07 May 2025

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Global Hygiene Organizations Unite to Uphold Professional Standards

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We all know the important role hygiene care plays in oral health, but we also need to remember who it is who is leading the way when it comes to providing dental hygiene care.

Earlier this month, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) tried to remind us of all about providing this care. They released a joint position statement advocating for the delivery of dental hygiene care exclusively by qualified professionals who have completed accredited educational programs and obtained proper licensure. 

The statement, titled “Qualified Dental Hygiene Providers,” responds to recent legislation in the U.S. that allows individuals without proper education, training and credentials to perform dental hygiene services. Both organizations stress the critical need to maintain educational and professional standards that protect patients. 

“Across the globe, the dental hygiene profession is at a crossroads with numerous challenges regarding our autonomy and credentials,” said IFDH President Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, in a press release. “Disguised as ways to alleviate workforce shortages, these efforts are quick fixes that won’t address the root causes of personnel shortages. These efforts could endanger the public by allowing those without the thorough training of licensed dental hygienists to treat patients.”

Rethman added that the IFDH “stands with the ADHA opposing any effort to dilute the dental hygiene profession.” 

The statement highlights the essential role dental hygienists have in disease prevention and therapeutic care, noting that licensed dental hygienists complete 84-120 credit hours of curriculum for entry level eligibility into the profession. 

“As the largest professional association for dental hygienists in the United States, the ADHA is proud to partner with the IFDH in leading the global dental hygiene community,” stated ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS. “Together, we are committed to establishing and upholding the highest standards of education and practice, ensuring dental hygienists worldwide continue to deliver exceptional care.” 

Both ADHA and IFDH support strategies that enhance recruitment into the profession and address workplace challenges, rather than lowering professional standards.  

The ADHA is the only organization representing the professional interests of the more than 220,000 dental hygienists in the United States. 

The IFDH is an international non-profit association based in Rockville, Maryland, that consists of over 30 member countries, and unites national organizations of dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral therapists and oral health therapists by fostering leadership and collaboration. 

Source: www.adha.org