FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Dental Hygienists’ Association Announces 2026-2027 Board, First Under New Governance Model

New competency-based board structure marks ADHA’s 100th presidential term

Headshot of Jessica August

Jessica August, MSDH, RDH, CDA, FADHA, begins her term as the ADHA’s 100th president.

CHICAGO, July 1, 2026—The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) today announced its 2026-2027 Board of Directors, the first full board seated under the governance model the association adopted in July 2025. Jessica August, MSDH, RDH, CDA, FADHA, begins her one-year term as ADHA’s 100th president.

“I’m incredibly proud of what this moment represents for ADHA. This board brings together talented leaders from across the profession who share a commitment to serving our members and moving dental hygiene forward,” said Jennifer Hill, ADHA’s chief executive officer. “I look forward to partnering with them as we continue building a stronger future for our association.”

August, of Yakima, Washington, is Assistant Dean of Allied Dental Education Programs at Yakima Valley College and a longtime ADHA member and volunteer at the local, state and national levels.

Additional officers seated for 2026-2027 include:

  • Christina Emmert, RDH, PHDH, PRP, FADHA, of Rockford, Ill., as president-elect, advancing under ADHA’s new presidential line of succession, in which the vice president automatically transitions into the role.
  • Jody Berinato, RDH, BS, FADHA, of Parkville, Md., as vice president.
  • Laura I. M. Green, RDH, M.Ed., FADHA, of Sandy, Utah, moving from director to treasurer.

The board’s directors-at-large include:

  • Jennifer Avery, RDH, MPH, CDHC, of Benton, Ark.
  • Amanda Berthiaume, MSDH, RDH, CDA, FADHA, of Springfield, Mass.
  • Leciel Bono, RDH-ER, MS, EdD, FADHA, of Aberdeen, Idaho
  • Maureen Brown, BSDH, MS-HIED, RDH, of Rockwall, Texas
  • Shawna Greer, RDH, MDH, FADHA, of Humble, Texas
  • Hali Householder, RDH, COM®, BSPH, FADHA, of Greenwood, Ind.
  • Laura Vanderwerf, BSDH, RDH, EPDH, CDA, FADHA, of Cornelius, Ore.

This is the first board seated through ADHA’s new selection process, which replaced the century-old House of Delegates. Rather than electing representatives by geographic district, board candidates applied directly and were evaluated on professional qualifications and organizational need. Under ADHA’s bylaws, the board may include up to nine directors-at-large.

The change also allows any ADHA member to submit policy and bylaw proposals to the board year-round, rather than waiting for an annual delegate meeting. ADHA’s mission to advance dental hygiene, support its members and protect oral health for the public remains unchanged.

Learn more about ADHA leadership at adha.org/bod.

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About the American Dental Hygienists’ Association
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is the largest organization representing the professional interests of the more than 220,000 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 bimonthly, 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]