This course is designed to empower dental hygienists with essential tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to understand and achieve professional autonomy.  Participants will explore the dynamic field of dental hygiene, focusing on how to expand their roles, advance and broaden their scope of practice, and strengthen their independence in clinical decision-making.  Special emphasis will be placed on key areas such as policy reform, advocacy, and actionable steps toward achieving full professional autonomy in education, practice, licensure, discipline, and regulatory processes. By the end of this course, participants will be well-prepared to elevate patient care, pursue leadership opportunities, and enhance their professional fulfillment through autonomy.  

In this webinar you will:

• Describe the legal and regulatory frameworks that support or limit dental hygienists' autonomy.
• Recognize the impact of autonomous care on patient outcomes and overall health.  
• Identify effective models for interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on building partnerships with other healthcare providers to create a holistic approach to patient care. 
• Explore the role of advanced education in developing the knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for achieving professional autonomy.
  
  

Speakers:
Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH, a Nebraska native, earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, in 1995. Subsequently, she obtained a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Human Resource Management from Nebraska Methodist College in 2002. Committed to ongoing professional development, Erin pursued additional education in myofunctional therapy, working towards certification in myofunctional therapy and lifestyle medicine at the Wellcoaches School of Coaching. In her professional capacity, Erin engages in general clinical practice and collaborates as a partner in Pearly White Prevention. Erin’s dedication to ADHA spans an impressive 30 years, during which she has assumed various leadership roles within the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA), including a term as president and delegate. Her contributions have garnered recognition, earning her several awards, including the esteemed Dental Hygienist of the Year honors at both the component and constituent levels in Nebraska.

Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA
After graduating from the University of South Dakota in 1995, Lancette spent the last two decades actively involved in the dental industry as a speaker, author, clinician, lobbyist and public health advocate. She received advanced education for complete health dentistry, including sleep-related disorders, breathing disorders and brain health. She earned her Certificate in Alzheimer’s Prevention and Reversal, ReCODE, from Apollo Health and her training in airway health from Institute for Craniofacial Sleep Medicine. Currently, Lancette serves as the clinical director for Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center in Reno, Nevada. She is also a complete health dental hygienist committed to improving practitioner and patient health while bridging the medical-dental divide. She is an internationally recognized continuing education speaker, a clinician, airway ambassador, business owner, non-profit founder, public health advocate and lobbyist/vaccinator and certified ergonomic assessment specialist. Lancette is a proud ADHA member and has served and been actively involved in the organization on a national, state and local level.

Jessica August, MSDH, CDA, RDH, FADHA
Jessica is a dedicated educator, administrator and longtime member and volunteer with the ADHA where she has served at the local, state and national levels. Currently the Program Dean of Dental Sciences at Portland Community College (PCC) in Portland, Oregon, Jessica provides leadership for the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs and oversees the community-based onsite dental clinic. Before her role at PCC, she held full-time teaching appointments at the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, at Idaho State University and at Quinsigamond Community College. With more than 15 years of clinical experience in dentistry and allied dental education, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her tenure as ADHA Vice President. Jessica earned her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene with an emphasis in education from the University of Bridgeport, Fones School of Dental Hygiene. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene. Her academic background and clinical experience have fueled her passion for research, particularly in preventive dentistry, clinical education, interprofessional education and student learning.