CHICAGO, April 17, 2025 – The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) released a joint position statement today 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. “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. 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,” said 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 full position statement is available at adha.org/positions and ifdh.org.
You can find this press release on the ADHA’s website by clicking here.
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