BECOMING A MEMBER
The California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) provides an online membership system. It will assist you in signing up as a new member or re-instating your membership.
By becoming a member you will receive event information, newsletters about our organization and activities, exculsive employment opportunities, and be kept abreast about all that is happening within our profession.
Any dental hygienist who holds a certificate or degree in dental hygiene granted pursuant to a dental hygiene program which has a minimum of two academic years of curriculum provided in a college or institution of higher education, the program of which is recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or an appropriate national voluntary agency, or who is licensed to practice dental hygiene in the United States under the provision of a “grandfather clause”; who is licensed to practice in any state, territory or possession of the United States if such a license is required for the practice of dental hygiene; who agrees to adhere to the bylaws and code of ethics of this association; and who agrees to hold membership in a constituent and component of the association if such exists where the member is licensed, practicing or residing; shall be eligible for active membership in this association upon application to the constituent.By becoming a member you will receive event information, newsletters about our organization and activities, exculsive employment opportunities, and be kept abreast about all that is happening within our profession.
Click Button to contact us for more informaiton about becoming a member of both CDHA and TCDHS, want to know more about its many benefits.
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Purpose
Full Description
This component exists for the Dental Hygienists’ to share common interests, activities, education and institutions in fellowship with their professional colleagues. Our mutual goals include:- To represent the profession of dental hygiene
- To provide optimal oral health care to the
public
- To improve the quality of the work life for the
Dental Hygienist
- To reduce obstacles to alternate practice
settings
- To increase the number of people who use
services of the Dental Hygienist
- To provide a channel of communications and
a forum for sharing professional information
- To promote research in the art and science of
dental hygiene
All in a manner consistent with the principles and ethics of the profession.
Licensure
Becoming a Licensed Hygienist in California
The responsibilities of DHBC include issuing, reviewing, and enforcing dental hygiene licenses as well as developing the Law and Ethics examinations. Additional functions include promulgating regulations, establishing and maintaining fees, oversight and approval of dental hygiene educational programs, and continuing education requirements for all dental hygiene licensure categories.
For licensure information for the state of California, click here. To verify that a hygienist is licensed, you can search by name and city here.Dental Hygiene Board of California
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1050Sacramento, CA 95815
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Email: DHBCinfo@dca.ca.gov
Phone: 916-263-1978
Fax: 916-263-2688
More Information
Membership in your professional association is an important step in being recognized as a professional and shows that you value your role as a dental professional. Membership brings opportunities to focus on professionalism through mentorship, networking, education, leadership, and knowledge of issues affecting dental hygiene practice. Membership can make a difference in your life and success as a dental hygienist. Each of us is truly worth the price of professional membership.[click title to expand/collapse]
June 9, 2016
Dear CDHA Members:
I am writing to you to advise you that the California Dental Hygienists' Association's (CDHA) House of Delegates has voted to support the Board of Trustees' decision to terminate any existing charter agreement with the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA). Our House of Delegates also voted to remove any reference to ADHA from CDHA's Bylaws. As a result of these historic decisions by our House of Delegates, CDHA has ended its affiliation with ADHA.
As many of you are aware, the decision to break away from ADHA was not reached quickly or easily. The road to this decision began on October 30, 2015, when ADHA presented CDHA with a new written charter agreement and insisted that CDHA sign it by February 1, 2016. (CDHA asked for an extension of that date and ADHA moved the deadline to April 1). This new charter agreement would have imposed significant new obligations on both CDHA and its Components while providing virtually no additional benefits.
After extensive review of the proposed charter agreement, CDHA repeatedly asked ADHA to modify the proposed charter agreement. By way of reply, ADHA repeatedly stated in correspondence with CDHA and at its recent town hall meetings with CDHA members that it would not consider making any modifications to its proposed charter agreement.
