A New Day at ADHA
Now, all proposals Will be reviewed year-round by the board, enabling quicker decision making.
Groundbreaking news occurred recently. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) reformed its governance structure to meet the demands of today’s environment. After more than 100 years of conducting business in an outdated way, new systems are in place to streamline how our national professional association operates. This is a great evolution! Here’s why.
The ADHA was founded in 1923 — 102 years ago. At that time, communication was difficult, lengthy (think United States mail delivered by horse-drawn carriages or trains) and time-consuming. The most effective and efficient way to conduct business of any type was through in-person meetings, which presented their own challenges. Travel was not as rapid as it is today, so attending meetings required a huge commitment. Yet the early leaders of our profession did just that, conducting business once a year. With such a system, change occurred slowly and rarely. But since all work in every sector was done the same way, it was fine. However, conducting business like that in today’s world is not advantageous. Now, communication is instantaneous and change happens quickly.
As ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder, RDH, BS, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA explains, “Over the past two decades our profession has evolved, our challenges have grown more complex, and the pace of change has accelerated. To remain effective advocates for dental hygienists and the communities we serve, we must adapt right alongside it. With the tremendous support of leaders across the nation, this modernized governance structure gives us the agility to respond quickly, the inclusivity to ensure every member’s voice is heard, and the vision to lead our profession boldly into the future.”
The change involves a new system for choosing the Board of Directors. While the past structure elected board members based on geographic regions, the revised structure is more streamlined, with directors chosen based on expertise. Nine directors-at-large are selected based on their skills and competencies. A newly established Governance Committee slates board candidates, with two committee members elected directly by ADHA’s voting membership. Further, the most recent House of Delegates meeting, the ADHA’s 102nd, was the final time this body met.
All ADHA members can now submit policy proposals at any time, negating the need for a formal House of Delegates to meet and make decisions. Previously, policy proposals were only submitted for review and decision during that yearly meeting. Now, all proposals will be reviewed year-round by the board, enabling quicker decision making. Finally, the vice president will automatically assume the position of president-elect allowing continuity in leadership and mentoring.
The decision to change the governance structure was not taken lightly, nor was it a quick one. Careful planning, focus groups, and consultants have been involved for nearly 15 years. Many previous leaders, including me, have worked diligently to make this happen.
“Today’s dental hygienists want meaningful ways to participate, drive change, and advance our path toward professional autonomy — and that’s exactly what we’re delivering,” says President VanGuilder. Brava, ADHA!
Jill Rethman, RDH, BA
Editor in Chief
jrethman@belmontbusinessmedia.com
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. September/October 2025; 23(5):6.
