Bulletin of Dental Education Article

Columbus State Community College Dental Hygiene students recently participated in the Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association’s (ODHA) annual Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse, gaining a first-hand look at the legislative process and the role dental hygienists play in shaping oral health policy.

This experience provided students with an opportunity to step beyond the clinic and into the public policy arena, reinforcing the importance of professional advocacy in advancing the dental hygiene profession.

The ODHA Advocacy Day brought together dental hygienists, educators, students and professional leaders from across the state to engage with legislators on issues impacting the public’s oral health and the evolving scope of dental hygiene practice. Columbus State students participated in meetings with Ohio state lawmakers, where they shared their perspectives as future oral health professionals and discussed the critical role dental hygienists play in preventive care and patient education.

For many students, this was their first experience inside the Ohio Statehouse. Walking the halls where policy decisions are made allowed them to see how legislation directly influences clinical practice, patient outcomes and professional autonomy. Students learned how bills move through the legislative process, how to communicate effectively with elected officials and how personal stories can be powerful tools in advocacy efforts.

From an educational standpoint, ODHA Advocacy Day served as a meaningful extension of the curriculum by reinforcing concepts related to professionalism, interprofessional collaboration and social responsibility. Engaging students in legislative advocacy supports the development of professional identity and aligns with ADEA’s emphasis on preparing graduates who are adaptable, informed and capable of contributing to system-level change in oral health care.

Students reflected that ODHA Advocacy Day increased confidence in their ability to speak about the profession and educate policymakers. Columbus State Community College’s participation in the ODHA Advocacy Day reflects the program’s dedication to preparing students for the full scope of professional practice.

By embedding advocacy experiences into dental hygiene education, programs can help cultivate graduates who are prepared not only to provide high-quality patient care, but also to actively participate in shaping the future of oral health education and practice.

Courtesy of Columbus State Community College Dental Hygiene

Published on February 11, 2026