News Updates
Out-Of-State Legislative Watches...
Social media is buzzing of the changes to the RDA and RDH licensures in our neighboring states. Rest assured that CDHA is watching legislation that is being passed in our neighboring states! We are closely monitoring Oregon, Nevada, Washington, Arizona and their bordering states. We need all HYGIENISTS' eyes on deck for California!!!
E-mail [email protected] if you spot anything that you'd like CDHA or SVDHA to advocate more for - OR you haven't seen it on our socials - YET!
If you are an RDH in the Sacramento component, be sure to subscribe to our newletter for the latest in our California legislative watch by clicking here.
We are THE Hygienists at the capitol! Get involved today! If you are interested in leadership positions (even if they are currently filled), please e-mail s[email protected] to learn more about when our next board meeting is and how you can shadow the position to be filled or help out in any way you can. We welcome volunteer RDH/APs and are constantly looking to the new generation of hygienists to move us forward!
E-mail [email protected] if you spot anything that you'd like CDHA or SVDHA to advocate more for - OR you haven't seen it on our socials - YET!
If you are an RDH in the Sacramento component, be sure to subscribe to our newletter for the latest in our California legislative watch by clicking here.
We are THE Hygienists at the capitol! Get involved today! If you are interested in leadership positions (even if they are currently filled), please e-mail s[email protected] to learn more about when our next board meeting is and how you can shadow the position to be filled or help out in any way you can. We welcome volunteer RDH/APs and are constantly looking to the new generation of hygienists to move us forward!
SB 1124 - OPA (Assistant Scalers) in AZ - What it means for California RDHs
On April 8th, 2025, Dental Integrations hosted a live CE informing dental hygienists on what OPAs mean for their job security, access to care, and the future of dental hygiene in Arizona and other states. During the discussion, ADHA president, Erin Haley-Hits spoke on the legislative process and how you as a dental hygienist can get involved in having a say on OPAs in your state.
Panelists:
Erin Haley-Hits, ADHA President
Valery Brady, AAS, RDH, AZ ADHA Advocacy Committee
Dr. Kevin Yang, True North Dental Flagstaff, AZ
Kim Mack, RDH, MBA, Practice Strategies
Kristi Deela, CDA, DA Program Director
To see the full discussion on OPAs in Arizona, visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EVvt-DQXfg&t=1s
YOUR VOICE matters in California!
Join your professional organization, California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA), to keep our dental hygienists protected here in California!!!
We do this by showing our legislators that we have the RDH membership numbers to back up what we stand for:
Panelists:
Erin Haley-Hits, ADHA President
Valery Brady, AAS, RDH, AZ ADHA Advocacy Committee
Dr. Kevin Yang, True North Dental Flagstaff, AZ
Kim Mack, RDH, MBA, Practice Strategies
Kristi Deela, CDA, DA Program Director
To see the full discussion on OPAs in Arizona, visit:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EVvt-DQXfg&t=1s
YOUR VOICE matters in California!
Join your professional organization, California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA), to keep our dental hygienists protected here in California!!!
We do this by showing our legislators that we have the RDH membership numbers to back up what we stand for:
- Protection of our license and patients in California to not dilute the practice of dental hygiene by under trained individuals (including OPAs and foreign-trained dentists)
- Expansion of our work environments to allow RDHs to practice in different medical and dental settings
- Expansion of our license to reflect the objectives of majority RDHs in California
Without the membership numbers, we are a profession divided.
Defend the dental hygiene profession in California by joining your voice with the CDHA today!
JOIN CDHA
Defend the dental hygiene profession in California by joining your voice with the CDHA today!
JOIN CDHA
Retired License Status Available January 2023
Retired License Status Available January 2023
Following requests by the California Dental Hygienists’ Association, the Dental Hygiene Board of California submitted a regulation for approval to add a “retired” license status to the existing statuses of Current Active and Current Inactive. According to Board staff, this was due, in part, to a growing number of licensees reaching retirement age and considering ceasing practicing dental hygiene.
Beginning January 1, 2023, California Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH, RDHEF and RDHAP) can apply for a “Retired License” if their current license is in good standing. California licensed dental hygienists are to submit an application along with a fee of $80.00 with the understanding that the retired licensee:
Regarding the ability to volunteer, the holder of a retired license can provide the public, without supervision, dental hygiene educational services, oral health training programs, oral health screenings, and application of fluoride varnish free of charge in any oral health public health program created by federal, state, or local law or administered by a federal, state, county, or local governmental entity, at a sponsored event by a sponsoring entity.
It is hoped that an ALERT will be posted by the Board. The application will most likely be found under the “Applicants” tab on the Board’s website www.dhbc.ca.gov.
Following requests by the California Dental Hygienists’ Association, the Dental Hygiene Board of California submitted a regulation for approval to add a “retired” license status to the existing statuses of Current Active and Current Inactive. According to Board staff, this was due, in part, to a growing number of licensees reaching retirement age and considering ceasing practicing dental hygiene.
Beginning January 1, 2023, California Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH, RDHEF and RDHAP) can apply for a “Retired License” if their current license is in good standing. California licensed dental hygienists are to submit an application along with a fee of $80.00 with the understanding that the retired licensee:
- may not engage in any activity for which an active license issued by the Board is required
- does not need to renew the retired license
- is exempt from continuing education requirements
- shall be permitted to use his or her professional title only with the unabbreviated word “retired” preceding or after the professional designation
Regarding the ability to volunteer, the holder of a retired license can provide the public, without supervision, dental hygiene educational services, oral health training programs, oral health screenings, and application of fluoride varnish free of charge in any oral health public health program created by federal, state, or local law or administered by a federal, state, county, or local governmental entity, at a sponsored event by a sponsoring entity.
It is hoped that an ALERT will be posted by the Board. The application will most likely be found under the “Applicants” tab on the Board’s website www.dhbc.ca.gov.