The IFDH Mission
The International Federation of Dental Hygienists is an international non-profit association uniting national dental hygienist organizations, by fostering leadership and collaboration.
About IFDH
The International Federation of Dental Hygienists was officially formed on June 28, 1986 in Oslo, Norway. The forerunner of the IFDH, The International Liaison Committee on Dental Hygiene, was established in 1973, by some European countries (including the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK), the USA, Canada and Japan.
The IFDH is an international non-governmental organization, free from any political, racial, or religious ties. It is incorporated and registered in the United States as a 501(c6) non-profit organization. It unites dental hygiene associations from around the world in their common cause of promoting dental health.
IFDH UPDATES
IFDH President Report
September 2024
September 15
CONTACT eNews
September 2024
September 15
Orthodontic Hygiene Survey Results
June 27, 2024
A big success!
See the photos
August 1, 2024
Leadership Workshop: Advocacy & Leading
August 1, 2024
Another successful Summit!
August 1, 2024
Working Abroad
Click for one of our member countries
New Tools to Help You February 28, 2023
IFDH Facebook Posts
Facebook Posts
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀
Early detection can be life-saving!
As we shine a light on the importance of screenings, let’s also recognize the impact of breast cancer treatment on oral health and the need for comprehensive care.
🪥🦷💗
This October, we honor the fighters, survivors, and those we’ve lost by raising awareness for early detection and the role of oral health in supporting well-being throughout the cancer journey 🙏
Together, let’s support health, hope, and healing—one smile at a time. 💪💗
#BreastCancerAwareness #OralHealth #IFDH
the IFDH eNews is out! Read the President's Report here.
IFDH President's Report - September 2024 - The Internation Federation of Dental Hygienists
ifdh.org
IFDH President’s Report: September 2024 Greetings, IFDH Members! “If we are to prosper together in our increasingly small world, we must listen to and learn from each other’s stories” ~ Queen ...
✨ Happy World Smile Day! 😃
World Smile Day represents a time to reflect on the power of kindness, the impact of a smile, and the health benefits that smiling and laughter bring to individuals and communities. 😊🌟
As dental professionals, we know that a healthy smile begins with good oral hygiene.
Let’s inspire others to prioritize their oral health and share smiles that spread joy, optimism, and hope for a brighter future. 💙🦷🪥🙏
#worldsmileday #hygienistssmile #upward #ifdh
Development and External Validation of a Multivariable Prediction Model to Identify Nondiabetic Hyperglycemia and Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: Diabetes Risk Assessment in Dentistry Score (DDS)
BIRMINGHAM, England: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in Europe and is strongly associated with periodontitis. An estimated one in three people with diabetes are undiagnosed, totalling more than one million undiagnosed patients in the UK alone. Seeking to help improve diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes in such patients, researchers in the UK are working on a new study, called INDICATE-2, to validate routine diabetes screening during oral health check-ups.
The study, being conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham, has received funding from Haleon, a global consumer health company, and the support of the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre.
journals.sagepub.com
The aim of this study was to develop and externally validate a score for use in dental settings to identify those at risk of undiagnosed nondiabetic hyperglycem...
Efficacy of a water flosser compared to an interdental brush on gingival bleeding and gingival abrasion: A 4 week randomized controlled trial - Open Access
To determine the efficacy of a water flosser (WF) compared to an interdental brush (IDB) in reducing gingival inflammation. Additionally, the products were compared on the incidence of gingival abrasion.
Conclusion - In patients with moderate gingivitis, after 4 weeks use the WF is more effective than the IDB in obtaining marginal gingival health.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Aim To determine the efficacy of a water flosser (WF) compared to an interdental brush (IDB) in reducing gingival inflammation. Additionally, the products were compared on the incidence of gingival .....
At first glance, the connection between a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's and common gum inflammation might seem unlikely. However, emerging evidence suggests otherwise. Inflammation, a key factor in Alzheimer's, may be exacerbated by bacteria from periodontal disease, which can enter the bloodstream and potentially reach the brain.
Several studies have identified an association between poor oral health and Alzheimer's, with recent research detecting gum disease bacteria in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. In experimental models, exposure to these bacteria has been shown to trigger Alzheimer's-like symptoms, such as nerve cell death and the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins.
