Utah Dental Hygienists' Association

Now is the time that our components are beginning to have elections for our state delegates. For many years all of the policies and rules of the Utah Dental Hygienist Association had to be voted on by the general membership. This was a hardship because it was time consuming and the majority of the members never knew before the business meeting what they were voting on. As our professional organization grew we were representing less of our members because only a few were present to vote on business matters.

In an effort to be more progressive and spread out the decision making process the Utah House of Delegates was born. Now we more closely mirror the American Hygienist Association and we are more effective in approving policies to help our state.

The last few years have been a test of our house. We have has successes because more of the general members have access to the policy manual and the bylaws. We have had additional hygienists become familiar with a more formal meeting and delegates have had more of an opportunity to study issues that will affect Utah hygienists. We have faced challenges in filling delegate positions, establishing quorums, and delegates knowing state issues. Our goal is to continue to improve communication on a state and national level about concerns confronting Utah and also our profession.

Now is your chance to be a state delegate. It is an opportunity to learn how our state functions, have a voice in the direction of our state goals, learn the proper procedure testifying in any large business meeting, (that would be the parliamentary procedures), and do a service for your profession.

Because we are still a small house every effort is made to make you feel comfortable with any technical jargon. For a small investment of your time you can really help make a difference in Utah. (You would also receive a neat manual that explains everything and a special name tag that proves you are important).

Please consider volunteering for this great opportunity. We need you, and we think you need us too! It's your chance to help us grow while you gain a great insight to UDHA's goals.

Number of delegates elected from each component:
Southwest Regional: 4
Central: 4
Salt Lake: 12
Northern: 9
The last delegate will be the student delegate chosen by the SADHA delegates.

90 Minutes or 90 Dollars

The UDHA is asking members to donate $90 to our PAC fund (which will then be given to key campaigns) or you can donate 90 minutes of your time hanging door flyers or stuffing envelopes for a chosen politician.

Legislative Advisories

National Provider Identifier Number Required in '07
In 2007, any dental hygienist who is self-employed, an independent contractor, the proprietor of a dental hygiene business, or has any reason to file an insurance or Medicaid form, will need to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Entities which provide and bill for services will need an NPI as well. The NPI will replace health care identifiers, such as Medicaid provider numbers, in use today in electronic transactions governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). (http://www.adha.org/enews/01042007.htm)

Do you want to help?

Please call ADHA at 1-800-243-2342 press #1 to verify your contact information for our phone tree.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to the association for legislation purposes please send contribution to:

Utah Dental Hygienists' Association
PO Box 571406
Murray, UT 84157