ADHA Adopts Ten New and Updated Policies Affecting Scope of Practice, Education and Licensure
Policies adopted to date in FY 2025–2026 advance scope of practice, accreditation standards, clinical assessment, workforce well-being and disability inclusion
CHICAGO, Feb. 4, 2026 — The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has adopted ten new and updated policies during fiscal year 2025–2026, marking a significant set of policy changes for the dental hygiene profession.
Among the most significant actions, ADHA established a formal definition of Full Practice Authority (FPA) and adopted a policy supporting FPA for licensed dental hygienists in all U.S. jurisdictions. Under Full Practice Authority, licensed dental hygienists may evaluate patients, diagnose conditions within their scope of practice, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatment, including prescribing medications, as permitted by state regulatory boards.
ADHA also approved a policy calling for the dental hygiene doctorate degree to become the entry-level credential by 2032, aimed at strengthening clinical preparation, supporting expanded scope of practice and positioning dental hygiene more fully within the health care system.
Additional policies adopted include opposition to preceptor training, the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program and other mechanisms that bypass CODA-accredited minimum educational requirements for dental hygiene practice.
The Association also adopted policies supporting dental therapists as mid-level oral health professionals who help expand access to care, as well as the use of xylitol as part of preventive strategies to reduce dental caries.
ADHA now formally recognizes and supports the Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DHLOSCE) as a valid, reliable and equitable measure of clinical judgment and skills for entry-level dental hygiene practice.
The DHLOSCE, developed by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), offers a modern alternative to traditional single-encounter patient or manikin exams, utilizing case-based questions and 3D interactive models to assess clinical competency. It has already been implemented in Kentucky and Arizona and is integrated into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact).
Also adopted is a policy supporting the creation of comprehensive state and national diversion programs for dental hygienists with substance use or mental health conditions, ensuring access to confidential treatment while preserving professional licensure and retaining skilled professionals in the workforce.
Additionally, ADHA updated its disability inclusion policies, replacing a single position with two expanded policies. One affirms the rights of dental hygienists with disabilities and supports reasonable accommodations, and the other supports pathways for individuals with disabilities to enter and thrive in the profession.
These ten policies are the first to be adopted under ADHA’s modernized governance structure, which took effect in 2025 and enables all ADHA members to submit policy proposals year-round. Several of this year’s policies, including those on the DHLOSCE, diversion programs and disability inclusion, were submitted directly by members and adopted by the Executive Committee, reflecting how the new system is functioning in practice.
“From Full Practice Authority to modernized licensure exams, these policies position dental hygienists to practice at the top of their abilities and better serve their patients,” said Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, ADHA president. “Our updated governance structure is working. Any member can submit a policy proposal at any time, and several of these policies were submitted directly by members. That’s what it looks like when dental hygienists have a direct hand in shaping the future of their profession.” The updated ADHA Policy Manual is available at adha.org/policymanual.
About the American Dental Hygienists’ Association
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is the only organization representing the professional interests of the more than 226,000 dental hygienists in the United States. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. The Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH), published bi-monthly, is ADHA’s scientific journal and flagship publication. To learn more about the ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit adha.org.
