May-June 2025

Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA

UNITED!!

“Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.” Helen Keller

It’s Spring! I always look forward to this time of year with joyful anticipation – what lies ahead and how can we embrace the changes in front of us? I truly believe the answer to thriving during new challenges and opportunities is to unite. We are one, strong voice!

Read more in Jill's message, including:

Our Dedicated Board
Our Partnerships are Key

American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE)
European Journal of Dental Education
American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)
The Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe (PBOHE)
European Dental Hygienists Federation (EDHF)

IFDH White Papers
President Virtual Greetings
Awards Committee Highlights

Read the full message.

IFDH EVENTS

House of Delegates Virtual Business Meeting

Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at 10 am ET/ 4 pm CET

This virtual meeting is held to conduct IFDH business, during years when we do not hold an in-person HoD meeting and to provide updates on:

IFDH Activities
Each Member Association’s Activities Overview

Registration: Form to be sent to HoDs by IFDH.

IFDH Announces its 5th Annual
Global Oral Health Summit

The IFDH 2025 Global Oral Health Summit series brings together influential worldwide leaders and stakeholders to discuss how dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral therapists, and oral health therapists can reduce the burden of oral diseases and their global economic impact.
Click for more on the expert speakers and topics.

Date: Virtual, Saturday, November 8, 2025
Registration: FREE (Opens June 1)

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

July 6-8, 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:

Registration Opens: September 2025

Hotel Reservations Open: September 1, 2025

Abstracts Submissions: September 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026

IFDH House of Delegates Meeting: July 7-9, 2026

Symposium: July 9-12, 2026

IFDH NEWS

IFDH & ADHA (USA) Develop Joint Position Statement on Qualified Dental Hygiene Providers

The IFDH and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) strongly advocate for the delivery of dental hygiene care exclusively by qualified professionals who have completed proper accredited educational programs and obtained licensure in compliance with the regulatory standards of the nation in which they are practicing. Read the Joint Position Statement.

IFDH Board Meets at EuroPerio in Vienna

The IFDH Board of Directors held its annual in-person meeting in Vienna, before the EuroPerio conference. As our President, Jill, says in her message, a great deal of business was discussed, with creative thinking from the five Past Presidents of national associations serving as our board members.

Liaising with our Corporate Partners

Following the aforementioned IFDH Board meeting, President Jill and Executive Director Peter Anas met with our current corporate partners to discuss our existing programs and potential new projects. Much is happening at IFDH! Thank you to our partners Haleon, Colgate, Dentsply, P&G and Sunstar. In addition, many meetings were held with potential corporate partners for ISDH 2026 and discussions on new projects. Stay tuned!

IFDH PROGRAMS

Two More White Papers Completed

Impact of Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing priority in healthcare, including oral health. This paper explores the role dental hygienists play in promoting environmentally conscious practices while maintaining high standards of patient care. It highlights strategies for reducing waste, conserving resources, and advocating for sustainable initiatives in dental settings.

Cost Effectiveness of Prevention

The key to reducing oral disease is found in prevention. This new White Paper explores the current financial impact of oral disease and its cost to individuals and society. It demonstrates the cost effectiveness of prevention and the essential role of primary oral healthcare providers in achieving a reduction in oral disease globally.
Click here to see our White Papers and authors.

Take 5-10 Minutes to Participate in our 11th Survey: INTERDENTAL CLEANING

Given the importance of interdental plaque removal to oral health, the IFDH is fielding its eleventh survey to better understand global practices and beliefs around interdental cleaning.

Deadline to participate: June 6th, 2025

Click here for a summary of the results. NO personal information is collected

Research Grants New Deadline

APPLICATION DEADLINE CHANGED to: October 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 2026 World Dental Hygienist Awards program is open for applications. The six winners from each region plus nominees from Africa, Asia, LATAM and Oceania will compete for the WDHA.

- Africa, Asia, Latin America & Oceania:

Deadline: March 31st, 2026

The winners will be awarded at the 2026 International Symposium in Dental Hygiene in Milan Italy, July 9-11, 2026. Click for more information.

Social Responsibility 2024-2026

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

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