While it's important to maintain perspective—many people with gum disease do not develop Alzheimer's—the research underscores the importance of oral health in reducing risk factors. Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to a dental hygienist, is essential for maintaining both oral and overall health.
Trauma-Informed Care in Oral Health Care: The role of dental hygienists
Traumatic experiences can impact individuals’ oral health and how they experience dental treatment in ways patients and their dental providers may or may not initially anticipate. As approximately half of children and two-thirds of adults in the United States have experienced some type of traumatic event, it is critically important for providers to be aware of patients’ trauma histories and to appropriately provide trauma-informed care to their patients when needed.
This short report introduces links between traumatic history, poor oral health, and dental care-related fear and anxiety.
www.united.com/en/US/refunds
The IFDH is excited to share this White Paper on Evidence-Based Self-Care Recommendations.
This valuable resource identifies opportunities and strategies for dental hygienists to make even more impactful evidence-based preventive self-care recommendations based on findings from global IFDH surveys.
White Papers - The Internation Federation of Dental Hygienists
ifdh.org
We have assembled a number of resources for dental hygiene professionals as well as those concerned about their dental and oral health. WHITE PAPER: Evidence-Based Self-Care Recommendations Matter: Fi...
Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎
Ondina Love, Yoonsook Hwang, Sungyeon Jang, Carrie 'Koenig' Graves, Loes Velthoven, 박진희
Drop a comment to welcome them to our community, @topfans
Gingipain from Porphyromonas gingivalis causes insulin resistance by degrading insulin receptors through direct proteolytic effects
Periodontitis is a critical risk factor for the occurrence and development of diabetes. Porphyromonas gingivalis may participate in insulin resistance (IR) caused by periodontal inflammation, but the functional role and specific mechanisms of P. gingivalis in IR remain unclear. In the present study, clinical samples were analysed to determine the statistical correlation between P. gingivalis and IR occurrence.
www.nature.com
Periodontitis is a critical risk factor for the occurrence and development of diabetes. Porphyromonas gingivalis may participate in insulin resistance (IR) caused by periodontal inflammation, but the ...
IFDH Awards Presented
At the Closing Ceremony, IFDH President Fedora highlighted the award winners from IFDH programs, including Research Grant recipients, Impact Awards for best country member programs from The Netherlands, Italy and Israel. Wanda also thanked deserving sponsor Haleon, along with the Organizing Committee and Scientific Committee, all who contributed to the IFDH in the past two years.
The new IFDH Board of Directors (2024-2026) (see below) were installed and outgoing President Fedora presented newly-elected President Jill Rethman the inaugural President’s pin and the IFDH gavel for her term. Jill gave thanks to Wanda, while presenting her with the Past President’s pin and gave an exciting outlook into the future of IFDH.
The IFDH Board of Directors thanks the Local Organizing Committee from the Korean Dental Hygienist Association for presenting such a professional symposium and social activities that were enjoyed by all.
IFDH looks forward to its next International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Milan, Italy, July 2026. See you there!
ISDH 2024 Highlights South Korea, 2024
House of Delegates Business Meeting
July 8-10, 2024; Songdo, S. Korea
Representatives from 20 Countries
After much research over the last two years, the major topic discussed and approved, was to allow national organizations comprising dental therapists, oral therapists and/or oral health therapists to join! This category was also approved for Individual Membership in IFDH.
3 IFDH Programs Presented
IFDH continued its successful Global Oral Health Summit (premiering virtually in 2021). A panel of four leaders in dental hygiene and dentistry (pictured at right) were asked riveting questions by IFDH Vice President Fouzieh Eliassy. We thank our sponsors Colgate, DentsplySirona and P & G, for their key involvement.
One of our regular events, the announcement of the World Dental Hygienist Awards (pictured at right with check), took a new turn this year. Along with our partner Sunstar Foundation, IFDH President Elect Jill Rethman, introduced the awardees and asked them informative questions in front of the large audience. Also included was an audience participation element via cell phone survey response – providing some quick feedback from our global audience.
IFDH presented a Social Responsibility Workshop on Saturday. Details of the three winning social responsibility programs from Australia, Canada and Israel were presented to the enjoyment of the attendees, many seeking ideas for their own countries. A huge thank you to the generosity of our sponsor DentsplySirona, for their key involvement and making the recognition of these outstanding projects possible.
