President’s Message

August has always felt like a month of possibility. The gardens are in full bloom, the days are still long, and before we know it, summer will begin giving way to fall. It is also a time to pause and ask ourselves a simple question: How do I want to grow?

Growth doesn't just happen. Anyone who has ever planted a garden knows that seeds need water, sunlight, attention, and patience. Our professional lives are no different. Each of us has our own plant to nurture. Whether that means learning a new skill, stepping into leadership, returning to school, or simply becoming more involved in our profession, the opportunity to grow is always there. The question is whether we choose to water and fertilize it.

One of the things I love most about our profession is that there is no single path. Dentistry offers incredible opportunities for growth at every stage of a career. Dental assistants can continue their education and become dental hygienists. Dental hygienists can expand their practice through an EPDH permit, become dental therapists, pursue advanced degrees, move into education or public health, or become dentists. Every step forward strengthens not only the individual, but our entire profession.

August is recognized as National Wellness Month, reminding us that wellness includes oral health and that prevention is one of the greatest investments we can make in ourselves and in our communities. It is also National Immunization Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of healthcare professionals working together to improve the health of those we serve.

Here in Oregon, we continue to see dental hygienists leading that effort. Expanded Practice Dental Hygienists are bringing preventive care to schools, long term care facilities, community clinics, and rural communities where access to care has historically been limited. Every day, EPDHs demonstrate that oral health is healthcare and that dental hygienists are an essential part of the healthcare workforce.

Our profession continues to evolve because people are willing to grow, to learn, and to challenge themselves. That same spirit of growth is what makes the Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association so strong.

For generations, ODHA members have worked together to advance our profession. The opportunities we have today did not happen by chance. They exist because members before us invested their time, their ideas, and their passion into building something better for the next generation of dental hygienists.

Membership is more than receiving updates or discounts. It is choosing to be part of the future of dental hygiene. It means having a voice in legislation, supporting advocacy that expands access to care, developing leaders within our profession, and ensuring that dental hygienists continue to be recognized as essential healthcare providers.

Our collective voice has always been our greatest strength. Every new member brings fresh ideas, new experiences, and another advocate for oral health in Oregon. If you have a colleague who has not yet joined ODHA, invite them to become part of something bigger than themselves. Together, we can continue creating opportunities for those who will follow us.

Another way we invest in our own growth is through continuing education. Learning should never stop after graduation. The science of oral health continues to evolve, and so do the opportunities available to us. ODHA is proud to offer continuing education that allows members to complete all the hours required for Oregon licensure while learning from outstanding educators and leaders in our profession.

Whether your interests are clinical excellence, medical dental integration, ethics, public health, advocacy, leadership, or expanding your scope of practice, ODHA provides educational opportunities that help you continue growing throughout your career.

As summer begins to wind down, I encourage you to think about what growth looks like for you. Maybe it's earning a new credential. Maybe it's attending a continuing education course. Maybe it's volunteering with ODHA, mentoring a student, or taking the first step toward a career goal you've been considering for years. Whatever it is, remember that your future is yours to cultivate. It is your plant to water and fertilize. The effort you invest today will become the strength, confidence, and opportunities you enjoy tomorrow.

Thank you for everything you do for your patients, your communities, and our profession. It is an honor to serve as your President, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside each of you.

Wishing you a wonderful August and a season filled with purpose, learning, and new possibilities.

Respectfully,

ODHA President 2024-2026 | To email Kim, click here.

ADHA Announces Membership Changes

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is making several significant changes to its membership structure and billing practices beginning this year. These updates are designed to simplify membership categories, provide members with more flexible payment options, and transition ADHA from calendar-year membership to anniversary-based billing.

For ODHA members, many of these changes will take effect beginning September 1, 2026, with additional transitions occurring as current memberships renew for 2027.

Changes to Membership Categories

ADHA has revised several membership categories and dues structures:

• Professional Membership: Dental hygienists licensed in the United States are eligible for Professional membership. Previously, eligibility required graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene education program.
• Retired Membership: Retired members will pay 50% of applicable dues. This replaces the previous structure of 75% of national dues and 25% of state dues.
• New Professional Membership: New Professional members will pay 65% of applicable dues.
• Allied Membership: Individuals who support the ADHA mission but do not qualify for another membership category may join as Allied members and will pay 50% of applicable dues.