CDHA also requested that ADHA extend the April 1st deadline for signing the proposed charter agreement until after CDHA's June 3-5 House of Delegates meeting to allow CDHA's delegates an opportunity to review and discuss the proposed charter agreement. ADHA refused our request, stating in a March 2, 2016, letter that CDHA's Board of Trustees had the power to execute the proposed charter without approval from the House of Delegates. Faced with the April 1st deadline to sign the charter agreement, the CDHA Board of Trustees voted at its regularly scheduled March 18, 2016, meeting to terminate any existing Charter Agreement with ADHA. This decision was based on the Board of Trustees' concern for the welfare and best interests of CDHA, its Components, and its members.
At the House of Delegates meeting this past weekend, CDHA's delegates had the opportunity to revisit the decision by the Board of Trustees to terminate any existing charter agreement with ADHA as well as the opportunity to vote on whether CDHA should sign ADHA's proposed charter agreement. ADHA was given the opportunity to speak at the House of Delegates meeting. ADHA sent its chief executive officer, Ann Battrell, President, Jill Rethman, and District XI Trustee, Lin Sarfaraz to present its case for signing the proposed charter agreement and answer questions from the delegates. After extensive debate, the House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly to reject ADHA's proposed charter agreement and to accept the Board of Trustees' decision to terminate the relationship with ADHA. As mentioned above, the House of Delegates has also approved Bylaw changes removing all references to ADHA.
CDHA remains committed to being your voice, and representing and leading California dental hygienists. We will provide you with additional information shortly regarding CDHA's new direction. In the meantime, please send CDHA and your Component dues directly to CDHA. You will find membership information online at CDHA.org. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at CDHA.org or call: 916-993-9102.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Sincerely,
Julie Coan, RDH, MPH, CDHA President
Lory Laughter, RDH, MS, President-Elect
Lygia Jolley, RDH, BA, Immediate Past President
Tracy Boyan, RDHAP, BS, Secretary-Treasurer
Darla Dale BSDH, RDHAP, Vice President Administration and Public Relations
Brenda Kibbler, RDHAP, BHSc Vice President Membership and Professional Development
Dear CDHA Members:
I am writing to you to advise you that the California Dental Hygienists' Association's (CDHA) House of Delegates has voted to support the Board of Trustees' decision to terminate any existing charter agreement with the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA). Our House of Delegates also voted to remove any reference to ADHA from CDHA's Bylaws. As a result of these historic decisions by our House of Delegates, CDHA has ended its affiliation with ADHA.
As many of you are aware, the decision to break away from ADHA was not reached quickly or easily. The road to this decision began on October 30, 2015, when ADHA presented CDHA with a new written charter agreement and insisted that CDHA sign it by February 1, 2016. (CDHA asked for an extension of that date and ADHA moved the deadline to April 1). This new charter agreement would have imposed significant new obligations on both CDHA and its Components while providing virtually no additional benefits.
After extensive review of the proposed charter agreement, CDHA repeatedly asked ADHA to modify the proposed charter agreement. By way of reply, ADHA repeatedly stated in correspondence with CDHA and at its recent town hall meetings with CDHA members that it would not consider making any modifications to its proposed charter agreement.
CDHA also requested that ADHA extend the April 1st deadline for signing the proposed charter agreement until after CDHA's June 3-5 House of Delegates meeting to allow CDHA's delegates an opportunity to review and discuss the proposed charter agreement. ADHA refused our request, stating in a March 2, 2016, letter that CDHA's Board of Trustees had the power to execute the proposed charter without approval from the House of Delegates. Faced with the April 1st deadline to sign the charter agreement, the CDHA Board of Trustees voted at its regularly scheduled March 18, 2016, meeting to terminate any existing Charter Agreement with ADHA. This decision was based on the Board of Trustees' concern for the welfare and best interests of CDHA, its Components, and its members.
At the House of Delegates meeting this past weekend, CDHA's delegates had the opportunity to revisit the decision by the Board of Trustees to terminate any existing charter agreement with ADHA as well as the opportunity to vote on whether CDHA should sign ADHA's proposed charter agreement. ADHA was given the opportunity to speak at the House of Delegates meeting. ADHA sent its chief executive officer, Ann Battrell, President, Jill Rethman, and District XI Trustee, Lin Sarfaraz to present its case for signing the proposed charter agreement and answer questions from the delegates. After extensive debate, the House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly to reject ADHA's proposed charter agreement and to accept the Board of Trustees' decision to terminate the relationship with ADHA. As mentioned above, the House of Delegates has also approved Bylaw changes removing all references to ADHA.