A Mendelian Randomisation Analysis Reveals No Relationship Between Periodontitis and Coronary Atherosclerosis
Growing evidence appears to intimate a profound connection between periodontitis and coronary atherosclerosis (CA), yet the existence of a causal relationship remains unclear. Through the implementation of Mendelian randomization analysis, we further evaluated the potential causal link between chronic/acute periodontitis (CP/AP) and CA.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653924000534?dgcid=raven_sd_aip_email
WHO clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults
Supporting tobacco users to quit is core demand-reduction measure of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and a key component of WHO MPOWER policy package. This guideline provides technical guidance on a thorough set of tobacco cessation interventions for adults, and to support WHO Member States to use evidence-based behavioural interventions and pharmacological treatments for tobacco cessation as part of a comprehensive tobacco control approach.
This guideline is primarily intended for use by health care providers working in clinical and community settings where tobacco users may present and be managed. The recommendations on system-level interventions and policies contained in this guideline are to inform policy makers and health service managers on how to enhance the adoption and implementation of effective tobacco cessation interventions.
WHO clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults
www.who.int
Supporting tobacco users to quit is core demand-reduction measure of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and a key component of WHO MPOWER policy package. This guideline provide...
Readability of Patient Education Materials in Head and Neck Cancer
A Systematic Review
Key Points
Question Are the available patient education materials (PEMs) on head and neck cancer (HNC) understandable to patients with HNC?
Findings This systematic review found that more than one-third of patients demonstrated inadequate health literacy; however, none of the PEMs were written for the sixth-grade reading level as recommended by the American Medical Association.
Meaning These findings indicate that improving the readability of HNC PEMs is crucial for mitigating the negative health impacts that arise when patients do not fully understand the information essential for fostering shared decision-making and facilitating clear communication regarding the disease and its treatment options.
Readability of Patient Education Materials in Head and Neck Cancer
jamanetwork.com
This systematic review assesses patient education materials for head and neck cancer and evaluates health literacy among patients with this disease.
A Novel Therapeutic Calcium Peroxide Loaded Injectable Bio-adhesive Hydrogel Against Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a prevalent oral disease that can significantly impact patients' life quality and systemic health. However, non-surgical subgingival scaling is largely compromised due to poor patient compliance, leading to a high recurrence rate of periodontitis. Therefore, this research aims to explore new approaches to enhance the effectiveness of existing local drug administration therapies.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653924001503?dgcid=raven_sd_aip_email
Early Implant Failure in Patients Using Antihypertensive Medications: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Antihypertensive medications increase osteoblasts differentiation and bone mineral formation. Osseointegration of dental implants depends on new bone formation and remodelling. Consequently, improved osseointegration may be speculated in patients receiving antihypertensive drugs. Aim – Asses the effect of antihypertensive medications on osseointegration of dental implants.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653924001382?dgcid=raven_sd_aip_email
Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Infective Endocarditis Incidence Following Invasive Dental Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The findings from this study add valuable evidence in defining the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing infective endocarditis following invasive dental procedures. While consistent conclusions from time-trend studies are difficult to extrapolate due to their intrinsic limitations and heterogeneity, data from case-control, case-crossover, and cohort studies and self-controlled case series provided clearer evidence of an association between antibiotic prophylaxis and reduced infective endocarditis incidence following invasive dental procedures in individuals at high risk, while no association was proven for individuals at low/unknown risk, thereby supporting the current AHA and ESC recommendations.
Supporting tobacco users to quit is core demand-reduction measure of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and a key component of WHO MPOWER policy package. This guideline provides technical guidance on a thorough set of tobacco cessation interventions for adults, and to support WHO Member States to use evidence-based behavioural interventions and pharmacological treatments for tobacco cessation as part of a comprehensive tobacco control approach.
WHO clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults
www.who.int
Supporting tobacco users to quit is core demand-reduction measure of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and a key component of WHO MPOWER policy package. This guideline provide...
Head and neck cancer consensus recommendations
Heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria for extranodal extensions results in inconsistencies in clinical decision making. Moreover, there is an urgent need for standardisation of endpoints in clinical trials for head and neck cancer. In this four-part Series by The Lancet Oncology, the Head and Neck Cancer International Group—a consortium of 21 national head and neck oncology research groups—provides consensus recommendations for clear definitions of extranodal extensions and clinical-trial endpoints to inform and standardise clinical practice globally.
www.thelancet.com/series/head-and-neck-cancer-consensus-recommendations?dgcid=hubspot_update_feat...
