HR0039 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0039 LRB103 29645 MST 56042 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Nearly everyone who visits the dentist's office is familiar with the role of the dental hygienist; a hygienist performs the deep clean of your teeth, flags trouble spots that could become cavities, reviews how diet can affect the health of your mouth, and much more; a dental hygienist works with a patient to prepare them for an appearance before the dentist; and

WHEREAS, The work of a dental hygienist helps prevent tooth decay and helps maintain a patient's oral health; the importance of having hygienists on staff cannot be understated; and

WHEREAS, A good dental hygienist eases the dentist's burden, freeing the dentist to perform more advanced procedures; and

WHEREAS, Across the country, employers are still struggling to fill certain jobs; that is especially true for dentists trying to hire hygienists and other support staff; in addition, many patients are just now returning to the dentist after a long pandemic break, and they are finding it difficult to schedule an appointment; and

WHEREAS, A poll by the American Dental Association shows that nearly 40% of dentists are trying to recruit hygienists; of those, 95% say it has been extremely or very difficult to hire someone; in the 20 largest U.S. cities, the American Dental Association's polling reveals that only half of hygienist positions are reported as filled; and

WHEREAS, More than 80% of dentists that are recruiting dental hygienists are raising salaries; some are also offering more flexible working hours in an attempt to attract qualified candidates; and

WHEREAS, Staffing shortages have brought greater appreciation for the services of dental hygienists and assistants; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the important role that dental hygienists and assistants play in maintaining oral health; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the Illinois Community College Board to incentivize the dental hygienists programs throughout the community colleges; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the Illinois Community College Board.