiene-degrees-receive-reaccreditation/ -
Dr. Wilkins released the first edition of her textbook
Dr. Esther Wilkins released the first edition of her textbook in 1959. The Wilkins book was the first comprehensive educational text for dental hygienist, and is still being used in hygiene schools today.
Photo retrieved from: https://dental.washington.edu/dr-esther-wilkins-founder-uw-dental-hygiene-program-dies-100/ -
The dental hygiene profession begins to accept men
In 1964 the word "female" was deleted from the ADHA constitution, inviting men to become dental hygienists for the first time.
Photo retrieved from: https://lawkm.com/male-dental-hygienists-experience-discrimination/ -
ADHA required continuing education courses
In 1967 the American Dental Hygiene Association began to require licensed dental hygienists to take continuing education courses. The courses were meant to ensure competency of the hygienist as the field of dental hygiene advances.
Photo retrieved from: https://blxtraining.com/new-york-courses/ -
Washington becomes the first state allowing dental hygienist to administer local anesthesia
In 1971, Washington state legalizes the administration of local anesthesia by the dental hygienist. Many states followed Washington's law, and today 44 states allow this under the hygiene scope of practice.
Photo retrieved from: https://www.exceldentalinstitute.com/testimonials.html -
OSHA mandates the Bloodborn Pathogen Standard
In 1991, OSHA mandates the Bloodborn Pathogen Standard in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.The standard makes personal protective equipment (PPE) mandatory and requires employers to supply it for their employees.
Photo retrieved from https://osha.asu.edu/page-1854632 -
Minnesota is the first to legalize the Advanced Dental Therapist
In 2009, Minnesota legalized the Advanced Dental Therapist (ADT), a mid-level practitioner designed to provide greater access to dental care. ADTs can perform procedures such as fillings and simple extractions, which are usually only performed by dentists.
Photo retrieved from https://www.sctimes.com/story/life/wellness/2017/04/09/6-years-dental-therapist-experiment-working-experts-say/97958494/
