Why this matters: Dental hygiene licensure is evolving, but who is shaping its future? This author examines concerns about ADA influence, testing agency independence, and why dental hygienists must lead decisions affecting professional autonomy and licensure standards.

Periodontitis may influence more than oral health, with inflammation potentially affecting iron metabolism, hepcidin levels, and red blood cell production. Understanding this connection can help dental hygienists recognize important clues in patients with anemia and strengthen medical history conversations.