New Resources Help Improve Access to Dental Care in Maine
October 21, 2024
Homepage view of the newly released Maine Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) to Independent Practice Dental Hygienist (IPDH) Toolkit, a first-of-its-kind resource for Maine RDHs seeking to practice under IPDH authority.
Around the world, accessing dental care remains a challenge, negatively impacting the health and well-being of children and adults. MCD is pleased to announce new, free virtual resources to support current and prospective oral health professionals in Maine.
Maine Registered Dental Hygienist to Independent Practice Dental Hygienist Toolkit
The Maine Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) to Independent Practice Dental Hygienist (IPDH) Toolkit is a first-of-its-kind resource for Maine RDHs seeking to practice under IPDH authority.
With access to traditional dental offices at an all-time low, many patients are turning to IPDHs for dental care, such as preventive and early intervention cavity stopping therapies. Despite IPDH practice being allowed in Maine for more than a decade, many RDHs lack the necessary skills to be successful in this care delivery model.
This new tool helps RDHs gain the knowledge they need to succeed as community-based practitioners, making it easier for them to become IPDHs in Maine.
“This is a long overdue resource that has been needed for years,” said Courtney Vannah, MCD’s Oral Health Initiatives senior program manager. “Thanks to the support of the Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine (COHN), the Oral Health Industry Partnership initiative, and other partners who contributed to this resource, Maine RDHs finally have the support they need to step into the full potential of their professional licensure.”
Maine Dental Connection and Dental Steps Toolkits
With COHN, MCD developed the Maine Dental Connection Toolkit that provides tools and resources to implement the Maine Dental Connection’s care model based on the virtual dental home approach.
This model enhances access to oral health care by connecting Maine’s network of providers and using teledentistry for virtual exams and treatment plans with dentists; thus, reducing demand for in-office appointments.
In addition, MCD and COHN have adapted this model for primary care offices allowing for community-based dental care in more accessible medical settings. Integrating oral health into these environments increases the availability of vital oral health care.
Both toolkits are available on MCD’s Telehealth Classroom website and can be accessed by creating a free account.
Maine Dental Career Center
The Maine Dental Career Center helps connect people to oral health careers. This site explores the different career options in Maine, including how to add the oral health navigator skillset to resumes and become a dental hygienist, dentist, and more. It also provides details about how a person can start their journey for each career.