FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPA Strengthens Its Alliance with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association

SEPA and the leading organization representing dental hygienists in the United States, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), have signed a cooperation agreement to develop joint initiatives in education, scientific exchange and the promotion of oral health.

MADRID, July 17, 2026—The Spanish Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration (SEPA) has entered into a collaboration agreement with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the leading organization representing dental hygiene professionals in the United States, with the aim of strengthening continuing education, knowledge exchange and the development of joint initiatives that contribute to improving both oral and overall health.

The agreement, signed by SEPA President Dr. Paula Matesanz and ADHA Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Hill, establishes several areas of collaboration. These include the development of educational programs aimed particularly at dental hygienists, the exchange of scientific and educational resources, the organization of joint symposia and sessions at the annual congresses of both organizations, and the launch of international training activities. In addition, both institutions will explore new opportunities to promote collaborative projects that advance the profession and improve oral health care.

Consolidating Collaboration and Advancing Education

“Signing this agreement represents another step forward in SEPA’s strategy to consolidate its position as one of the global leaders in periodontology and oral health,” said Dr. Paula Matesanz, President of SEPA. “It is fully aligned with our commitment to building partnerships with organizations that share our vision of education, scientific evidence and prevention as the cornerstones of oral health.”

Under the agreement, SEPA will share with ADHA members the initiatives and work programs developed primarily by its Prevention and Dental Hygiene Community. Access to activities specifically designed for dental hygienists will be facilitated, and representatives of ADHA will be invited to participate in the SEPA Annual Congress. In turn, ADHA will recognize SEPA as a collaborating organization through its institutional channels, offer its educational programs to members of SEPA’s Prevention and Dental Hygiene Community, and work jointly on the development of new academic and professional initiatives.

“Our collaboration with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association will strengthen ties between professionals in both countries, promote knowledge sharing and create new opportunities for the professional development of dental hygienists,” added Dr. Matesanz. “We are convinced that international cooperation is an essential tool for continuing to improve patient care and to promote evidence-based oral health practices.”

The agreement will initially remain in force for three years and reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to fostering professional excellence, strengthening international collaboration and raising awareness of the importance of oral health across society.

This new alliance forms part of SEPA’s broader strategy to expand its network of partnerships with international scientific and professional organizations dedicated to promoting oral health. In recent months, SEPA has established new agreements with leading organizations to encourage knowledge exchange, research and continuing education, including a recent partnership with the Continental European Division of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (CED-IADR), aimed at promoting high-quality research in oral health. SEPA continues to strengthen its global profile and its commitment to scientific advancement and professional excellence for the benefit of patients and the entire dental community, as demonstrated by the recent “Working Together to Stop Tobacco and Nicotine” initiative, held on June 4, 2026, which brought together 33 countries and more than 75 speakers as part of the Levi Richman Integration Initiative, promoted by the AAP Foundation and the SEPA Foundation.

###

About the Spanish Society of Periodontology and Osseointegration
With more than 6,000 member periodontists and oral health professionals, SEPA is the Spanish scientific society dedicated to periodontology and implant dentistry, and is recognized as a global leader in periodontal science and clinical practice. The Society promotes high-quality clinical training, the dissemination of scientific knowledge and research in oral health. To learn more, visit sepa.es.

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 Contacts
Jaume Pros
SEPA
+34 913 142 715
[email protected]

Bronwyn Barrera
ADHA
(312) 440-8911
[email protected]