The ADHA works tirelessly to advance our profession and support our members. From advocacy and legislative work to events, conferences and publications, this page is a great way to catch up on what you may have missed! Consider it your window into how your membership investment is being put to work. Check back often for the latest updates!
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MAY 2025
IOH Foundation Names Recipients of the ADHA25 Travel Grant
ADHA Issues Statement on FDA Action Regarding Ingestible Fluoride Prescription Products
ADHA25 registration opens on May 7 with Early Bird Rates and new experience packages
ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz attends the South Dakota DHA Annual Session
New on Hygienist Hub
Defending Dental Health in Post-Fluoridation Utah
Inspiring the Future as a Hygienist Inspired Ambassador
What 2,000 RDH Revealed in a State of Work Report
Atraumatic and Minimally Invasive Restorations: Managing Early Childhood Caries
ADHA Announces Collaboration on Advocacy, Research and Mental Health with GoTu
ADHA hosts Mental Health + The Dental Hygienist virtual course on May 3
New Podcast Episodes
Episode 160: Standing Our Ground: Professional Ethics in an Era of Change
APRIL 2025
ADHA and IFDH Issue Joint Position Statement on Qualified Dental Hygiene Providers
ADHA Joins 250 Health Organizations in Support of Community Water Fluoridation
ADHA signs on to a collaborative letter to Congress reaffirming the importance of adding fluoride to water.
ADHA Warns CDC Cuts Jeopardize Oral Health Prevention Programs
Potential public health crisis looms as critical prevention programs face elimination.
ADHA Supports Community Water Fluoridation Amid Recent Challenges
ADHA warns that removal of fluoride would harm public health and increase the burden of dental disease.
Celebrating Student Proud Week 2025 For Next RDH Gen
Future dental hygienists celebrated with daily challenges, career coaching and prizes sponsored by Heartland Dental.
ADHA and Aquoral partner for Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Aquoral sponsors free events, content and CE to educate and raise awareness of oral cancer screening and solutions for support.
Nebraska becomes 12th state to sign DDH Compact into law
Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 148 on April 14 enacting the compact for license portability.
Nevada DHA defeats dental assistant scaling bill
NDHA celebrated a big win at their 2025 Oral Health Day on April 15, 2025 at the Nevada State Legislature.
New on Hygienist Hub
For Public & Profession: A Battle Well Fought in Nevada
Redefining the Front Line: Transforming Our Approach to Oral Cancer
Small Wonder, Mighty Hygienists: The Need for Progress in Delaware
Federal Advocacy
ADHA hires Lobbyit to support federal legislative advocacy on behalf of dental hygienists.
Journal of Dental Hygiene April Issue
Vol. 99, Iss. 2 of the journal is live and available at jdh.adha.org
New Podcast Episodes
Episode 159: Independent Practice: A New Frontier in Dental Hygiene
Episode 158: Creating A Culture for Practice Success
Episode 157: Elevating Dental Hygiene: The 2025 Standards
Live Webinars in April
Elevating Care: New Standards in Clinical Dental Hygiene (now available on-demand)
Oral Complications of Oncologic Treatments and the Role of Dental Hygienists
Hygiene Retention in the Dental Practice
VoterVoice Campaigns
ADHA wrapped this session’s compact campaigns with wins in AR and NE—momentum’s growing, and key states are still in play!
Midwest Region Advocacy Meeting
ADHA met with Midwestern leaders to discuss legislative updates, prep for recess, and share methods keeping advocacy strong in every state.
ADHA at the National Oral Health Conference
Jennifer Hill, Interim CEO, and JoAnn Gurenlian, Director of Education, Research & Advocacy attended the ASTDD Board Meeting, participated in the Roundtable featuring the DDH Compact, and met with the Dental Hygiene Liaisons (sent photo)
ADHA Leaders attend the NDHA Annual Session
President Erin Haley-Hitz and President Elect Lancette VanGuilder attended the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Session in Ashland, Nebraska
ADHA25 Annual Conference session schedule is live at ADHA25 Schedule-At-A-Glance. Feature programs include the Educator’s Workshop, Dentsply Certification Program, and the Curaden USA Certificate Program.
