Change starts with a conversation.

Created by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), in partnership with the Foundations of Delta Dental, Hygienist Inspired is an innovative chairside recruitment program designed to increase diversity, address workforce shortages and improve access to care through meaningful patient interactions and outreach. We’re leveraging the strong relationships between dental hygienists and their patients to make lives – and the profession – better!

Why We Need This Program

  • Address Workforce Shortages >> According to the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute (HPI), nearly 30% of dental hygienists and dental assistants are expected to retire by 2027. Plus, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental hygiene employment to grow by 9% between 2023-2033—twice the average rate of other professions. We need more hygienists!
  • Improve Access to Care >> Underserved communities, especially in rural areas and communities of color, often lack access to dental care. Hygienist Inspired seeks to bridge this gap by cultivating professionals from within these communities, offering care that reflects their needs and experiences.
  • Increase Diversity in the Profession >> In 2022, 96% of dental hygienists were female, and 82% were white (U.S. Census Bureau). Striving for a more diverse workforce that is reflective of the population we serve is good for everyone.

Here’s Where You Come In: Ambassadors, Allies – All of Us!

Expanding the profession won’t happen overnight. We’re calling on everyone – dental hygienists, educators and oral health advocates – to play a role and introduce the RDH career path to patients and community members we encounter. Hygienist Inspired offers several opportunities and ways to get involved! No matter what level of commitment you can make, it will make a difference in helping cultivate the next generation of dental hygienists.

At the heart of the Hygienist Inspired Program are Ambassadors and Allies who will share their passion and expertise to help shape a more diverse, dynamic workforce – supported by training and resources to help connect people to fulfilling careers in oral health. Learn more about these roles below and stay tuned for updates on how you can get involved.

Hygienist Inspired is currently in its Pilot Phase in six initial states: Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio. Not in those states, not to worry! The program will offer plenty of resources for all dental hygienists as it continues to expand nationwide over the next few years. Together, we can inspire future hygienists to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Hygienist Inspired Ambassadors are chosen from a pool of applicants to represent their state (currently AZ, AR, IN, IA, MI, OH). During the Pilot Phase, there are three Ambassadors for each participating state. Ambassadorship requires a commitment to take a leadership role and pledge to shape the program as it develops, as well as think creatively on how to best meet the goals of the program based on the needs of their geography and the communities they serve.

Ambassadors attend expenses-paid in-person training, receive an annual stipend and marketing/education support, and their responsibilities include:

  • Actively conducting chairside recruitment with patients in their operatory
  • Identifying patients and community members who may be strong candidates to become RDHs
  • Conducting or attending community/education events in their area each month (8-10 hours monthly)
  • Collecting data and reporting information and meet virtually on a regular basis with fellow Ambassadors and Allies in their state

Have all the passion for dental hygiene, but not necessarily the time to commit to an Ambassador role? Becoming an Hygienist Inspired Ally might be for you!

Allies are dental hygienists from ANY STATE who and want to support the goals of the program as chairside recruiters. As an Ally you:

  • Attend virtual on-demand training
  • Commit to conversations about the profession with patients and colleagues while you work
  • Share information with interested patients, and encourage other dental hygienists to pass the word
  • Have access to optional education and collaboration events with fellow Allies

Stay tuned: We will open up submissions for Hygienist Inspired Allies in February 2025!

Organizations and dental practices play an essential role in supporting Hygienist Inspired to build a stronger dental hygiene workforce and improve access to care. To discuss how your company or employees can support the mission of this program, please reach out Leah Johnson, Director of Corporate Development at [email protected].

 

 

Hygienist Inspired – I Want to Stay in Touch!

Fill out this form to learn more about Hygienist Inspired and program opportunities as they become available.