Action Alert: Support Investment in the Dental Hygienist Funding Pool

Oral health advocates: We are grateful and excited to share that the Senate included $1 million in funding for the Dental Hygienist Funding pool in their budget proposal. Make sure this investment is included in the final version of the budget by sending a message to the budget conference committee today asking for investment in the oral health workforce! Support Budget Amendment Item 357 #1s to include the Dental Hygienist Funding Pool in the state budget. Virginia Community College System is in need of support: Virginia’s college and university enrollment of dental hygiene students does not meet the demands of patients, employers and prospective students. While dental hygienists earn the highest median salary among two-year health sciences graduates in Virginia, these programs are among the most expensive to operate. Due to high operational costs including requirements for clinical faculty, specialized facilities and equipment, and regulated faculty-to-student ratios, VCCS dental hygiene programs are reluctant to expand enrollment. Additional support is needed to increase program capacity and meet the statewide demand. The solution- public-private funding: Include the $1 million privately-funded pool with a $1 million matching investment from the General Assembly. Money will be awarded to community colleges in Virginia that can immediately expand or establish dental hygiene programs. Colleges apply for funding through a competitive process. A review team made up of funders and oral health advocates review applications and make funding determinations that ensure long term impact and sustainability.