MARCH 2025
Revised Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice Released
Download the updated guidance document sponsored by Crest + Oral-B with evidence-based framework for comprehensive dental hygiene care adha.org/standards
New Position Statement issued on adhering to Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics
Stressing the Code’s role in maintaining the safety of individuals and practitioners during National Ethics Awareness Month
New Edition of the ADHA National Board Review Course Launched
2025 updates include all-new videos, expert-verified content aligned with current NDHBE standards, enhanced quiz feedback and content-area mock exams
ADHA Calls for Adherence to Code of Ethics for Public Safety
Arkansas becomes 11th state to enact DDH Compact legislation
On March 25, 2025, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Senate Bill 111 into law.
Pacific/Western Region Advocacy Meeting
ADHA kicked off its first Western/Pacific meeting, introducing the new Sr. Manager of Advocacy, and discussing state policy concerns and new digital advocacy tools.
VoterVoice Added to ADHA Advocacy Toolkit
ADHA launched VoterVoice to boost advocacy, making it easy for members to contact legislators and take action fast.
BillTrack50 Added for ADHA Leaders to Track Legislation
ADHA launched BillTrack50, a bill tracking platform helping leaders monitor legislation and stay ahead on key issues.
2025 ADHA Student Delegates Announced
Students from 10 districts were selected to attend the virtual ADHA House of Delegates in June and help shape policy.
Advocacy in Action: ADHA protects and shapes the future of dental hygiene and public health
ADHA published in RDH Magazine about uniting dental hygienists to protect patient safety and secure our profession’s future through advocacy.
New Podcast Episode
Episode 156: Hygienist Inspired: Chairside Recruitment to Grow Our Workforce
New on Hygienist Hub
Dear Graduates, Welcome to the Profession. Your Voice Matters
Our Association is Important: A Perspective in Consideration of the U.S. Dept. of Ethics
On the Trail of Irene Newman, the World’s First Dental Hygienist
Unlocking Your Leadership Potential in ADHA
ADHA at the ADEA Annual Session
ADHA Director of Education, Research & Advocacy and Chair of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure, Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian represents ADHA at the meeting and presented a program on the DDH Compact.
Montana Dental Hygienists’ Association Lobby Day, March 2
Live Webinars in March. Now available on-demand.
Compact Comparisons: Which is Best for Hygienists? (March)
Validity, Reliability & Oral Health Clinical Licensure Exams
ADHA partnered with NNOHA where Dr. Gurenlian presented at a webinar on Leadership Pathways for Dental Hygienists in Public Health.
ADHA participated in the ADEA Annual Meeting and Dr. Gurenlian presented on the DDH Compact during one of the educational sessions.
FEBRUARY 2025
Journal of Dental Hygiene – February Issue
Vol. 99, Iss. 1 of the journal is live and available at jdh.adha.org
ADHA celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month
New on Hygienist Hub
How I Overcame Burnout and Returned to Dental Hygiene
New Podcast Episode
Episode 155: Hospital-Based Pediatric Dental Hygiene Care: A Necessity
Mississippi Dental Hygienists’ Association, Oral Health Lobby Day, February 6
Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association Lobby Day, February 26
Minnesota Dental Hygienists’ Association Lobby Day, February 26
February 28 Declared West Virginia Dental Hygienists Day, VWDHA at Capitol
Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association Lobby Day, February 21
ADHA Urges Utah Governor to Veto Bill Eliminating Community Water Fluoridation
The Vital Role of Dental Hygienists in Chronic Disease Care, Chicago, IL, February 22
In-person ADHA course on the oral-systemic connection and the importance of dental hygienists in proactive treatment planning. ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz in attendance.
ADHA Industry Relations Council meets in Chicago for full-day meeting
ADHA and partners share knowledge and expertise to elevate the profession, expand the workforce, and improve lives through ongoing meaningful collaboration.
