Access Practice Agreements : Survey
If you are a hygienist, dentist, dental hygiene student, or dental student, please, scan the QR code or follow the link on the right and take a few minutes to fill out the survey.
The IDHA Legislative Committee's Access to Care Task Force has partnered with the Indiana Dental Association and the Indiana Department of Health, in collaboration with an IUFW professor to create this survey.
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We hope to gain insight in the currents perspectives and attitudes around Access Practice Agreements. This survey will help IDHA build CE programs and other resources to further support dental professionals interested in providing direct access dental care.
IDHA Access to Care Task Force
IDHA members and non-members with a passion for increasing care to underserved populations in Indiana are encouraged to join the IDHA Access to Care Task Force.
The current focus of the Task Force is promoting the use of Access Practice Agreements in Indiana. ​
For more information or to join email the co-chairs, Kimmy Rezutko Trustee@in-dha.com and Heather Waldron Treasurer@in-dha.com
IDHA Access to Care Task Force
Current Strategic Plan
Access Practice Agreements
What is Direct Access?
Direct Access refers to the ability of a dental hygienist to initiate treatment based on their assessment of a patient’s needs, without the specific authorization of a dentist, treat the patient without the presence of a dentist, and maintain a provider-patient relationship.
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It is the position of the ADHA that oral health care—a fundamental component of total health care—is the right of all people.
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Lack of access to oral health care is a critical issue in the United States due to disparities in the health care delivery system.
What is an Access Practice Agreement (APA)?
An Access Practice Agreement is a contract between a dentist, dental hygienist, and a facility that allows a dental hygienist to enter into direct access in Indiana.
An Access Practice Dentist (APD) is a DDS with an Indiana license that has entered into an APA with a dental hygienist.
As Access Practice Dental Hygienist (APDH) is a DH with an Indiana license that has entered into an APA with a dentist.
Is an APA the same as independent practice?
No.
Direct access in Indiana is in no way/shape/form dental hygiene independent practice.
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The APDH cannot work under an APA setting without entering into a contract with a APD.
In addition, all billing is completed through the DDS. This legislation does not authorize direct reimbursement for an APDH.
APA Fact Sheet
The following link provides all facts related to APA
What does HB 1116 actually allow a dental hygienist to do?
This bill allows dental hygienists to enter into direct patient care without prior authorization (examination) by a dentist.
The DDS and DH will have to enter into a contract (that will be available from IDA and IDHA) and utilize consent forms (templates will also be available from IDA and IDHA) to help with patient acknowledgement and possibly compliance.
The bill is intended for preventive therapies (others can be completed in the setting WITH authorization by a DDS) and will require electronic charting to be considered.
You can find the legislation here: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2023/ic/titles/25/#25-13-3-1
Access Practice Agreement
Sample Contract
Access Practice Agreement
Sample Consent Form
NPI information
https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/#/
