Improving bachelor degree completion rates in the dental hygiene workforce to expand access to care

“Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General” (2000) emphasized that “the public health infrastructure for oral health is insufficient to address the needs of disadvantaged groups, and the integration of oral and general health is lacking.” The objectives include expansion of current dental programs, increases in program director positions, and the need for a well-educated public health workforce. In order to meet these needs and prepare for the future needs, it is critical to expand pathways to earn bachelor degrees for allied health professionals such as dental hygienists. These individuals will be the future leaders in community health centers, serve as advanced practitioners, and provide a pool of qualified educators. A brief, “Bracing for the Future: Opening up Pathways to the Bachelor's Degree for Dental Hygienists” outlined the need for improved articulation agreements in allied health professions. This presentation will provide an overview of this brief and will explore the best ways to expand access to the bachelor's degree in dental hygiene and other allied health professions. It will provide an overview of transfer and articulation policies in the U.S., their purpose and development, as well as various barriers to their implementation. State-by-state policy guidelines will be provided for dental hygiene as well as model programs from three states demonstrating how various policies can provide ease in transfer and articulation. Six recommendations will be offered to improve bachelor degree completion rates thus increasing the workforce and improving access to care for the underserved.