Systemic barriers to oral healthcare persist in the U.S., but expanding dental hygienist autonomy may improve access to care, according to a new white paper dated September 10 by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. While these challenges exist, so do varying state laws for dental hygienists. For example, Colorado gives dental hygienists full autonomy while Mississippi restricts their practice. In Colorado, research shows that only 10% of low-income adults describe their oral health as poor. “Through ADHA’s strong advocacy work and growing federal presence, we’re making dental hygienists’ voices heard as vital healthcare providers and demonstrating that our profession is essential to solving America’s oral health crisis.