ODHA's bylaws will need to be reviewed and revised as necessary to align with the new ADHA membership categories.

Anniversary Billing Begins September 1

One of the biggest changes is the transition from calendar-year billing to anniversary billing.

Under the new system, membership will be valid for 12 months beginning when a member joins or renews. This eliminates prorated dues and the need for a dues calculator. Instead of most members renewing at the same time each year, renewals will eventually occur throughout the year based on each member's anniversary date.

Members will also have three payment options:

• One-time self-payment
• Annual automatic payment
• Monthly automatic payments

Monthly payments will replace ADHA's current quarterly payment option. Monthly payments will be processed on the 15th of each month and will include a $1 monthly administrative fee.

Members may pay by ACH or credit card. ACH payments will not incur a processing fee, while credit card payments will include a 3% fee.

Renewal and Grace Period Changes

Members should also be aware of an important change regarding membership expiration.

The current 45-day grace period is being eliminated. Once the new system is fully implemented, membership will expire on the last day of the applicable membership period if it is not renewed.

To help members prepare, ADHA will begin sending renewal notifications 60 days before the renewal deadline. Communications may include email, text messages, mailed invoices and telephone outreach.

What Happens to Current Members?

The transition will vary depending on a member's current payment method.

Existing Self-Pay Members: Membership will expire on January 1, 2027, if it is not renewed by December 31, 2026. Current members who would like to change their future anniversary month without allowing their membership to lapse should contact ADHA Member Services.

Existing Annual-Pay Members: Membership will expire on January 31, 2027. Annual payments will be charged on January 15 rather than January 1. If payment cannot be successfully processed, membership will end on February 1, 2027.

Existing Quarterly-Pay Members: Quarterly payments will continue through the end of 2026. Membership will expire on January 31, 2027, with the next payment processed on January 15. If payment cannot be successfully processed, membership will end on February 1, 2027.

ADHA Exploring Tiered Membership

ADHA is also preparing a Tiered Membership Pilot that could introduce additional membership choices beginning in January 2027. Participation will be limited to selected states, so these options should not yet be considered changes to ODHA membership.

The proposed pilot includes:

• Associate Membership – No dues: Includes ADHA email newsletters only. Associate members would appear on membership rosters.
• New Professional Membership – $216: $162 would go to ADHA and $54 to the state association. Members would receive full membership benefits.
• Professional Membership – $336: $252 would go to ADHA and $84 to the state association, with full membership benefits.
• Premium Membership – $660: $528 would go to ADHA and $132 to the state association. Premium members would receive full benefits plus 50% off events, identity theft protection, a certificate and pin, and 20% off conference boutique purchases.

Up to 10 states will be selected to participate in the pilot.

What Should ODHA Members Do Now?

For most members, no immediate action is necessary. However, this is a good time to make sure your email address, mailing address, phone number and payment information are current with ADHA, particularly as ADHA transitions to anniversary billing and expands its renewal notifications.

Members using automatic payments should also watch for changes to their January 2027 billing dates and ensure their payment information remains valid.

ODHA will continue to communicate with members as these changes are implemented and will provide additional information about how the new ADHA membership structure affects Oregon members.

Questions about your individual membership, renewal date or payment method should be directed to ADHA Member Services by emailing [email protected] or calling (312) 440-8900.

Call for 2026 ODHA Award Nominations 

The Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association has an annual awards program that recognizes ODHA members & community partners who have demonstrated exemplary service, dedication & contributions to the dental hygiene profession in Oregon. 

The Lynn Ironside Access to Care Award recognizes an ODHA member who has made a significant contribution to increasing access to dental care for underserved patients. This award was established by ODHA in 2016 to honor Lynn Ironside for her many years of work to increase access to care for underserved patients & to advance the dental hygiene profession. Lynn’s advocacy work with ODHA led to Oregon becoming one of the first states to create an opportunity for dental hygienists to practice without the supervision of a dentist so that they could increase access to dental care for underserved patients.