Advancing Oral Health Equity through Medical-Dental Integration: Dental hygienists as catalysts for change in an evolving health care system - Open Access
This report explores the changing landscape of oral health care delivery in the United States, highlighting the evolving role of dental hygienists. The 2021 National Institutes of Health report “Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges” has become a key milestone in addressing oral health inequities, acknowledging the important role that dental hygienists could play in expanding innovative care models, and promoting medical-dental integration (MDI). The Rainbow Model of Integrated Care offers a framework to examine facilitators of MDI care models, revealing supportive policies, interprofessional collaborative practice, incremental change, and local leadership as some of the crucial components needed for success. Dental hygienists emerge as catalysts for change, as such, the overarching aim of this report is to contribute to the broader conversation about optimizing oral health care accessibility through integrated care models led by dental hygienists.
jdh.adha.org
This report explores the changing landscape of oral health care delivery in the United States, highlighting the evolving role of dental hygienists. The 2021 National Institutes of Health report “Ora...
A Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and the Management of Herpes Labialis
Herpes labialis remains exceedingly prevalent and is one of the most common human viral infections throughout the world. Recurrent herpes labialis evolves from the initial viral infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) which subsequently presents with or without symptoms. Reactivation of this virus is triggered by psychosocial factors such as stress, febrile environment, ultraviolet light susceptibility, or specific dietary inadequacy. This virus infection is also characterized by uninterrupted transitions between chronic-latent and acute-recurrent phases, allowing the virus to opportunistically avoid immunity and warrant the transmission to other vulnerable hosts simultaneously. This review comprehensively evaluates the current evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, transmission modes, clinical manifestations, and current management options of herpes labialis infections.
A Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and the Management of Herpes Labialis
www.mdpi.com
Herpes labialis remains exceedingly prevalent and is one of the most common human viral infections throughout the world. Recurrent herpes labialis evolves from the initial viral infection by herpes si...Congratulations to Catherine Waldron of Ireland on her Lifetime Achievement Award.
Enjoy our new Gala award category- quite the crowd pleaser!! Best dressed awards.
Wonderful inspiration from our panel of 4 key Hygienists and audience questions at the IFDH Global Oral Health Summit, held at ISDH.
Thank you to our sponsors Colgate, DentsplySerona and P&G.
The World Dental Hygienist Awards presentation by Sunstar Foundation and IFDH included an interactive aspect with the audience.
Welcome to ISDH 2024 opening!
Periodontitis, Dental Procedures, and Young-Onset Cryptogenic Stroke
Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, and the risk may be particularly high among young people with unexplained stroke etiology. Thus, we investigated in a case-control study whether periodontitis or recent invasive dental treatments are associated with young-onset cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS). We enrolled participants from a multicenter case-control SECRETO study including adults aged 18 to 49 y presenting with an imaging-positive first-ever CIS and stroke-free age- and sex-matched controls. Thorough clinical and radiographic oral examination was performed. Furthermore, we measured serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipotechoic acid (LTA) levels.
Periodontitis and recent invasive dental procedures were associated with CIS after controlling for multiple confounders. However, the role of bacteremia as a mediator of this risk was not confirmed.
journals.sagepub.com
Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, and the risk may be particularly high among young people with unexplained stroke etiology...
Meet your new IFDH Board of Directors.
IFDH President, Jill Rethman
IFDH President Elect, Fouzieh Shaffi Eliassy
IFDH Vice President Sharon Friedman
IFDH Treasurer Miranda Steeples
IFDH Secretary Carmen Lanoway
Congratulations.
A fun evening at Gwygonchae with incredible food and entertainment!!
A full day of IFDH business with great discussion and decisions!! Followed by an overview of ISDH in Seoul starting Wednesday.
Lots of fun with new and renewed friendships at our Welcome Reception!
The IFDH Leadership Workshop on Advocacy and Leadership was quite the learning event for Delegates from 20 countries!
IFDH HOD Leadership Workshop,
Thanks to Odina Love and Tammy Filiplak for fantastic presentations and great discussions.
#IFDH #dentalhygiene #dentalhygienist #HOD #isdh2024
We're all set for our HoD registration and Leadership Workshop today!
The International Federation of Dental Hygienists board of directors have completed their 2 day board meeting in Seoul, South Korea.
