Welcome to the Indiana Dental Hygienists' Association. United by common goals and aspirations, we've built something extraordinary—a place of belonging and strength for every member. Whether you are a seasoned dental hygiene professional or dental hygiene student, you've come to the right place. We are dedicated to empowering future leaders across the state of Indiana, while supporting our members through education, advocacy and community. To learn more or become a member, Click Here
Dear IDHA Members,
The landscape of dental hygiene in Indiana is officially changing. We are asking you to show up, voice your concerns and demonstrate to our legislative representatives that Indiana Hygienists care about the future of our profession.
Join Legislative Committee Member, and former IDHA President, Kathy Nahrwold, RDH and IDHA Executive Director, Valerie Messer, RDH as they share critical legislative information and the latest updates impacting our profession.
All IDHA members are invited to attend an in-person Legislative Update Event. We have extended the meeting invitation to local legislators.
What we’ll cover:
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Legislation for Indiana Dentists and Dental Hygienists
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Licensure Pathways
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Impact of HB 1254
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OPA Model
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Advocacy in Action: How IDHA is protecting your professional standards.
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Q/A Session: Have your questions ready for Kathy and Valerie
Event Details: All Meetings are held from 6-8pm EST. 6:00 – 6:30 social time, 6:30-7:30 presentation. Menu options are available for individual purchase, 1 Continuing Education Credit Hour is provided. (*different event details apply)
IDHA Legislative Committee Update – May 20, 2026
The IDHA Legislative Committee met on May 20 to discuss advocacy priorities, member engagement, and preparations for upcoming legislative activity.
Key Updates:
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Legislator Outreach: Members are encouraged to begin contacting legislators during the first week of June to educate them about oral health issues and concerns regarding Oral Preventive Assistants (OPAs). Sample scripts and talking points are available, and members are encouraged to personalize their messages while remaining aligned with IDHA’s advocacy efforts.
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Indiana Legislative Council Interim Studies: The Indiana General Assembly has assigned interim study topics for 2026. Legislators will spend the summer and fall researching key issues before the 2027 legislative session. IDHA will continue monitoring developments and opportunities to engage with policymakers.
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Opposition to OPA Legislation: The committee discussed the need for rapid grassroots action regarding potential OPA legislation. Members are encouraged to support advocacy efforts and participate in the ADHA voter voice petition opposing the Dental Access Model Act.
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HI-PAC Update: HI-PAC raised nearly $1,000 at its recent event and had over $5,000 available before the General Assembly session. Fundraising remains a priority, and IDHA is seeking a volunteer to serve as HI-PAC Chair to help lead future fundraising and advocacy efforts.
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Legislative Working Session Planned: A member working session will be held at the STUTZ Building in Indianapolis, sponsored by P1 Dental Partners. This event will focus on strategic planning and advocacy action items. Attendance is open to all members, with space limited to 40 participants. More information to come.
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General Assembly Policy Review: The committee reviewed recently adopted General Assembly actions and discussed next steps for developing plans and deliverables that align with member-approved policies.
How You Can Help:
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Contact your legislators in June
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Sign and share advocacy petitions related to OPA legislation
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Support HI-PAC fundraising efforts
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Participate in upcoming legislative working sessions and advocacy initiatives.
Strong member engagement remains critical to protecting patient safety, advancing the dental hygiene profession, and ensuring hygienists have a voice in Indiana’s legislative process.
Sample Scripts and Directions for Contacting Legislators:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15LDP044Scnqd1lSDjCm-YDeNuMPmnzbihnr47fT4GMg?tab=t.baayx16ctl0b
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Voter Voice Petition:
https://www.votervoice.net/ADHygienists/Petitions/6591/Respond
Your Association...In Action
Legislative Updates
Monthly Legislative Meeting
Wednesday 6:30-7:30 pm EST
Google Meeting
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*meeting dates subject to change
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April 8
May 15
June 17
July 8
August 12 September 9 October 14 November 11 December 9
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The main goal of the IDHA Legislative Committee is to work in conjunction with our Lobbyist and the Indiana Dental Association.
Legislative Changes impacting Dental Hygiene in Indiana
HB 1254 – Various Dental Matters; Respiratory Care
House Bill 1254 proposes updates to dental hygienist qualifications and regulations governing nitrous oxide administration. The bill impacts dental hygienists, respiratory care practitioners, and individuals seeking licensure in Indiana.
If enacted, this legislation would permit dentists educated and trained in foreign countries to obtain licensure as dental hygienists in Indiana by successfully completing the required board examinations and submitting academic transcripts for review and approval by the Indiana Dental Board.
Additionally, HB 1254 would revise the credentialing requirements for Nitrous Oxide certification. Under the proposed changes, certification would no longer be limited to programs accredited solely by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Instead, certification programs approved by the Indiana Dental Board would be acceptable. This change is intended to allow organizations such as the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) and the Indiana Dental Hygienists’ Association (IDHA) to offer qualifying certification courses.
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SB 180 has similar language and is somewhat a continuation of HB 1254
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HB 1254 AND SB 180 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR MIKE BRAUN
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IDHA Session Recap
During the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly, Sand Strategies closely
monitored legislation impacting the Indiana Dental Hygienists Association, particularly proposals
related to foreign trained dentists (FTDs). As anticipated following earlier discussions between
IDHA and the Indiana Dental Association (IDA), two bills were introduced—HB 1254 as a
stand-alone measure and SB 180 as a broader bill containing multiple provisions—both allowing
FTDs to practice dental hygiene. Ultimately, both measures passed with identical language,
avoiding any statutory conflict. IDHA maintained a neutral position and did not testify in support
of or opposition to either bill. Throughout the process, Sand Strategies worked closely with IDA
to ensure key safeguards were incorporated, including requiring FTDs to take the same
licensure examination as dental hygienists and, at our recommendation, adding language
clarifying that FTD education transcripts must be submitted in English. These provisions help
protect professional standards while addressing workforce considerations.
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Supporting Relationships:
In addition to our direct lobbying efforts, we strengthened IDHA’s overall relationships
with key policymakers and policy influencers for strategic advocacy and brand awareness. This
included stakeholders from:
- Indiana General Assembly
- House & Senate leadership, committee chairman, rank and file, executive staff.
- Indiana Executive Branch
- Local units of government
- Member organizations, economic development organizations, industry stakeholders
- HRCC and SMCC
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SB 174 is no longer active​
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Council of State Governments: Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact
HB 1031 INDIANA 2025 DID NOT PASS
Licensure portability is coming!
The Council of State Governments (CSG) is partnering with the Department of Defense (DoD), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) to support the mobility of licensed dental hygienists through the development of a new interstate compact. This compact will create reciprocity among participant states, and reduce the barriers to license portability. As a practitioner, you will need to complete continuing education units in the state where you hold a qualifying license to maintain your qualifying license. You will not need to complete units for states where you hold compact privileges.
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Dental hygienists are eligible to participate in the compact if they have:
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An active, unencumbered license in any state participating in the compact agreement
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Passed the National Board Examination or other exam accepted by the compact commission
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Completed a clinical assessment
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Graduated from an education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
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No disqualifying criminal history
