ADHA Board Approves New Policies at Long Beach Meeting
CHICAGO, Oct. 3, 2025—The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Board of Directors approved several new policies during its board meeting held in Long Beach, California, on October 3, 2025. The meeting took place the day before the opening of the ADHA25 Annual Conference in the same location.
The newly approved policies reflect ADHA’s continued commitment to advancing the dental hygiene profession, improving access to oral health care, and supporting evidence-based practice. These policies will guide the association’s advocacy efforts and provide direction for the profession as it addresses evolving healthcare needs.
Policies Adopted by the Board
Dental Hygiene Doctorate as Entry-Level Degree
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) supports the establishment of the dental hygiene doctorate degree as the entry-level degree for dental hygienists to enhance clinical competencies, expand the scope of practice, and elevate the profession within the healthcare system by 2032.
Opposition to Non-CODA Accredited Training Pathways
ADHA amended its existing policy on accreditation to state: The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is opposed to the recognition of preceptor training, the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program, or any other mechanisms which bypass existing CODA-accredited minimum educational requirements for the dental hygiene scope of practice.
Support for Dental Therapists
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association supports dental therapists as mid-level oral health professionals who provide care to the public to improve access to care.
Full Practice Authority for Dental Hygienists
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) supports the establishment of Full Practice Authority (FPA) for licensed dental hygienists in all U.S. jurisdictions.
Xylitol for Caries Prevention
The American Dental Hygienists Association supports the use of xylitol as part of preventive strategies aimed at reducing dental caries.
Why These Policies Matter
ADHA policies provide essential guidance for the dental hygiene profession and serve as the foundation for the association’s advocacy work at the state and federal levels. These policies help inform legislative efforts, support professional standards, guide educational requirements, and advance evidence-based practice among dental hygienists nationwide.
These policies represent a selection of those approved at the October 3, 2025 board meeting. Members can reference these and all current ADHA policies in the association’s official policy manual at adha.org/policymanual.
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About the American Dental Hygienists’ Association
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is the only organization representing the professional interests of the more than 226,000 dental hygienists in the United States. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. The Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH), published bi-monthly, is ADHA’s scientific journal and flagship publication. To learn more about the ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit adha.org.
Media Contact
Bronwyn Barrera
ADHA
(312) 440-8911
[email protected]