California Dental Hygienists' Association

The History of the CDHA and the path to Self Regulation

Signed into law on June 13, 2008 by Governor Schwarzenegger, California became the first state to achieve their own regulatory agency: the Dental Hygiene Committee of California (DHCC). It was a long and difficult journey to arrive at this independent destination, but it helped to continue our professions journey towards autonomy.

This journey towards autonomy began in 1976, when Linda Krohl became the first in the nation to own/manage a dental hygiene practice. Inspired by Ms. Krohl, Anne Wells Hunnicutt followed in her footsteps and opened her own practice in Santa Barbara. Independence had begun.

The 70’s turned out to be an exciting decade for CA. RDH’s. The Legislature, with the direction of the Dental Board of Examiners (DBE), created COMDA (Committee on Dental Auxiliaries) in 1974. With the push on in California and other states to also expand duties and broaden the scope of practice, the RDH in Extended Functions (RDHEF) was created. 2 years later, California passed a landmark bill allowing RDH’s to perform soft tissue curettage, administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide under direct supervision. The Health Manpower Pilot Projects (HMPP) Act was also created in the 1970’s by the California legislature. Created in 1972, the HMPP was a vehicle to demonstrate and evaluate new or expanded roles/delivery alternatives for health-care professionals. Not soley focused on the profession of dentistry however; the creation of the HMPP did eventually lead to the creation of the RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice). Maureen Titus, RDHAP, sums this period up nicely stating, "Expanded duties gave us the momentum and framework to move forward with self-regulation."

Today, CDHA represents all of California, but it didn’t begin that way. For several reasons in 1942, North and South became separate associations, and this functioned well for a more than 4 decades. With converging interests and goals, along with the strength and voice that comes from a larger population of members, the two reunited in 1985. The united CDHA retained Aaron Read and Associates, and also created Cal-Hy-PAC to aid in the pursuit of self-regulation and the numerous access to care issues. About the same time of this unification, the CDHA achieved another milestone with the appointment of the first RDH to the DBE. Evelyn Pangborn was that appointed RDH, serving nine years before being followed by subsequent RDH’s. Her appointment no doubt helped eventually soften the divide between DDS and RDH, and continued to pave the way towards independence for the DH profession. In 1986,15 participants to the HMPP were certified (but not licensed as a category did not exist). Unfortunately, in 1990 legal challenges halted the project, but another HMPP was submitted and approved the same year, ultimately leading to a signed bill and the reality of the RDHAP license in 1998.

All of the previous advancements bring us to where we are today: with the newly formed Dental Hygiene Committee, the first of its kind. It must not be forgotten that over a period of six years, CDHA sponsored two similar bills, each vetoed unfortunately. It wasn’t until the 3rd attempt that it was signed into law and became a reality. Instrumental in its’ passage, were JoAnn Galliano, MEd, RDH, Senator Don Perata and legislative advocates Terry McHale and Aaron Read.

It’s important to note that the DHCC reports directly to the Dept. of Consumer Affairs, and is not a subcommittee of a dental board, unlike the several other dental hygiene committees throughout the nation. Because the DHCC has a more equitable representation of RDHs, and they are not reporting to dentists, California dental hygienists possess more control of the profession. For this reason, as extensive hearings suggest, dental hygienists are able to advocate for the profession and better serve the consumers.

As we look forward, other states are pursuing their own legislation for DH board or committee, while others consider legislation related to board composition/duties. Currently, there are more than 30 states that allow an RDH to practice via direct access (without the presence or prior exam of a dentist)

This is certainly an ongoing history, as the CDHA continues to grow and evolve, and pursue the ultimate goal of direct access to care. Stay tuned…

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