ADHA Leadership Submits Testimony Opposing Changes to Faculty Accreditation Standards
ADHA and Partner Organizations Submit Joint Letter Correcting Misrepresentations About DDH Compact
ADHA Board Approves Interim Policies on Local Anesthesia and Training Requirements
Live Webinars in February. Now available on-demand.
Inclusive Dental: Build a Team & Practice for Neurodiversity
The ADHA25 Annual Conference Call for Proposals closed on January 17. Educational sessions are selected and invitation letters to speakers sent. Authors of highly rated proposals not selected are invited to prepare a live or on-demand webinar or write an article for Hygienist Hub.
JANUARY 2025
New on Hygienist Hub
From Policy to Law: Understanding the Legislative Process and Timeline
Alcohol and Cancer Risk 2025: U.S. Surgeon General’s Report
Dental Clinic Deserts in the U.S.: Spatial Accessibility Analysis
New Podcast Episode
Episode 154: Fluoride: Battling Misinformation and More
Hawaii Dental Hygienists’ Association Lobby Day, January 15
Live Webinars in January. Now available on-demand.
Empowering Independence: A Journey to Professional Autonomy
Risks in Patient Care for Hygienists: Tips to Avoid Lawsuits
ADHA provided comments to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs proposed standards for dental hygienists
ADHA supported the VA’s proposed dental hygiene standard, advocating for the full scope of practice and quality care for veterans nationwide.
ADHA created a legislative advocacy packet and letter template for states to address the Dental Access Model Act (DAMA)
This follows the formal position statement opposing DAMA that ADHA issued in December.
ADHA Staff and Officers met with the ADA representatives on January 15 to discuss recent ADA resolutions, the Dental Access Model Act, strategies to address workforce shortages, DDH Compact, and future collaboration opportunities.
ADHA participated in finalizing a recommendation for the CMS Physician Fee Schedule for 2025, submitted February 10.
The Compact Commission met on January 21 to review and approve bylaws, elect officers, review draft rule making, and discuss committee descriptions and model language. 12 states have filed DDH Compact Bills for 2025 including: Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Texas, Arizona, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Vermont. Several more states anticipating introducing Compact legislation this year.
ADHA Supports Veterans Affairs’ Initiative to Create Unified Standards for VA Dental Hygienists
DECEMBER 2024
Journal of Dental Hygiene – December Issue
Vol. 98, Iss. 6 of the journal is live and available at jdh.adha.org
New Podcast Episodes
Episode 153: Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Year-end Fireside Chat with Your 2024-2025 ADHA Officers
Episode 152: IOH Foundation: Supporting Our Community, Our Students and Our Research
New on Hygienist Hub
A Better Future for Dental Hygienists: Addressing Challenges to Strengthen the Workforce
Strategies to Avoid 1099 Workplace Woes – Misclassification Dangers
ADHA Issues Statement Opposing Dental Access Model Act
ADHA Issues Position Statement on Community Water Fluoridation
ADHA Issues Position Statements on Dental Hygiene Education and Addressing Workforce Shortages
NOVEMBER 2024
New on Hygienist Hub
Topical Fluorides May Prevent Radiation Caries in Adults
Success of School Fluoride Varnish Delivery Programs
Teamwork in Dentistry: The Importance of Working Effectively Together
ADHA Objects to ADA Non-Hygienist Staffing Resolutions, Calls for Constructive Collaboration
New Podcast Episodes
Episode 151: Interdisciplinary Diabetes Care: A Team Approach
Episode 150: On Policy, Workforce & Professional Autonomy
Episode 149: Wake Up to the Oral Impact of Sleep Medicine
Live Webinars in November. Now available on-demand.
The Battle Over Food Addiction
ADHA partners with Association Laboratories to conduct an environmental scan of members and nonmembers. A report will be issued in late spring 2025.
