January 2025

IFDH is Moving Fast!

“The secret of making progress is to get started.” Mark Twain

Greetings, IFDH Members!

And…we’re off!! It’s only been 5 months and your IFDH team has hit the ground running. Actually, sprinting is more like it! Let’s go!

Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA

Read more in Jill's message, including:
Welcome to New Members:
○ Dental Therapists, Oral Therapists & Oral Health Therapists!
White Papers Update
Sending Virtual Greetings
Attending the WHO Global Oral Health Meeting
ACFF Expert Panel
Board & Committees Hard Work

Read the full message.

IFDH EVENTS

House of Delegates Meeting 2026
In Beautiful Lake Maggiore, Italy!!!!

July 7-9, 2026

Possibly, the most beautiful location and hotel that IFDH has ever held its House of Delegates Business Meeting, will be in 2026!

The Grand Hotel Dino combines the advantage of being a great structure with the elegance and tranquillity of the lake life. An eclectic hotel, with a high-tech Congress Centre and a renowned wellness area, all surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooking the Borromeo Islands.

A special IFDH rate will be available for our HoDs.

International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2024

Followed by our International Symposium on Dental Hygiene In Milan, Italy!

July 9-11, 2026

The International Symposium on Dental Hygiene is held every two years under the auspices of the IFDH to provide a forum for the understanding and discussion of issues pertaining to dental hygiene.

Our 2026 location will be the fashion capital of Milan, Italy! Our local host member organization from Italy is Associazione Igienisti Dentali Italiani (AIDI). With top speakers from around the world, the theme is:

Oral and General Health:
Prevention & Progress

Dates to Save: July 9-11, 2026

IFDH NEWS

IFDH Participates in WHO Conference

The IFDH was asked to participate in this first-ever World Health Organization conference that highlighted the importance of oral health as part of overall health. Taking place in Bangkok, Thailand November 26-29, it was such an honor to represent all of us as the voice of dental hygienists! Approximately 300 attendees representing over 110 countries were there.

As the representative for IFDH, I was part of the “Non-State Actor” delegation that included numerous oral care organizations and stakeholders. After a beautiful performance from local singers and dancers, the meeting started with a video message from Dr. Tedros Adhenom Ghebreysus, WHO Director General. His words resonated with everyone there: “There is no health without oral health!” Read the full article.

IFDH Updates Mission for New Members

Dental Therapists, Oral Health Therapists & Oral Therapists

After more than two years of research, interviews and discussions, the IFDH House of Delegates voted to allow national organizations which include Dental Therapists, Oral Health Therapists and/or Oral Therapists to join IFDH as Full Association Members.
Click to see our Updated Mission and Video.

What is the Scope of Practice for our New Members?

President Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA, asked Jessica Pennay, President of the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association, for an explanation of the various roles played by Oral Health Therapists, Oral Therapists and Dental Therapists. The terms dental therapist, oral health therapist and oral therapist can vary slightly depending on the country or region, but here's a general distinction:
Read More.

IFDH PROGRAMS

5 More White Papers in Process

Canada, USA, Seoul & Online

Having completed the first White Paper on Oral Health During Pregnancy & the Role of Dental Hygienists, IFDH has an additional 5 White Papers in progress. With Haleon sponsorship, IFDH is providing evidence-based guidance and information to its 33 national association country members. The goal of the series is to provide a global perspective on the multi-faceted impact of dental hygienists.
Click here to see the list of White Papers and authors.

Our 10th Survey Completed!
PREVENTIVE CARE

The IFDH recently completed its 10th survey - helping to better understand global Dental Hygienists’ practices around Preventive Care. We thank P&G for their support of this program.
Click here for a summary of the results.

Research Grants New Deadline

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
September 15th, 2025

The IFDH has research grants for dental hygiene students available, so please check the website for details. The purpose of this program is to promote experience in the research process and dissemination of findings contributing to the dental hygiene body of knowledge.
Click for more info.

World Dental Hygienist Awards

Now in Process!

The World Dental Hygienist Awards has been open for applications for its 2026 edition. Sunstar Foundation and IFDH continue the revamped version of the World Dental Hygienist Awards.
Click for more info.

Social Responsibility 2024-2026

"A healthy smile for life - oral health for better aging"

As science and medicine advance, life expectancy and quality of life continue into adulthood. Oral health in elderly people is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and quality of life.

Our theme for 2025-26 is: "A healthy smile for life - oral health for better aging." Healthy smiles generate higher self-esteem and confidence. Helping educate the elderly about oral health will maintain overall well-being and quality of life.

Your project could be the next IFDH Award-winning initiative. Learn more.

MEMBER NEWS

Click on a title to read an article.

Australia

• Australia gets a new professional association to address community oral health needs.

Canada

• Revision to CDHA’s Dental Hygienists’ Code of Ethics

• Canada’s National Oral Health Research Strategy

Denmark

• Education Reform

• Elisabeth Gregersen is Celebrating 25 Years as President

Korea

• A Successful 2024 National Leadership Workshop!

• Raising Awareness of Dental Hygienists

Calendar

2025

March 20: Dental Science Hygienist Association of Nepal 3rd International Oral Health Summit
Pokhara, Nepal

April 11-12:Czech Dental Hygienist's Association (ADH ČR) - Spring Conference and Annual Meeting - 25th Anniversary
Prague, Czech Republic

May 27:Israeli Dental Hygiene Association (Israel DHA) - Annual Scientific Conference
Modi'in, Israel

July 5-6:Korean Dental Hygienists Association (KDHA) - 47th Annual Conference
Seoul

Oct 2:The Danish Association of Dental Hygienists (Dansk Tanplejerforenging) - Fagkonferencen (Annual DH Conference)
Kolding, Denmark

Oct 10-11:Oral Hygienists' Association of South Africa (OHASA) - OHASA AGM and National Conference
Cape Town, SA

Is Your Annual Conference Listed?

CONTACT eNews

Published by

Editors:
Peter Anas, Executive Director
Clare Karpinski, Membership Director

with support from

100 South Washington St., Rockville MD 20850 USA.
Phone: 240-778-6790
www.IFDH.org

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