ADHA Applauds Defeat of Controversial Nevada Bill
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) recently celebrated the defeat of Nevada’s Bill SB495, which sought to provide non-CODA-accredited pathways to dental hygiene licensure. This bill would have allowed individuals to practice dental hygiene after passing a non-ADA-approved competency exam, raising concerns over patient safety and educational integrity. ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz emphasized the importance of maintaining rigorous educational standards, stating, "Our profession’s commitment to rigorous education and training is non-negotiable."
In related news, a concerning study has surfaced regarding the over-the-counter drug phenazopyridine, commonly used for urinary tract infections. Despite its widespread availability, it is not FDA-approved and has been linked to cancer in animal studies, raising alarms about consumer safety. The National Toxicology Program has labeled it a "human carcinogen," highlighting a significant risk to millions of women who use the drug.
Additionally, the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) launched "Ask ADS," an AI-powered platform aimed at assisting dental professionals with queries related to infection prevention and patient safety. This free resource, later to become a paid service for ADS members, enhances accessibility to evidence-based information in the field.
For more details, visit DentistryIQ and the ADHA website.
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