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2025-2026 ADHA Foundation Chair
Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH
The role of the Foundation Chair is to advance the profession of Dental Hygiene through scholarship, research, and service. In alignment with ADHA, the ADHA Foundation supports oral healthcare professionals throughout their career.
These vital programs would not exist without the generous support of individuals like you, who care about oral health. Your donation makes this work possible. Every donation makes a difference to improve public health by increasing awareness of and access to quality oral healthcare.
“As the 2025–26 ADHA Foundation Chair, I’m honored to lead this important work. Together with our dedicated state liaisons and committees, we’re opening doors for dental hygienists and students across the country. Your support turns vision into reality. Help us shape the future of dental hygiene—and consider becoming a sustaining donor by joining the Legacy League today.”
ADHA Foundation Review Committees
Community Service Grant Review Committee
The Community Service Grant Review Committee includes four reviewers that possess an understanding and expertise in community service programming and performance measures. This Committee reviews all community service grant submissions in any given fiscal year and typically meets at least twice per year to make recommendations to the Board of Directors for Community Service Grant funding.
Research Grant Review Committee
The Research Grant Review Committee is composed of four reviewers that demonstrate prior knowledge and expertise in the field of oral healthcare and dental hygiene research. This Committee must review all research grant proposals for any given fiscal year and meets in the Spring to make recommendations to the Board of Directors for Research Grant funding.
Scholarship Review Committee
The Scholarship Review Committee consists of three reviewers that exhibit expertise in the field of dental hygiene higher education. This Committee must review all completed scholarship applications for each of the Foundation’s scholarships. This Committee meets in the Spring to make recommendations to the Board of Directors for Scholarship funding.
ADHA Foundation Liaison Committee
The ADHA Foundation Liaison Committee consists of three volunteer leaders, representing each of the ADHA Regions, who serve for a period of two years. The primary focus of this committee is selecting and supporting the liaisons through mentorship while assisting with national fundraising activities. This group plays an integral role in the pursuit of our mission and goals. The committee is also responsible for choosing the recipients of the annual Liaison Appreciation Awards.
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- Cathy Berard
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- LeeAnn Winkler
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- Barbara Lynch
ADHA Foundation Liaisons
ADHA Foundation Liaisons are volunteers, grassroots fundraisers, ADHA leaders, and change-makers. The fundraising efforts they lead on behalf of the Foundation directly support scholarships, community service initiatives, research grants, and travel grants that benefit members across the United States. They also serve as important advocates within their communities, working closely with state and local chapters to communicate the needs of their members to the national ADHA Foundation, helping ensure that Foundation programs and resources effectively support the dental hygiene profession.
Liaisons are appointed by the Liaison Committee and must complete an application for consideration. Successful candidates must have previous fundraising experience and a strong commitment to the ADHA Foundation’s mission. There is no limit to the number of liaisons a state may have, allowing states to build strong networks of engaged advocates and fundraisers.
Liaisons serve a one-year term running from July 1 through June 30. At the beginning of each fiscal year, fundraising expectations are established for each state to help advance Foundation priorities and maximize impact nationwide.
Whether you are an emerging leader looking to make a meaningful difference in the profession or a past ADHA leader with an extensive network who wants to remain connected and continue serving the profession, the Liaison role offers a unique opportunity to create lasting impact while strengthening your leadership and fundraising experience.
To show appreciation for their dedication, the Foundation hosts an exclusive, invitation-only Liaison Reception at the ADHA Annual Conference each year. Liaisons are also eligible for recognition through the Annual Liaison Appreciation Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions. Throughout the year, additional incentives and recognition opportunities are offered to reward engagement, fundraising success, and commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
CHECK OUT OUR LIAISON APPRECIATION AWARD CATEGORIES
If you have a true passion for fundraising, believe in the power of philanthropy, and want to help shape the future of dental hygiene, becoming an ADHA Foundation Liaison may be the perfect opportunity for you. Complete the liaison application and email it to [email protected]
Volunteer Opportunities
The ADHA Foundation has partnered with our friends at Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® to offer year-round involvement opportunities with their Mobile Community Program. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to work with children in your community reinforcing the importance of maintaining good oral health habits.
Each of Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures’ mobile dental vans is a “dental office on wheels,” specially designed to help establish a friendly environment for all children. Staffed by volunteer dental professionals, the mobile dental vans feature two dental chairs and a waiting area where children learn about healthy habits.
We have also partnered with TeamSmile, a national nonprofit that works with dental professionals and professional sports teams to provide free dental care, education and comprehensive treatment to underserved children, all within a fun, engaging environment.
Volunteer dental professionals deliver top‑quality care using mobile equipment and high‑grade materials to ensure every child receives the best possible treatment.
*Student ADHA members, please email [email protected] to inquire about eligibility for volunteer shifts.