Turning Chairside Chats into Fulfilling Careers
Created by ADHA in partnership with the Foundations of Delta Dental, Hygienist Inspired is an innovative chairside recruitment program that leverages the strength of the relationships between dental hygienists and their patients to make a difference for the profession. It was created to:
Address Workforce Shortages
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental hygiene employment to grow by 9% between 2023-2033—twice the average rate of other professions. We need more hygienists!
Improve Access to Care
Underserved communities, especially in rural areas and communities of color, often lack access to dental care. Hygienist Inspired seeks to bridge this gap by cultivating professionals from within these communities, offering care that reflects their needs and experiences.
Increase Diversity in the Profession
In 2022, 96% of dental hygienists were female, and 82% were white (U.S. Census Bureau). Striving for a more diverse workforce that is reflective of the population we serve is good for everyone.
Learn More & Get Involved
Gaining Momentum Nationwide
Hygienist Inspired volunteer Allies and paid Ambassadors are the backbone of the program,
which connects future hygienists to pathways for entering the profession, while offering invaluable support every step of the way.
Since launching in early 2025, the program has hit some impressive milestones (and it’s growing every day).
1,000+ Allies
in all 50 States
12
Program States
33 Ambassadors
Connected with 8,550 Consumers
Ambassadors in Action
Kim Freeman, RDH, MPH, is a public health consultant and practicing dental hygienist based in Arizona. She holds degrees from Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona, and brings more than 25 years of experience in dental and public health. An active member of her state oral health coalition, AZDHA and American Institute for Dental Public Health, she regularly volunteers at dental events serving rural and underserved populations across Arizona.
Stacy Onofrietti, RDH, MS, PhD, CHP, FADHA, of New Jersey, has practiced dental hygiene for over 25 years while building a parallel career in dental hygiene education, nutrition research, and access to care program design. A clinical instructor, adjunct professor, and Rutgers University researcher, she has helped develop and implement oral health programs serving migrant children and underserved communities across the state. She is an ADHA Fellow and past NJDHA President.
Lali Williams, LDH, FADHA, of Charlotte, NC, began her dental career as a chairside assistant before pursuing her dental hygiene degree at Normandale Community College in Minnesota. A former SADHA chapter president and now Immediate Past President of the Minnesota Dental Hygienists’ Association, she volunteers with Hope Dental Clinic and TeamSmile and is passionate about patient education and keeping pace with evolving dental hygiene practice.
Organizations are Hygienist Inspired, Too
In addition to individual dental hygienists – oral health companies and dental practices play an essential role in the Hygienist Inspired Program. It takes the entire oral health team to build a stronger workforce! To learn more about how your organization can amplify this industry-shaping program, please reach out to our Hygienist Inspired team at [email protected].