New three-year plan focuses on advancing professional autonomy, workforce well-being and the role of dental hygienists in every practice setting
CHICAGO, March 11, 2026 — The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) released its 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, establishing a new mission and outlining priorities for the association and the dental hygiene profession through 2028.
The plan introduces a new mission for the association: “Advancing dental hygiene as an autonomous, prevention-driven profession that transforms healthcare.” The updated mission shifts ADHA’s focus to positioning the profession as a driving force in preventive healthcare, capable of operating independently across a wider range of settings.
The plan is organized into six strategic goals: Workforce, Professional Autonomy, Clinical Excellence & Professional Achievement, Professional Recognition, Visibility & Influence, Community & Membership Engagement, and Foundational Capacity.
The Workforce goal addresses the conditions under which dental hygienists practice, including workplace safety, well-being, career development and recruitment initiatives that strengthen the pipeline into the profession. The Professional Autonomy goal focuses on scope of practice, licensure portability and legislative reforms that allow dental hygienists to practice to the full extent of their education and training. The Clinical Excellence & Professional Achievement goal emphasizes evidence-based care, collaboration with other health professionals and continuous learning.
The remaining goals focus on professional visibility and the association’s internal operations. Professional Recognition, Visibility & Influence targets awareness among policymakers, healthcare systems and the public. Community & Membership Engagement focuses on member value and broader participation across the dental hygiene community. Foundational Capacity addresses ADHA’s governance, financial sustainability and operations following the association’s recent transition to a new Board of Directors structure.
“This new mission reflects the driving force that dental hygienists have been for years,” said ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA. “This plan gives our profession a roadmap that addresses where hygienists work, how we’re supported, and what it will take to achieve full practice authority. It recognizes that dental hygienists are educated and trained to deliver preventive, patient-centered care in every setting where health happens—and calls for expanding access to improve oral and overall health outcomes for the communities we serve.”
ADHA Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Hill said the plan is as much about strengthening the association as it is about advancing the profession.
“This plan not only sets a visionary path for the dental hygiene profession but also strengthens our operational foundation to support hygienists at every stage of their career. Over the next three years, it will shape our investments, advocacy efforts, and development of programs and resources that empower our members,” said Hill.
The 2026–2028 ADHA Strategic Plan is available at adha.org/about-adha/strategic-plan/
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