OCTOBER 2024
Journal of Dental Hygiene – October Issue
Vol. 98, Iss. 5 of the journal is live and available at jdh.adha.org
ADHA Board Approves Interim Policies on Scaling Procedures and Airway Health Screening
ADHA Strongly Opposes ADA Resolutions on Staffing Dental Hygiene Positions With Non-Hygienists
ADHA Past President JoAnn Gurenlian Named New CMDL Chair
ADHA Reaffirms Support for Dental Hygienists Performing OMT
New Podcast Episodes
Episode 148: Drop the Drill: minimally Invasive Dentistry
Episode 147: RDH Investigates (National Dental Hygiene Month
New on Hygienist Hub
New Guidelines for Blood Pressure Lower Treatment Target
Step Up, Step Out and Embrace Your Role as an Elite Healthcare Provider
The Case of Concealed Carcinoma
The Case of Do or Dry
The Case of DIY Diastema
The Case of Curious Cancer Complications
New ADHA Professional Member category is launched
This category provides hygienists within two years of graduation 35% off professional dues.
Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice committee begins work on revising this important guiding document, which is scheduled to be made available in March 2025.
SEPTEMBER 2024
New Podcast Episodes
Episode 146: From Shark Tank to Dental Triumph: A FLAUS-some Journey
Episode 145: Behind the Scenes: An RDH’s Role in Corporate Innovation
ADHA Teams Up with Colgate® for National Dental Hygiene Month 2024
ADHA Maintains Policy and Recommendation of Low Fluoride Levels for Caries Prevention
Live Webinars in September. Now available on-demand.
Sleep Related Breathing Disorders: Hiding in Plain Sight!
Uncovering, Addressing & Treating Dry Mouth
Dr. Gurenlian attends the quarterly Executive Committee Meeting of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure (CMDL) September 18-19, 2024, representing ADHA and is elected Chair.
AUGUST 2024
Journal of Dental Hygiene – August Issue
Vol. 98, Iss. 4 of the journal is live and available at jdh.adha.org
New Podcast Episodes
Episode 144: Recruiting our Future Workforce
Episode 143: One on One with the ADHA President, Erin Haley-Hitz
New on Hygienist Hub
5 Vaccinations Adults Need Beyond COVID and Flu
The PerioGene North Study Uncovers Serum Proteins Related to Periodontitis
Live Webinars in August. Now available on-demand.
Trauma-Informed Care in Dental Care: Dental Hygienists’ Role
ADHA hosted a legislative workshop on September 11, at 7:00 pm CT about building an effective legislative agenda.
The DDH Compact is enacted! The requisite ten states have passed legislation to support licensure portability and increased access to care: Iowa, Washington, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Virginia, Kansas, Maine, Colorado, Minnesota, and Ohio. The Council of State Governments (CSG) hosted the first Compact Commission Meeting on August 28.
JULY 2024
New on Hygienist Hub
Patient Education on Periodontitis Link to Other Diseases
New Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for Acute Dental Pain Management for Adolescents
Interventions to Prevent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: RDHs’ Impact
New Podcast Episodes
Episode 142: Podversations at ADHA24 – Bonus Episode
Episode 141: Podversations at ADHA24, Saturday
Episode 140: Podversations at ADHA24, Friday
Episode 139: Podversations at ADHA24, Thursday
Episode 138: ADHA24 in NOLA! Know Before You Go
Episode 137: Mainely Teeth: Filling the Gaps
The ADHA Announces 2024 Class of Professional Fellows
ADHA Announces New National Leadership for 2024-2025
ADHA24 Annual Conference is held July 27-29 in New Orleans, LA. ADHA hosts a sold-out advocacy session on 7/27 – Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact: Join the Momentum! Following this session, Matt Shafer from CSG and Dr. Gurenlian met with individual states to answer questions about the DDH Compact and the Compact Commission.
ADHA works with the Oral Health Alliance (OHA) to prepare comments to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) on the benefits of fluoride in the water supply, toothpaste, and diet that were submitted to the DGAC on July 11.