FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association Announces 2025 Class of Professional Fellows
Third cohort of distinguished dental hygienists earns prestigious FADHA designation, bringing total Fellows to 349
LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 5, 2025—The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the largest association representing dental hygienists in the United States, announced its 2025 class of ADHA Professional Fellows during a reception Saturday evening, October 4th, at the 2025 ADHA Annual Conference. The 94 dental hygienist members of the ADHA earned the distinction of Fellow of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (FADHA) through a rigorous application process that recognizes exceptional achievement, ongoing commitment to education and dedication to the dental hygiene profession.
With the addition of the 2025 class, ADHA now celebrates 349 Professional Fellows representing 47 states. These dental hygienists have demonstrated sustained excellence in clinical practice, education, research, public health, leadership and advocacy.
“As we enter the third year of this program, we’re demonstrating how the FADHA designation opens doors for ADHA Fellows,” said JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, Ph.D., AAFAAOM, FADHA, ADHA director of research, education and advocacy. “When we launched the new Educational Methodologies Course series this year, for example, Professional Fellows were the first subject matter experts we contacted to author courses. This is exactly the kind of opportunity that comes with this designation—recognition as leaders who advance the profession through their expertise and commitment.”
The FADHA designation is a lifetime designation awarded to ADHA members across all practice settings and career stages. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of five years of ADHA membership, 100 continuing education credits over any five-year period, active participation in the profession through practice, scholarship, volunteerism or leadership, along with professional references, a current CV and a statement describing contributions to dental hygiene.
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- A group of the 2025 Class of ADHA Professional Fellows poses with ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder and ADHA President-Elect Jessica August (center) and FADHA program leaders Dr. Leciel Bono and Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian (right) at the fellows reception held at the 2025 ADHA Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif. on Oct. 4, 2025.
“This year’s class represents the depth of talent and dedication that defines our profession, across all professional roles that dental hygienists hold,” said Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA, ADHA president. “Our Fellows are shaping the future of dental hygiene through their work in communities, classrooms, research labs and clinical settings. Their commitment to excellence elevates our entire profession.”
Fellows receive a distinguished lapel pin, certificate and access to an exclusive directory for networking and mentoring. They are prioritized for volunteer and paid roles on committees, special projects and continuing education programs. Fellows also receive VIP recognition at ADHA conferences and special acknowledgment on the ADHA website, newsletters and social media.
The complete list of the 2025 class of ADHA Professional Fellows can be found at adha.org/education/fellowsprogram/2025fellowsclass/.
The 2025-2026 application cycle is now open through Aug. 1, 2026, with designations awarded year-round as applications are approved. All Fellows are celebrated annually at the ADHA Annual Conference, though attendance is not required for program participation.
For complete details about the ADHA Professional Fellows Program, visit adha.org/fellowsprogram.
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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]