The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is urging immediate action in response to proposed legislation in Nevada that the association says would fundamentally alter licensure requirements for dental hygienists and compromise patient care standards.
According to ADHA, Sections 77 through 79 of Nevada Senate Bill 495 would create an alternative pathway to licensure that does not require graduation from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Instead, candidates could qualify after completing a board-approved training course under the supervision of a licensed dentist, followed by a competency exam, written exam, and clinical exam — not subject to ADA approval. A provisional license could be issued before these requirements are fully met.
According to the ADHA, the bill was being fast-tracked and was scheduled for a hearing on May 22, 2025, at the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City. ADHA has described the matter as urgent and is calling on dental professionals nationwide to voice opposition by contacting Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo’s office at the State Capitol in Carson City at (775) 684-5670.
“We just learned that this legislation is being fast-tracked and will be heard today in Nevada’s state capitol,” wrote ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH, in an open letter to ADHA Members, colleagues, and members of the healthcare community. “Nevada is the first but likely not the last state where this kind of legislation will be attempted. Is your state next? It’s time to mobilize. Nevada hygienists need your help to get Sections 77-79 stricken from SB495, and here’s what you can do right now, today.”
In its letter, available here, ADHA includes a link to an email contact form for the Nevada governor.
ADHA warns that the proposed changes could lead to inconsistent care and undermine the educational and clinical training standards that have defined the profession. “These alterations could lead to inconsistent care, insufficient oversight, and a fragmentation of the collaborative model that supports whole-person oral health,” the letter states.
The association is coordinating with the Nevada Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA) and engaging directly with lawmakers and committees in an effort to remove the sections in question from the bill.
“Call Governor Lombardo’s Office immediately and express your opposition to Sections 77-79 of Senate Bill 495 and request those sections be stricken,” ADHA urges.
According to ADHA, the proposed pathway contradicts long-established accreditation safeguards designed to ensure that dental hygienists are adequately prepared to provide evidence-based care. “Accreditation standards are not arbitrary obstacles; they are essential safeguards that ensure practitioners are thoroughly prepared to deliver safe, high-quality and equitable care,” the letter notes.
ADHA is also encouraging dental educators, clinicians, students, and stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant and monitor similar legislation in their own states.
“Together, we can protect the future of oral health care by defending the principles that support quality education and the well-being of the communities we serve,” the letter states.
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