National Dental Hygiene Month

October is National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) and the IOH Foundation has several opportunities for members to get involved. For more details, check out the information below.

Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures Mobile Dentistry Volunteer Project

In partnership with our friends at the Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF) program, the IOH Foundation is offering nationwide volunteer opportunities throughout the entire month of October. Students and licensed dental hygienists are encouraged to give back to communities in need, and to help to spread awareness of this worthy initiative. A variety of volunteer shift dates, locations, and hours are being offered at one of eight mobile units that BSBF will be utilizing for the project. Students and practitioners can click below for shift information.

Volunteer Opportunities

A valid photo ID will be required for all volunteers and an additional copy of your dental hygiene license will be required for anyone signing up for a shift that requires licensure.

Virtual Trivia Night – “The Horrors of Oral Health”

All ADHA members are invited to the second installment of our 2-part virtual trivia series! Aptly themed, this trivia contest will quiz participants on the “dark-side” of oral health. Prizes will be given to the top 3 contestants and extra points will be given to anyone who shows up in costume. More details and link to register below.

Date: Friday, October 25

Time: 7:30PM (CT)

Location: via Zoom

Cost: $20/person

Trivia Night Registration

All proceeds will benefit IOH Foundation scholarships and grants.

Social Media Promotions

Throughout the month, the IOH Foundation and the ADHA will be promoting NDHM and we’re asking members to spread the word by liking, commenting, tagging, and reposting our NDHM content. We may also be hosting some fun “pop-up” contests, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and keep checking for new posts.

Donate to the IOH Foundation

Whether it’s a one-time donation or a recurring, monthly donation, every dollar makes a difference! Donors can choose to contribute to a named scholarship or grant or give to the area of greatest need. Help us reach this year’s goal of raising $70,000 and click below.

Make a Donation

IOH Foundation Mission Statement

The ADHA Institute for Oral Health Foundation (IOH) was founded to advance the dental hygiene profession and expand access to oral care through scholarships, research grants and community service grants.

 

In collaboration with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), IOH helps ADHA members meet educational needs, expand the field of dental hygiene and provide oral health care and education to their communities. IOH will continue to improve the public’s total health by increasing the awareness of and access to quality oral healthcare for all.

IOH is dedicated to:

  • Empowering dental hygienists to improve the public’s health through community service grants
  • Supporting advancements in the dental hygiene profession through research grants
  • Developing dental hygienists’ access to educational programs through scholarships

Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Scholarship Winners & Grant Recipients!

Associate Scholarships

Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures Minority Scholarship
Abigail Davis

Hu-Friedy/Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarship
Cheyenne Natt
Gracie Schell

Kenvue Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Michelle Kenny
Hunter Morrissette

Karla Girts Memorial Community Outreach 
Sidney Gregory

Baccalaureate Scholarships

Dr. Esther Wilkins Scholarship
Abby Rennau

Hu-Friedy/Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarship
Kayla Barronton

Karla Girts Memorial Community Outreach Scholarship
Leidy Arpin

Kenvue Scholarship for Academic Excellence–Bachelor
Fabiola Luevano
Vy Vu

Wilma E. Motley Scholarship
Natasha Smith

Graduate Scholarships

Alice & Herschel Horowitz Scholarship
Katy Battani

Burch Equity Scholarship
Kristen Valenzuela

Dr. Esther Wilkins Scholarship
Rachel Thelen

Irene Woodall Graduate Scholarship
Renee Alexandre
Sarah Hoerler
Laura Jacob

Community Service Grants

Healthy Start for Texas Teeth Community Spirit Grant
Paula Harris

Mars Wrigley Foundation Healthier Smiles Program
Christine Armstrong
Angela Cameron
Beth Chartier
Kyle Isaacs
Sara Jambard
Holly Jorgensen
Mary Kelly
Aletha Lensing
Amanda Lux
Sonika Masih
Monica Nenad
Stacy Onofrietti
Kristen Redman
Yvette Reibel
Christel Riitano
Amy Shah
Shankisha Sizemore
Marjean Stamm
MaryJo Toscano

Rosie Wall Community Service Grant
Melissa Davis

Institute for Oral Health Foundation General Research Grant

Emily Ludwig

General Inquiries and Program Information

The ADHA Institute for Oral Health is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 36-3468143. Questions? Email us at [email protected]