The Lois Whitford Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award recognizes an ODHA member who has made exceptional contributions to dental hygiene on the local, state, & national levels for an extended period of time, & who is known widely for their achievements & service. It is a prestigious award, which is presented only as warranted by the accomplishments of an Oregon dental hygienist.

The Outstanding Partner Award recognizes a community partner (agency, association, coalition, corporation, legislator, volunteer, etc.) who has worked in collaboration with the ODHA to advance the dental hygiene profession. Community partners are essential to achieving ODHA’s mission to provide advocacy, professional development & networking opportunities for dental hygienists & the dental hygiene profession.

For more information or to submit a nomination for any of these awards, visit www.odha.org/rdh-and-industry-awards. Awards nominations are due by Friday October 9, 2026, and will be presented during ODHA's virtual Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 11, from 7 to 8 pm.

Call for ODHA Leadership Positions

ODHA is seeking passionate & engaged members to join the 2026-2027 ODHA leadership team.  No matter what your experience or location, we need you to help build our future together!  We want to hear your thoughts & work in partnership with you to guide our association & advance our profession. 

Any ODHA member in good standing is eligible to run for a position. If you are interested in leadership or would like to nominate someone, please complete the online Nomination Form by September 30th. Individuals must consent to having their names placed in nomination.

The Nominating Committee will review all nominations & recommend a slate of candidates for election. The slate of candidates will be emailed to all ODHA members 14 days before the ballot is sent. The ballot will be sent to all ODHA members & they will cast their votes online. The results of the election will be announced in November & the 2026-2027 ODHA leadership team will be introduced at ODHA’s virtual Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, November 11, from 7-8 pm PST. 

The following ODHA leadership positions are available this year:

Excellence Is A Decision We Make Every Day

By Robin Moody, RDH, BS

Many of us are concerned as we watch changes taking place across our profession. In some states, expanded duties are allowing dental assistants to perform procedures that have traditionally been within the scope of dental hygiene, including scaling in certain settings. Regardless of where we stand on specific policies, these changes remind us of something important: the integrity of our profession has never rested solely on legislation. It has always rested in the hands of dental hygienists who choose excellence every single day.

Our profession needs leaders. But leadership isn’t reserved for those with a title, a committee appointment, or a seat on a board. It begins long before that—in the quiet choices we make every single day.

If you want to make a difference in dental hygiene, start where you are.

It starts with keeping your operatory clean and organized because excellence is reflected in our environment. It means taking the time to sharpen your instruments, knowing that precision improves patient care and honors our craft. It means opening your sterile instrument cassette in front of every patient—not because policy requires the performance, but because it reassures them that their safety matters and that we hold ourselves to the highest standards of infection prevention.

It continues in the way we work. Being efficient with our time isn’t simply about productivity; it’s a way of respecting our patients, our coworkers, and the employer who has entrusted us with their resources. Professionalism is demonstrated in hundreds of small decisions throughout the day.

Perhaps even more important is the attitude we bring to work. Every office experiences busy schedules, staffing challenges, and stressful moments. We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can choose to be the person who encourages rather than complains, who builds up rather than tears down, and who contributes to a culture others are grateful to be part of.

Our patients will test us, too. Some arrive frustrated, anxious, resistant to change, or seemingly uninterested in taking responsibility for their oral health. They may not appreciate the time we spend educating them or recognize the effort behind our care. Yet professionalism calls us to remain patient, compassionate, and consistent. We never know when a seed we’ve planted today may become tomorrow’s breakthrough.

Making a difference also means saying “yes” when opportunities to serve appear. When a friend or colleague invites you to volunteer at a free clinic, a community outreach event, or a program serving those who might otherwise go without care, consider accepting. Some of the most meaningful moments in our careers happen outside the walls of our everyday practice.

And when your profession needs a voice, lend yours. Attend a local component meeting. Volunteer for a committee. Run for your state association board. Mentor a student. Write an article. Advocate for our profession. None of us can do everything, but each of us can do something.

The future of dental hygiene won’t be shaped solely by those standing at a podium. It will be shaped by thousands of hygienists quietly choosing excellence when no one is watching.

So keep your standards high. Stay curious. Stay teachable. Respect your patients. Respect your coworkers. Respect your employer. Serve your community. Support your profession.

Because the little things are never really little.

