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March 2026
IFDH Newsletter
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Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA

Busy Building, Promoting & Representing IFDH

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”—Steve Jobs

Can you believe it’s almost April? Where has the time gone?! In no time we’ll be headed to Milan for ISDH 2026! As we near the end of this term, I’m reminded of how much we’ve accomplished, the hard work we’ve done, and the changes we’ve championed. But we’re not finished yet! And you’ll see why in this edition of eNews.

• February Board Meeting in Chicago

• Representing IFDH at WHO Webinar

NEW: IFDH President Podcasts

• White Papers for 2026-28

NEW: Advocacy Advisory Committee

NEW: Fellowship Program to be Unveiled

• Committee Spotlight – Awards Committee

Read the full message.

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International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2024

Are You as Excited as We Are?

Watch our video of Milan & ISDH.

Milan Italy; July 9-11, 2026

The IFDH International Symposium on Dental Hygiene is held every two years to provide a forum for discussing and understanding issues related to dental hygiene. Our 2026 location will be Milan, Italy, the fashion capital of the world!

Dress Up for our Gala Dinner

Let yourself be captivated by a special evening: the Gala Dinner at Villa Renoir, in Legnano. Imagine a summer evening, a historic villa glowing with lights, music, delicious food, and meaningful conversations. A unique opportunity to enjoy unforgettable moments, surrounded by refined Italian cuisine, a sophisticated atmosphere, and great company. Don’t miss it!

Early Bird Deadline

Register by March 30!

EXTENDED to April 15!

& SAVE 100€

Find out More: https://isdh2026.com/

International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2024
International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2024
International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2024
International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2024
International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2024

IFDH President Participates in WHO Webinar

As part of World Oral Health Day, IFDH President Jill Rethman represented the global dental hygiene community at a World Health Organization-hosted webinar, participating in an important panel discussion. During the discussion, she highlighted “the critical role of dental hygienists, dental therapists, and oral health therapists in prevention and health promotion - far beyond the traditional clinical setting. From hospitals and long-term care facilities to outreach in remote and underserved communities, our professions are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change and improve access to care.”


IFDH New Booth to be Unveiled

IFDH has recently produced a new 20’ wide booth, which will appear at the 2026 International Symposium on Dental Hygiene trade show in Milan, Italy. We’ve kept a consistent look with our other communications. The design is very eye-catching and free-flowing, while the content is timeless. There is also a call to action for membership, with a QR code. Drop by and say hello!


Our 6th White Paper Published

Behavioral Change

Behavioral change is a topic that has significant importance in oral healthcare. While clinicians can provide appropriate and effective therapies, patients must follow through on recommendations in order to achieve successful outcomes. Those recommendations include patient-centered professional care and self-administered care. As part of the IFDH White Paper series, this White Paper examines challenges, approaches, and practical strategies to implementing behavioral change. Expanding the roles of dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral therapists, and oral health therapists in communities will help promote healthy habits and behaviors, thereby improving oral and overall health. See all of our White Papers.


Research Grant Winners Announced

The IFDH Research grants program promotes experience in the research process and dissemination of findings contributing to the dental hygiene body of knowledge. Through the generosity of DentsplySirona, the program provides grants for students enrolled in dental hygiene graduate programs conducting thesis research. The 2025 winners were recently announced (see more details):

Jessica Fribert, Dalarna University, Sweden
“Oral Health Related Quality of Life among Older Adults: Do Dental Care Utilization over time make a difference?”

Farzana Sarkisova, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
“Oral irrigators and interdental brushes in periodontal maintenance: A pilot randomized clinical trial.”


New Project Underway

IFDH has completed a detailed survey of 31 member countries, reviewing the preventive practices currently in use in the dental hygiene profession globally. The results are being reviewed and will be compiled into a professionally designed document that describes each country’s preventive practices and common themes. In addition, the IFDH will develop recommendations to enhance preventive oral care and the dental hygienist's role in providing these services.


4 Sets of IFDH Awards to be Presented at ISDH

World Dental Hygienist Awards

The IFDH Awards Committee has been busy reviewing applications for the 2026 World Dental Hygienist Awards program. The regional winners will be awarded during a special 1-hour presentation on Friday July 10th.

Innovation Awards

The IFDH Innovation Awards program, sponsored by Haleon, recognizes innovative Dental Hygienists with a focus on technology and treatment. The awards will be presented during the Closing Ceremonies on Saturday, July 11th.

Social Responsibility Awards

Applicants for the Social Responsibility Awards, sponsored by DentsplySirona, have been reviewed by the Social Responsibility Committee and the winners will present their programs during a workshop on Friday, July 10th.

Impact Awards

The IFDH Impact Awards, sponsored by Colgate, is offered annually and open to any Full Association Member country of the IFDH. The awards are based on is "the association’s most impactful program that has promoted the improved oral health of your country's citizens during the current calendar year." The awards will be presented during the Closing Ceremonies on Saturday, July 11th.


Have You Joined IFDH as an Individual Member?

Any Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist, Oral Therapist, or Oral Health Therapist who is a member in good standing of a national association that is an IFDH association member, OR is a graduate of an accredited 2-year educational program in their field, may apply. Click here for our Benefits and an Application.

You’re a Past Member and want to Re-Join?

Contact us for more information .


Click on a title to read an article.

Australia

Providing New Member Services

Canada

Thriving Together Lunch and Learn Series

Virtual Presentation: Oral–Systemic Links

Japan

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary

Korea

The Importance of Oral Health for Vulnerable Groups

General Assembly Reviews Activities

Calendar

2026

Feb 6:German Dental Hygienists Association (DDHV e.V.) Annual Conference
Munich, Germany

April 10-11:Czech Dental Hygienists Association (ADH CR) Annual Conference
Prague

April 10-21:The Swedish Dental Hygienists Association (STHF) Annual Conference
Orebro, Sweden

July 6-8:IFDH House of Delegates Business Meeting, Grand Hotel Dino
Lake Maggiore, Italy

July 9-11:IFDH International Symposium on Dental Hygiene
Milan, Italy

Sep 20-21:Japan Dental Hygienist Association (JDHA) Annual Conference
Saitama, Japan

Sep 25:The Danish Association of Dental Hygienists (Dansk Tanplejerforenging) Annual Conference
Denmark

Oct 9-10:vzw Belgische Beroepsvereniging Voor Mondhygiënisten (BBM) Annual Conference
Dolce La Hulpe, Belgium

Oct 15-17:Oral Health Association of Australia Ltd (OHAA) Illuminating Oral Health Under Southern Skies Annual Conference
Hobart, Australia

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CONTACT eNews

Published by

International Federation of Dental Hygienists

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

with support from

Colgate

Colgate


International Federation of Dental Hygienists

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

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