Are you a dental hygienist looking to join a professional organization? There are many organizations dedicated to the dental hygiene profession, each offering unique benefits and opportunities. The American Association of Dental Assistants (AADA) and the American Association of Dental Hygienists (AADH) are two of the most prominent organizations in the field. The National Association of Dental Hygienists (NDHA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been dedicated to uniting and empowering dental hygienists for over 100 years. It is committed to cultivating and promoting the art and science of dental hygiene, and its members are actively involved in efforts to improve access to oral health care for underserved communities.
The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine also offers a full-time teaching position as director of the residency program in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In addition, there are 26 professional dental associations that organize events for their members and carry out professional development initiatives to serve the common good of the dental industry. The NDHA was founded in 1932 by African-American dental hygienists in order to address the special problems faced by minority hygienists in the profession, as well as to unite the limited number of minority dental hygiene professionals in the United States. Eugenie Mobley and Barbara Ashby Robinson, from the Meharry Medical School, contacted all the African-American dental hygienists they knew and invited them to meet in Detroit, Michigan, in order to reactivate the organization.
Joining a professional organization has many advantages for dental hygienists. ADHA is an educational partner from the moment you decide to become a dental hygienist throughout your oral health career. It provides a professional foundation for students by acting as mentors in their transition from students to licensed dental hygienists. Becoming an oral health advocate is also an important part of connecting with your community and investing in your career.
If you're looking for professional organizations for dental hygienists, there are many options available. The AADA, AADH, and NDHA are three of the most prominent organizations in the field, each offering unique benefits and opportunities. Joining a professional organization can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, connect with other professionals, and become an advocate for oral health.