Leadership isn’t found in extraordinary moments nearly as often as it’s found in ordinary moments repeated with extraordinary consistency. If each of us commits to excellence in the little things, together we’ll leave our profession stronger than we found it.

Dental Hygiene School News

Congratulations Graduates!

The ODHA congratulates all dental hygiene students who are graduating in 2026!

As your fellow colleagues, we know how hard you have worked to achieve this milestone.

Welcome to the dental hygiene profession & our very best wishes for your future as dental hygiene professionals!

ADHA Foundation Scholarships

Congratulations to Moriah Brown from Pacific University who was selected to receive a Crest Oral-B Laboratories Scholarship and a Hu-Friedy/Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarship. For the HuFriedy Scholarship Moriah received dental hygiene instruments of her choice equivalent to a retail value of $1,000.

“Dental hygiene has become so much more than just a career choice for me, it's my passion, something I truly love. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to focus more on becoming the best clinician I can be. I'm grateful for the support and excited to spend my career always learning, educating my patients, providing preventive care and making a positive impact with those who sit in my chair.”

Rogue Community College Graduation Events

Continuing education doesn’t have to wait for a conference, webinar date, or approaching license renewal deadline. With ODHA’s On-Demand CE Library, you can invest in your professional growth throughout the year—on a schedule that works for you.

The entire 2025–2026 Winter & Spring CE Series is now available on demand, giving dental hygienists the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace. No travel. No schedule conflicts. Just quality education designed specifically for dental hygiene professionals.

 From advocacy and professional engagement to clinical topics and emerging trends, these courses provide valuable insights while helping you stay current and meet your continuing education requirements.

ODHA members receive some of the most affordable continuing education opportunities available:

 Professional & Student Members

• Included as a member benefit at no additional cost

 New Professional & Graduate Members

• $159 for the complete series (8 CE credits)
• $24.75 per individual course

Non-Members

• $399 for the complete series (all 8 CE courses — a $39 savings)
• $54.75 per individual course

Not only is summer a great time to complete your CE requirements, butit's also an opportunity to learn from respected presenters and gain knowledge that can immediately benefit your patients, practice, and career.

Don't wait until your license renewal deadline approaches. Take advantage of the flexibility of on-demand learning and complete your CE requirements on your schedule.

To register, click here and make this summer a season of professional growth.

ODHA Advocacy News

ADHA News

2026-2027 ADHA Board of Directors

ADHA’s 2026-2027 Board of Directors will be led by ADHA’s 100th PresidentJessica August, MSDH, RDH, CDA, FADHA. Jessica lives in Yakima, Washington and is Assistant Dean of Allied Dental Education Programs at Yakima Valley College.

Additional officers for 2026-2027 include:

• President-Elect Christina Emmert, RDH, PHDH, PRP, FADHA, of Rockford, IL

• Vice President Jody Berinato, RDH, BS, FADHA, of Parkville, MD

• Treasurer Laura I. M. Green, RDH, M.Ed., FADHA, of Sandy, UT 

The board’s directors-at-large include:

• Jennifer Avery, RDH, MPH, CDHC, of Benton, AR

• Amanda Berthiaume, MSDH, RDH, CDA, FADHA, of Springfield, MA

• Leciel Bono, RDH-ER, MS, EdD, FADHA, of Aberdeen, ID

• Maureen Brown, BSDH, MS-HIED, RDH, of Rockwall, TX

• Shawna Greer, RDH, MDH, FADHA, of Humble, TX

• Hali Householder, RDH, COM®, BSPH, FADHA, of Greenwood, IN.

• Laura Vanderwerf, BSDH, RDH, EPDH, CDA, FADHA, of Cornelius, OR

This is the first board seated through ADHA’s new selection process, which replaced the century-old House of Delegates. Rather than electing representatives by geographic district, board candidates applied directly and were evaluated on professional qualifications and organizational need. Under ADHA’s bylaws, the board may include up to nine directors-at-large.

The governance change also allows any ADHA member to submit policy and bylaw proposals to the board year-round, rather than waiting for an annual delegate meeting. ADHA’s mission to advance dental hygiene, support its members and protect oral health for the public remains unchanged.

 ADHA 2026 Annual Conference