The Oklahoma Dental Hygienists' Association (ODHA) has the serious responsibility of promoting and protecting the licensed profession of dental hygiene in the state of Oklahoma and promoting safe standards of care to the public.  As part of ADHA, ODHA is the official voice for the licensed dental hygienists here in Oklahoma. 

Unfortunately, we in Oklahoma have a firsthand look at a threat to our profession and to the public!  The program for the Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) is now being housed and taught at the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry (OUCOD).  It is being sponsored with mega funds by the American Dental Association (ADA).  The course participants must be high school graduates or have a GED.  The participants will not receive a degree or be licensed by the state.  The course description states that the participants will be able to use hand scalers on patients with Type I Periodontitis, remove calculus that impedes maintaining good oral hygiene, polish teeth, apply fluoride and fluoride varnishes and place sealants.  Participants will be able to remove decay with a hand excavator and apply glass ionomer cement to temporize the cavity.  Participants will be able to adjust high spots with a slow speed hand piece and expose digital radiographs.  All of this will be under "electronic supervision" which is not defined.  This course will be approximately 12 to18 months in length and will be taught online from a Community College in Arizona and at OUCOD.  The participants will be given $34,000 worth of equipment including a portable dental chair, x-ray unit, lap top computer etc.  No, you did not read that incorrectly....