CDHA remains committed to being your voice, and representing and leading California dental hygienists. We will provide you with additional information shortly regarding CDHA's new direction. In the meantime, please send CDHA and your Component dues directly to CDHA. You will find membership information online at CDHA.org. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at CDHA.org or call: 916-993-9102.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Sincerely,
Julie Coan, RDH, MPH, CDHA President
Lory Laughter, RDH, MS, President-Elect
Lygia Jolley, RDH, BA, Immediate Past President
Tracy Boyan, RDHAP, BS, Secretary-Treasurer
Darla Dale BSDH, RDHAP, Vice President Administration and Public Relations
Brenda Kibbler, RDHAP, BHSc Vice President Membership and Professional Development
Click Here For CDHA Membership Information
Member Benefits
Only members may receive TCDHS, CDHA, State Constituent, and Local Component benefits. Only members may serve in voluntary and elected positions.
Representation
Members receive expert representation on employment and professional issues before state regulatory agencies, the state legislature, the U.S. Congress and, if necessary, in court. Representation is provided by legislative advocates, consultants and lawyers with expertise in representing dental hygienists.
Communications
Members receive newsletters, journals, and e-communications to receive the latest information on information affecting dental hygiene practice and your patients. Local, State, National Officers, and staff are available to assist any member.
Continuing Education
Please visit our Calendar for details. TCDHS sponsors CE programs to keep members current with the state continuing education requirements and informed on the latest developments in dental hygiene through exhibitors and speakers. CDHA sponsors a course in the state journal and hosts scientific sessions in the spring and fall featuring nationally recognized speakers. CDHA annually sponsors Table Clinics, Regional Meetings, and Student House of Representatives for students. Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) also offers a variety of online education opportunities and an exciting onsite education celebration at the Center For Lifelong Learning preceding its Annual House of Delegates
Employment Referral
Each component has an Employment Referral Chair to assist members seeking permanent or temporary employment.
Scholarship Assistance
Financial aid for students and research grants are available to qualifying members.
Disability Insurance
Only dental hygienists who are members of CDHA can obtain discounted coverage through Auerbach & Gussin - Insurance And Financial Services. Contact Jean Rockwell, RDH 858/546-4101 or visit www.auerbachandgussin.com
Relocation
If you have moved, changed your phone number or e-mail address, please contact CDHA by calling (916) 993-9102. Current information allows us to contact you efficiently with updates and professional materials.
Membership Categories
Professional Members
Any dental hygienist who holds a license to practice dental hygiene in the United States and agrees to adhere to hold membership in a Constituent and a Component if one exists where the member is licensed, practicing or residing and who agrees to adhere to the Bylaws and Code of Ethics.
Life Members
In California, application must be made by a Component to the CDHA Board of Trustees by January 1. Eligible members shall meet qualifications found in the CDHA Bylaws. Dues for CDHA and component are waived.
Retired/Senior Members
Active members who have reached the full retirement age as set by the Social Security Administration and have either been an Active member of the Association for an aggregate total of thirty (30) years, or twenty-five (25) consecutive years may apply for Retired/Senior status.
Members With Disabilities
Upon application to CDHA, any dental hygienist unable to be employed due to a verified disability may apply for Disabled status. All such applications must be verified by such members's Constituent and/or Component, and must be accompanied by proof of eligibility each year.
Student Members
Upon application to CDHA, any student in an accredited dental hygiene program, or a graduate pursuing an additional degree complementary to a career in dental hygiene.
Supporting Members
Upon application to CDHA, any licensed dental hygienist who is not employed in a dental hygiene-related career and who agrees to be a member of CDHA and a Component and to abide by the Code of Ethics.
Allied Members
Upon application to CDHA, any individual who supports the purposes and mission of the Association and who is not otherwise qualified for any other class of membership.
International Members
Upon application to CDHA, any licensed dental hygienist residing outside the United States who agrees to abide by the Code of Ethics.
