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
Your Association...In Action
Legislative Updates
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.
HB 1254 has advanced out of committee. For the bill to become law, it must pass the House of Representatives, pass the Senate, and be signed by the Governor.
SB 180 has similar language and is somewhat a continuation of HB 1254
SB 174 – Various Health Matters
Senate Bill 174 would prohibit the addition of certain chemicals to public water supplies under specified conditions. The intent of this legislation is to affect community water fluoridation practices.
SB 174
THIS BILL IS NO LONGER ACTIVE
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.
Dental hygienists are eligible to participate in the compact if they have:
-
An active, unencumbered license in any state participating in the compact agreement
-
Passed the National Board Examination or other exam accepted by the compact commission
-
Completed a clinical assessment
-
Graduated from an education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
-
No disqualifying criminal history
