ADHA Leadership Submits Testimony Opposing Faculty Accreditation Standards Changes

 

CHICAGO, February 28, 2025 – As the leading voice for dental hygienists in the U.S., the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) has submitted written testimony to the Members of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in strong opposition of the proposed modifications to the faculty accreditation standard which would allow internationally trained dentists and dental hygienists to bypass the requirement of graduating from a CODA accredited program.

We believe removing this requirement poses significant risks to educational standards and patient safety, and we urge all dental hygiene educators to join us in opposition of this proposed change. Comments on the proposed changes to the Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education Programs can be submitted here. Comments for all proposed standards revisions are due June 1, 2025.

The text of the letter to the CODA Commissioners is as follows:

________________________

February 28, 2025

Testimony Opposing the Proposed Change to Faculty Accreditation Standards

Dear CODA Commissioners,

On behalf of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, we are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposed modification to the faculty accreditation standard, Standards 3-6 (c) and 3-6 (d), which would allow internationally trained dentists and dental hygienists to bypass the requirement of graduating from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited program. This change undermines the integrity of dental hygiene education and lowers the established standards necessary to ensure the highest quality of training for future dental hygiene professionals.

The current requirement that faculty be graduates of CODA accredited programs ensures that all educators possess a standardized level of education, clinical training, and knowledge of U.S. dental hygiene practice. Removing this requirement and permitting internationally trained dentists and dental hygienists to teach without meeting the same accreditation standards poses significant risks to the profession and to patient care:

  1. Differences in Educational and Clinical Standards – Dental and dental hygiene education and clinical training vary widely across countries. CODA accredited programs uphold rigorous, consistent standards in curriculum, patient care, and competency assessments that align with industry standards, established standards of clinical dental hygiene practice, and healthcare regulations. Internationally educated dental and dental hygiene professionals may not have undergone the same level of instruction, clinical experience, or licensure requirements, potentially compromising the quality of education provided to students.
  2. Inconsistency in Faculty Qualifications – By exempting internationally trained dentists and dental hygienists from the CODA accredited graduation requirement, the proposed change creates a double standard where some faculty must meet stringent educational criteria while others do not. This inconsistency weakens the credibility of faculty qualifications, undermines program integrity, and diminishes trust in dental hygiene education programs.
  3. Potential Risks to Student Training and Patient Care – Faculty members play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of dental hygiene professionals. Allowing individuals without CODA accredited education to teach could result in gaps in knowledge, inconsistencies in clinical instruction, and inadequate preparation for students entering the profession. Internationally trained dental and dental hygiene professionals may not be familiar with essential aspects of practice in the United States, making them less equipped to provide instruction that fully prepares students for their careers in the U.S. healthcare environment. This education shortfall, in turn, could compromise patient care and safety.
  4. Preserving the Integrity of U.S. Dental Hygiene Education – The purpose of CODA accreditation is to establish and maintain high standards across all dental hygiene educational programs nationwide. If faculty are not held to the same rigorous standards required for graduates, it undermines the credibility of the education system and devalues the qualifications of those who have completed CODA accredited programs.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH
ADHA President 2024-2025

Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA
ADHA President-Elect 2024-2025

Jessica August, MSDH, CDA, RDH, FADHA
ADHA Vice President 2024-2025