Stronger, Together
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is in its 101st year as the largest national organization representing the professional interests of dental hygienists. The ADHA community is made up of more than 220,000 registered dental hygienists (RDHs) from across the country.
We believe dental hygienists should be valued and integrated into the broader health care delivery system in order to improve the public’s oral and overall health.
The Path Forward
Leading the way as a unified force, the ADHA works to support dental hygienists and advance the dental hygiene profession by developing new career paths, expanding opportunities for care, and providing the latest training and information. At every stage of your career, ADHA will help you be at your best for the people who count on you most – your patients. We support your goals by helping to ensure access to quality oral health care; promoting dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research; and representing your legislative interests at the local, state and federal levels. Our members have access to the latest news and research through our industry-leading publications, continuing education courses, scholarships, grants and events. But more than anything, our members value the camaraderie they feel when they are together.
We invite you to join our vibrant community of dental hygienists who share your passion for providing access to oral and overall health.
100 Years in the Making: Governance
Located in Chicago, Illinois, ADHA’s national headquarters is organized into the following divisions, all of which report to the executive director, who works out of the executive office.
Executive Office
The executive office works closely with the ADHA Board of Directors, councils and committees. This office coordinates the association’s annual meetings, manages fundraising and corporate relations, maintains liaison activities with other health organizations, and supports the ADHA Institute for Oral Health.
Member Services
The member services division maintains membership records and communicates with members, potential members, students, constituents, and components on all aspects of membership.
Education and Research
The education and research division promotes the advancement of dental hygiene education through collaboration with the dental hygiene and dental education communities of interest. This division also provides support to the dental hygiene practice community; maintains a database of dental hygiene education programs; and interacts with other health professions, consumer groups, and health workforce agencies. Research promotes the implementation of the National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda, and provides resource support through conferences and research.
Governmental Affairs
The governmental affairs division monitors legislation, works with state legislative chairs, provides information on issues related to legislation and dental hygiene practice, promotes ADHA interests before Congress, monitors federal activities, and administers funds granted for state activities.
Communications
The communications division implements ADHA’s public relations programs and publishes the Journal of Dental Hygiene, the official scientific journal of ADHA. This division is also responsible for the content, creative and marketing strategies that support ADHA membership, education, advocacy and meeting/events divisions, as well as executive office and leadership communications support.
Finance and Management Information Systems
This division oversees ADHA’s assets and audits, maintains accounting records, and manages data processing and the product order department.