Meeting/Event Information
RMDC - exhibit hall booth #442
CODHA will be in the exhibit hall at RMDC 2026. Come visit us at Booth 442!
Alyssa Abele is speaking on Thursday - bring yourself and your dentists
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM MST
Location: 107/109, Colorado Convention Center
Description
Colorado has been a leader in dental hygiene practice for decades. Colorado was one of the first five states to allow dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia (in 1977) and was the first state to allow dental hygienists to practice independently (in 1986). Because of the broad scope of practice in Colorado, dental practices have been able to create workforce models that are profitable and increase access to dental care. This course will highlight the education standards and scope of practice for Colorado dental hygienists and will allow participants to understand how to better collaborate with their team members to better serve our patients.
Objectives
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Identify the stakeholder organizations that contribute to the legislative process
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Review recent changes to the Colorado Dental Practice Act and dental hygiene scope of practice
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Discuss common misunderstandings or misconceptions about the dental hygiene scope of practice in Colorado
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Introduce collaborative ways that dentists, dental hygienists, and other team members can work together
