Advancing autonomy in dental hygiene education
Dawn Buju joins Jackie Sanders in this RDH podcast. Dawn was inspired by the work of Derek Sven regarding the autonomy of dental hygiene education. She became interested in comparing the dental hygiene curricula to the dental curricula and has looked into the educational differences, licensing, and educational standards.
With autonomy comes the ability of choice. This is not about being anti-dentistry; it’s giving you the ability to work under a hygienist, a mobile unit, a hospital, with children, with the elderly, and more. Autonomy doesn’t say you can’t continue in the role you’re in; it just gives other hygienists the opportunity to make a bigger difference in access to care with their advanced education.
The more knowledge and education we acquire on this topic, the stronger our voice becomes.
About the Author
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH
Chief Editor, RDH magazine
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, is a respected dental industry leader with more than 40 years of experience in dental hygiene, marketing, and professional relations. As chief editor of RDH, she is dedicated to advancing the dental profession through education, innovation, and collaboration. Prior to this role, she served as manager of professional relations and communications for Sunstar/GUM, building strong connections with industry associations, educational institutions, and dental professionals nationwide. Jackie has also contributed her expertise through committee service with organizations including the American Dental Education Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dawn Buju, BSDH, RDH
Dawn Buju, BSDH, RDH, a clinical dental hygienist with over 20 years’ experience, is an emerging educator focused on advancing dental hygiene autonomy and professional self-regulation. She integrates evidence-based practice with adult learning principles to strengthen workforce development and expand equitable access to oral health care. Dawn’s work centers on policy advocacy and learner-centered educational design. She is currently in a master's program.