Presented to the M膩noa Faculty Senate by the Committee on Academic Policy and Planning for a full vote on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, a resolution recommending the approval of the proposal for an advanced professional certificate for expanded function dental hygiene in pediatrics (EFDH).听 Approved by the M膩noa Faculty Senate on February 21, 2018 with 36 votes in support; 1 vote opposed; and 3 abstentions.
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL FOR AN
ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE FOR EXPANDED FUNCTION DENTAL HYGIENE IN PEDIATRICS (EFDH)听听 听听听
WHEREAS, the State of Hawai驶i Department of Health 2016 Hawai驶i Smiles report, based on oral health surveillance of third graders in 2015, revealed that more than 7 out of 10 (71%) experienced visible tooth decay, with 22% of them having untreated decay; and
WHEREAS, dental hygienists can impact the oral health as well as overall health of children; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the proposed Advanced Professional Certificate in Expanded Function Dental Hygiene (EFDH) is to provide specialized education in pediatric oral health promotion and disease prevention for dental hygienists; and
WHEREAS, such a Professional Certificate will increase access to oral health services for children, especially those ages 0-5 years; and
WHEREAS, this builds upon the knowledge and clinical experiences of graduates of the University of Hawai驶i at M膩noa (UHM) Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Science (BS) Program and Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) in the State of Hawai驶i; and
WHEREAS, this program has received five years of funding (2017-2022) from the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Workforce Development program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for the development and implementation of pediatric-focused curricula for dental hygienists to receive enhanced education to meet the oral health needs of children; and
WHEREAS, an essential element of the grant is a sustainability plan that focuses on strategies for the continuation of the program once the grant cycle has ended; therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the M膩noa Faculty Senate recommends approval of the proposal to establish an Advanced Professional Certificate in Expanded Function Dental Hygiene (EFDH).