Tomorrow our member countries come together for the House of Delegates meeting.
#IFDH #dentalhygienist #HOD
#isdh2024 #international
Beta-defensin index: A functional biomarker for oral cancer detection
A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University has discovered a noninvasive, low-cost test to detect oral cancer, monitor precancerous lesions and determine when a biopsy is warranted. Oral cancers and precancerous mouth lesions are considered especially difficult to diagnose early and accurately.
Their findings, published online March 4 in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, are based on a scoring system linked to the levels of two proteins in cells brushed from suspicious oral lesions of patients at dental clinics or the ear, nose and throat department at University Hospitals (UH).
One of the proteins (human beta defensin 3 or hBD-3) is expressed at high levels in early-stage oral cancer, while the second (hBD-2) is low or unchanged.
The ratio of hBD-3 to hBD-2 in the lesion site -- over the ratio of the two proteins on the opposite, normal site -- generates a score, called the beta defensin index (BDI).
www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666-3791(24)00070-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkin...
The results are in from the International Federation of Dental Hygienist's Survey #9
Orthodontic Hygiene.
Click the link below to view full survey
ifdh.org/ifdh-orthodontic-hygiene-practices-survey/
We would like to thank the respondents for taking time to complete the survey. The information is very useful and will help guide future educational learning opportunities.
The IFDH thanks Procter & Gamble (Crest/Oral-B) for supporting this project.
www.IFDH.org .
IFDH Orthodontic Hygiene Practices Survey - The Internation Federation of Dental Hygienists
ifdh.org
IFDH Orthodontic Hygiene Practices Survey In April 2024, the IFDH fielded a survey to better understand global dental hygiene practices with orthodontic patients. This was the 9th in a series of surve...
Meet the Korean Dental Hygienist Association's (KDHA), local organizing committee for ISDH 2024 .
Today they held a press conference in Seoul with all the dental related Journals and publications.
We can't wait to see what they have planned for ISDH2024
Impact of periodontitis on type 2 diabetes: a bioinformatic analysis
Periodontitis is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) that results in serious complications and mortality. However, the pathogenic role of periodontitis in the development of T2D and the underlain mechanism have not been fully elucidated.
This study used a multi-omics integration method to explore causality between periodontitis and T2D, and underly molecular mechanisms using multiple bioinformatics tools. MR analyses detected that periodontitis was causally associated with higher risks of T2D and insulin resistance. Furthermore, MCUR1, RAP2A, FOS, PANX1, NFIX and WNK1 were verified to play important roles in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-related T2D, shedding light on the discovery of potential drug targets for periodontitis patients to prevent T2D.
Impact of periodontitis on type 2 diabetes: a bioinformatic analysis - BMC Oral Health
bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com
Background Periodontitis is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) that results in serious complications and mortality. However, the pathogenic role of periodontitis in the development of T2D ...Photos from ISDH 2024's post
Happy International Yoga Day.
Association Between Periodontitis and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Two-Sample Mendelian Randomisation Study
Within the limitations of this MR study, the findings do not support the influence of periodontitis on LBW, PTB, stillbirth, miscarriage, and GH, nor vice versa.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653924001370
The last Zoom meeting for the International Federation of Dental Hygienists board of directors 2022-2024. IFDH President, Wanda Fedora is very happy 😆
We will see you all soon in Seoul at the ISDH 2024
Comparison of the effectiveness of two manual toothbrushes: Conventional design versus double-sided toothbrush design. A pilot study
Dental hygiene is the most effective method in the prevention of oral diseases. However, most patients do not use the recommended teeth brushing techniques and/or time brushing is insufficient. With this objective, modifications in conventional toothbrushes have been developed to deal with these findings. The aim of this study was to compare plaque removal effectiveness of a manual toothbrush with a modified head (MTMH) with a wrap-around design versus a conventional manual toothbrush.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
The International Journal of Dental Hygiene is the official journal of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH).
30 days utill ISDH 2024
Visit www.isdh2024.com to learn more about the Invited speakers, corporate sessions and the IFDH special programme.
Registration open! We looking forward to seeing dental hygienists from all over the world.
#isdh2024 #dentalhygienist #IFDH #socialresponsibility #globaloralhealth #Sunstar #dentalresearch.
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Watch our 4.5 minute video below to learn about IFDH
