In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to step into expanded roles that go far beyond traditional clinical care. Now is the time to reimagine the oral healthcare model—one that fully embraces the power of professional autonomy as a catalyst for advancing access, improving outcomes, achieving health equity, and elevating the dental hygiene profession.

This course explores what autonomy means in a modern, integrated healthcare system and how it can empower dental hygienists to practice with greater independence, authority, and impact. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will examine the systemic barriers—such as outdated policies, restrictive regulations, and institutional biases—that continue to limit the profession’s potential. Strategies for overcoming these barriers will be explored through the lenses of advocacy, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how autonomy influences clinical care, community health, and the future of the dental hygiene workforce. The session will also provide practical tools to support change-making in workplaces and communities, with an emphasis on empowerment, evidence-based practice, and innovation. Additionally, participants will learn about the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s efforts to advance autonomy and the resources available to support this professional evolution.

In this webinar you will:

• Define professional autonomy and explain its significance to the advancement of dental hygiene.
• Evaluate current trends driving the transformation of the oral healthcare model.
• Identify key legislative, regulatory, and cultural barriers that restrict professional autonomy.
• Examine the relationship between autonomy, access to care, patient outcomes, and health equity.
• Develop strategies to advocate for expanded roles and responsibilities across clinical, educational, and public health settings.
  
   
  
  

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.