PDHA Public Health Council

PDHA has received an update on the state planning for the Basic Screening Survey that was supposed to be conducted this fall by the PA Coalition for Oral Health (PCOH). Due to the disruption to all schools that has occurred as a result of COVID19, the PA Coalition for Oral Health, with input from the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, has decided to postpone our Basic Screening Survey program until the 2021-2022 school year. As a result, we will not be accepting applications for PHDHP screeners and holding a training this year. PCOH thanks everyone who has already taken the time to submit an application; they are looking forward to releasing a similar ask next spring and will retain all of those applications already received.

In an effort to increase access to oral health care for all Pennsylvanians, the PDHA Public Health Council assists dental hygienists in finding avenues for community health service and serves as a resource for dental hygienists working in public health settings. It also recognizes state-wide initiatives that increase access to oral health care and identify and implement projects that serve the underserved populations in Pennsylvania.

This dynamic group is led by Beth Zimmerman, RDH, MEd, of Sadler Health Care Center in Carlisle and Perry County, and Diane Creme of Welsh Mountain Health Center, New Holland in Lancaster County.

Quick Links

  • Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner

  • Public Health Free Clinics

  • Web Resources / Videos

  • Nursing Home Project

The Council organizes:

  • – “Sealant Saturday”, now in its ninth year and at over 24 sites around the state
  • – Nursing Home and Long Term Care Facilities Staff In-Service Training Program aimed to improve the oral health and hygiene for residents – Contact Laura DeHennis
  • – PDHA Public Health Committee: contact Beth Frushon Chair at [email protected]
  • – Website resources for hygienists interested in working in Public Dental Health.

A database that will facilitate resource and information exchange is now being developed. To join this private list of dental hygienists and healthcare professionals, please send your email address to PDHA Central Office. Include your name, degrees, address and phone number (optional). Please sign on to our exclusive resource list at your earliest convenience.

Visit our list of Resources for dental hygienists working in community health programs and our list of Pennsylvania Dental Health Clinics that will help you connect your time and talents with existing programs.

Have suggestions? Know of additional resources? Need information? Want to offer your help? Please contact us – we are eager to hear from you!

  • Information on Alternative Dental Hygiene Practices in states outside Pennsylvania

Sealant Saturday Photos

February 29th – The Fortis Scranton Dental Hygiene students hosted it’s 8th annual Give Kids a Smile Day event on Saturday February 29, 2020. Approximately 30 children were provided with free exams, prophylaxis, fluoride, radiographs, and sealants. There were 19 dental hygiene students, 5 RDH’s and 2 dentists that volunteered their time.
February 8th – Thank you to all that made the Northwest Component’s Sealant Saturday in Meadville a success! On February 8th, 2020 volunteers saw 27 patients, placed a total of 208 sealants and applied a varnish to everyone seen. The community is grateful for your dedication, and we look forward to hosting again in 2021!