IFDH eNews: March 2026
Member News
Australia
Providing New Member Services
Over the past three months, the Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA) has continued to strengthen its services and engagement with members following the launch of the unified national association in July 2025. Key developments include the launch of the OHAA Job Board, creating new employment and recruitment opportunities for Oral Health Professionals, and the introduction of the OHAA Member App - My OHAA, designed to improve member connectivity and access to resources. The association is also preparing to launch a new Learning Management System (LMS) to support continuing professional development, while work is underway to redevelop the OHAA website to further enhance digital access, member services and professional resources for the oral health community across Australia.
Canada
Thriving Together Lunch and Learn Series
Fostering healthier and more respectful workplaces is an important priority for CDHA. The “Thriving Together” Lunch-and-Learn Series is a ready-to-use team development resource designed specifically for dental offices. Through short videos, guided reflection, and open discussion, teams will discover ways to build stronger connections, foster mutual respect, and promote wellness in the workplace. Access the tool kit and start building a workplace culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported.
Virtual Presentation: Oral–Systemic Links
For just $25, non-members can view the recording of CDHA’s recently released oral–systemic link virtual presentation.
Our speaker, Salme Lavigne, PhD, RDH, explores the evolving relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health, providing insight into the current evidence. A great companion piece to the learning in this session is CDHA’s series of 5 position papers, also authored by Dr. Lavigne, on the association between periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes, respiratory diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular diseases and other conditions.
Japan
Celebrating its 75th Anniversary
The 75th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony of the Japan Dental Hygienists’ Association was held on February 22, 2026. The program featured a commemorative lecture, an award ceremony honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society through their long-standing service as dental hygienists, and a celebratory reception.
Korea
The Importance of Oral Health for Vulnerable Groups
The Korean Dental Hygienists Association (KDHA) participated in a Policy Forum in February 2026 on “The implementation of the Integrated Care system and the revision of the Medical Technologists Act” to strengthen the role of Dental Hygienists in community based Oral Health Services. Hundreds of participants underscored the importance of Oral Health for vulnerable groups, including older adults and people with disabilities, and noted that enabling Dental Hygienists to provide appropriate care would help improve oral health outcomes.
General Assembly Reviews Activities
In February 2026, KDHA delegates convened the 45th General Assembly to review recent activities and discuss key initiatives to further advance the profession and promote oral health nationwide.