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

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September 2024
September 15

Orthodontic Hygiene Survey Results

June 27, 2024

Another successful Summit!

August 1, 2024

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New Tools to Help You February 28, 2023

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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
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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

✨ 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
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✨ 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

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.
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At first glance, the connection between a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimers and common gum inflammation might seem unlikely. However, emerging evidence suggests otherwise. Inflammation, a key factor in Alzheimers, 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 Alzheimers, with recent research detecting gum disease bacteria in the brains of Alzheimers patients. In experimental models, exposure to these bacteria has been shown to trigger Alzheimers-like symptoms, such as nerve cell death and the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins.
While its important to maintain perspective—many people with gum disease do not develop Alzheimers—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
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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.
https://www.united.com/en/US/refunds

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
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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

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!
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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!

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
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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.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653924000534?dgcid=raven_sd_aip_email

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
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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.
https://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
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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.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020653924001382?dgcid=raven_sd_aip_email

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...
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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. 
https://www.thelancet.com/series/head-and-neck-cancer-consensus-recommendations?dgcid=hubspot_update_feature_lanoncheadneckcancer24&utm_campaign=update-lanonc&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Wj6WnLCZz_5iEnD9cLV5a2_6JDC6om8hkHtCtIWV8dQzgHIAO4n8XmBpnDfAY5_H6pWhBs0WkeMHj2LrChCGQLSykQw&_hsmi=314858171&utm_content=314427176&utm_source=hs_email

Congratulations to Catherine Waldron of Ireland on her Lifetime Achievement Award. ... See MoreSee Less

Congratulations to Catherine Waldron of Ireland on her Lifetime Achievement Award.

Enjoy our new Gala award category- quite the crowd pleaser!! Best dressed awards. ... See MoreSee Less

Enjoy our new Gala award category- quite the crowd pleaser!! Best dressed awards.

We're in Gengham, so enjoy the second entertainment section,,,Gengham style at the ISDH Gala!! ... See MoreSee Less

Here's the first part of entertainment during our Gala. More to come. ... See MoreSee Less

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.
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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. ... See MoreSee Less

The World Dental Hygienist Awards presentation by Sunstar Foundation and IFDH included an interactive aspect with the audience.

Welcome to ISDH 2024 opening! ... See MoreSee Less

Welcome to ISDH 2024 opening!

Enjoy the end of the ISDH flag ceremony! ... See MoreSee Less

We are getting ready for tomorrow, ISDH 2024 delegate registration open at the COEX now. ... See MoreSee Less

We are getting ready for tomorrow, ISDH 2024 delegate registration open at the COEX now.

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.
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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!! ... See MoreSee Less

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. ... See MoreSee Less

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! ... See MoreSee Less

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! ... See MoreSee Less

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
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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! ... See MoreSee Less

Were 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
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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...
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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).
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666-3791(24)00070-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2666379124000703%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

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
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Meet the Korean Dental Hygienist Associations (KDHA), local organizing committee for ISDH 2024 .
Today they held a press conference in Seoul with all the dental related Journals and publications. 
We cant wait to see what they have planned for ISDH2024

Photos from ISDH 2024's post ... See MoreSee Less

Happy International Yoga Day. ... See MoreSee Less

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
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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.
https://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
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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

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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