Statement from ADHA Regarding Xylitol Petition to the FDA

CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2025—The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) acknowledges the feedback shared regarding our participation in a petition to the FDA supporting xylitol for caries prevention.  We’re grateful for the feedback shared and are working to strengthen how our communications reflect ADHA’s policies and ongoing commitment to our members and the profession.

On October 3^rd, 2025, the ADHA Board of Directors adopted its first policy on xylitol:

Xylitol for Caries Prevention
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association supports the use of xylitol as part of preventive strategies aimed at reducing dental caries.

We remain firmly committed to the well-established, evidence-based benefits of fluoride as a cornerstone in preventing caries and improving public oral health outcomes.

We value the input we have received, and we are taking steps to ensure that future communications clearly align with the ADHA’s established policies.

For information on recently adopted policies, view the announcement.

For ADHA’s policies and resources on fluoride, visit adha.org/fluoride.

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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]