By Kelsey Turner, M.Ed, ADHA Staff
September 17, 2025
Through ADHA’s Student Chapter Program, dental hygiene students have opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, connect with peers and showcase their impact on the dental hygiene profession.
More than two-thirds of all U.S. dental hygiene programs have ADHA student chapters, which range from 5 to over 100 student members per school. In order to participate in exclusive opportunities like the Outstanding Student Chapter Awards and the Annual Student Chapter Video Competition, chapters must complete or renew their free online registration with ADHA by October 1 annually. These competitions not only celebrate creativity and leadership but also come with prize funds that support student chapter initiatives and activities on campus.
Imagine if your dental hygiene program won funding for wellness events, graduation celebrations and clinic improvements. Here’s how three winning ADHA student chapters used their recognition and award money to make a difference for their programs, patients and peers.
At Pacific University, the ADHA student chapter used their 2025 Outstanding Student Chapter Award winnings to tackle one of dental hygiene’s biggest challenges: stress. They brought their entire student body together for a wellness-focused event. With support from ADHA, they hosted a wellness lunch, bringing in a mental health specialist to share strategies for self-care and balance during the demanding school years.
“This recognition by ADHA reminds us that the work we’re doing matters and gives us a little extra morale to keep showing up and doing our best,” said student Mary Tran, 2025 student chapter president. “It also gave our leadership team a sense of pride and, at least for me, inspired me to keep going.”
View Howard Community College ADHA Student Chapter’s winning video on the diversity of their students.
At Howard Community College, prize funds covered graduation sashes and a final semester celebration creating lasting memories and pride for the entire cohort. Students were celebrated for their success with recognition from the college president! They described their 2023 winning video experience as a highlight of their program and one that gave them confidence to stay engaged and connected.
“Winning second place boosted morale, motivated students to continue striving for excellence, and fostered a stronger sense of unity,” shared student chapter faculty advisor and associate professor, Mirlina E. Bryant, DMD.
View Westmoreland County Community College ADHA Student Chapter’s winning video on dental appointment anxiety.
The Westmoreland County Community College student chapter took their winnings straight to patient care in their clinic. Inspired by their own video on patient anxiety, students used prize funds to add plants, blankets, ergonomic pillows, books and puzzles to create a calming environment for patients. They also invested in a DSLR camera to support future cohorts’ clinical documentation and capstone projects.
Students used winnings to brighten their clinic and create a calming environment.
“The experience inspired a deeper level of student engagement and pride in being part of the ADHA,” said student chapter faculty advisor, assistant professor and director of clinical services, Amanda Kundrod, MA, RDH, EFDA, CDA, PHDHP. “It validated their efforts and showed them that their contributions matter at a national level.”
No program is too small to make an impact! Across these chapters, the advice is the same: don’t be afraid to showcase your story. Lean into creativity, share your chapter’s unique voice, and celebrate your successes. Participation in ADHA’s student programs can open doors to new opportunities—and is a reminder that your contributions are valued. The video competition for 2025 begins in October.
Your program could win in the next challenge! Registration for ADHA’s Student Chapter Program runs August 1 – October 1 annually. ADHA provides comprehensive resources and guidance to help you start and maintain a successful student chapter.
Don’t let another year of opportunities pass by; learn how to register your chapter. Don’t miss your chance to connect with peers, grow as a leader and start competing for the recognition and funding your program deserves.
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Kelsey Turner, M.Ed is the director of ADHA Membership Engagement. She may be reached at [email protected].
ADHA gratefully acknowledges Heartland Dental for their continued sponsorship of ADHA Student Chapter programming.
