UPDATE: Washington State HB 1935 Dies in Committee!

© deagreez / Adobe Stock

Great news came out of Olympia, Washington, on February 22, 2019. The House Bill that was proposed on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, that would allow dental assistants to perform dental hygiene procedures, with nothing more than a one-time training failed to make it out of committee. You can read more about this bill and the effort made to stop it here.

A huge shout-out goes to the Washington State Dental Hygienists’ Association for their efforts to organize hygienists to oppose this bill. WSDHA President Jennifer Zbaraschuk, Immediate Past President Beverly Frye, and countless others who worked tirelessly, and without pay, to fight against this bill. They are continuing to fight for hygienists in Washington and are a prime example of the importance of local associations.

A huge shout-out also goes to the thousands of hygienists in Washington State and across the country who opposed this bill and made it spread like wildfire across social media. The emails and phone calls to all the Representatives played a key part in showing the outcry of opposition. Dental Assistants also stepped up and showed their opposition to the bill because they saw it for what it was – a way to add to their duties without an increase in pay. The power of social media and uniting as a profession was an incredible thing to see!

There is still plenty of legislation across the country going on that affects our profession. I encourage you to seek out your local state association, and at a very minimum, take the time right now to follow them on Facebook. It is important for you to stay informed about what is going on and to step-up when needed. One thing is clear from this whole experience – hygienists and assistants are a force to be reckoned with when united for a common cause!

A group of hygienists at the Washington State Capitol on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

 

SEE ALSO: Hygienists Under Attack! Oppose Washington State HB 1935 and SB 5833!

Previous articleAsk Kara RDH: Office Doesn’t Feel Like a Good Fit
Next articleNew Research Shows Frequent Cannabis Use Can Harm Geriatric Patients’ Oral Health
Kara Vavrosky, RDHEP, is a Co-founder and Chief Content Officer of Today’s RDH, a digital media company for dental hygienists, encompassing a daily publication, podcast, virtual continuing education events, and self-study continuing education. Kara is recognized as one of the largest social media influencers in dental hygiene, with a following of over 200,000 dental hygienists and other dental professionals. Kara was recognized in 2020 as one of the Top 100 Women in Media for her entrepreneurship as a Co-founder of Today’s RDH. In 2022, she was recognized by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association for their Standout Seven Award in the Entrepreneur category. A graduate of the Oregon Institute of Technology, Kara has a deep passion for spreading knowledge about the importance of oral health and its relation to systemic health. Kara’s passion extends to helping other hygienists understand the latest protocols, products, and research – all with the goal of pushing the dental hygiene profession forward. Kara currently lives in Vancouver, Washington, just outside Portland, Oregon, with her husband, Ben, and their four Chihuahuas. In her free time, you will find Kara on her quad riding the Oregon Dunes, spoiling her Chihuahuas, and cherishing every moment with her family and friends.