FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADHA Issues Statement Opposing Department of Education’s Exclusion of Dental Hygiene from Professional Degree Definition
Organization expresses concern over impact on student loan access and healthcare workforce during critical shortages
CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2025—American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) issued a statement today opposing the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to exclude dental hygiene from its proposed definition of professional degree programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
On Nov. 6, 2025, the Department of Education’s RISE Committee reached consensus on new federal student loan caps in response to the OBBBA. Beginning in July 2026, graduate students will be limited to $20,500 annually while professional students can access $50,000 annually. The Department’s narrow definition includes dentistry, pharmacy, and law—but excludes dental hygiene. The policy also eliminates Grad PLUS loans, which previously allowed students to cover educational costs beyond standard federal loan limits.
“This decision creates significant financial barriers for students pursuing master’s degree programs in dental hygiene at a time when our nation faces critical healthcare workforce shortages,” said ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA. “Limiting access to federal student loans will force students to seek private loans with higher interest rates, making advanced education less accessible when we need it most.”
ADHA urges the Department of Education to revise its proposed definition and engage with healthcare stakeholders. The organization will continue to advocate for dental hygiene students and encourages the community to participate in the public comment period when it opens.
The full statement is available at adha.org/positions.
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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
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ADHA
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