IFDH President's Report:
June 2026
Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHAExciting, Changing Times of Opportunity
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”
-Seneca
It’s 2026…. it’s June…our International Symposium is only 4 weeks away! As I write my final President’s Report, I reflect on the past two years and all that has happened. Wow. It’s been busy, fruitful, fulfilling, exciting, rewarding, humbling, emotional and so much more. We have made incredible inroads and progress towards our Mission & Vision, and the future looks bright. That’s not to say there haven’t been challenges, or there won’t be in the future. But if we continue to build upon the trajectory we’ve started, the sky is truly the limit.
I re-visited my initial President’s Report after taking office in 2024. In it I wrote, “I can only think how humbled and honored I am to be your 2024-2026 President. The path that has led me here has taken many twists and turns, but ultimately, I know I’m where I should be…. working with all of you in these exciting, changing times of opportunity!” That final part truly resonates, two years later…. Exciting, changing times of opportunity.
It’s an understatement to say it’s been exciting. It’s so true to say it’s been changing. And the opportunity measurement is off the charts! Here we are on the cusp of a new Board and leadership that I know will propel us even further. It’s been an honor to discuss, create and achieve with them and our hard-working staff this term, and I thank them for their dedication. And thank YOU for your confidence and support. You have ALL been with me throughout this journey, in every presentation, in every place I’ve traveled, and in every decision. YOU have raised us #UPWARD!!!
IFDH at the Launch of the Global Coalition on Oral Health
This is a milestone that we can all celebrate! After the WHO held its very first Global Oral Health Conference in November 2024, plans have been underway to form a coalition of organizations, WHO member states, the private sector, and stakeholders. This coalition is meant to promote the message of oral health and the implementation of the Global Oral Health Action Plan. Knowledge sharing, strategic coordination, advocacy & collaboration are the core focus areas of the coalition. Because of our attendance in Bangkok, IFDH was invited to be part of the coalition, and we eagerly attended the launch in Geneva. As IFDH President, I participated in a panel discussion that included invited speakers from other organizations.
President Elect Fouzieh Eliassy joined me in Geneva, and it was great to have us both there, networking and representing all of you! Thank you to Haleon for the travel support, making it possible for us to attend. And special thanks to Dr Benoit Varenne, Technical Lead for Oral Health at the WHO, for always including us as valued colleagues.
If you’d like to watch the entire proceedings, click here (fast forward to 9:25 for the actual start - Use Passcode 32in6Kp=).
We look forward to more collaboration in this important work, and to share the message of the power of prevention!
More Cause for Celebration
Our colleague and partner, Dr Chris Fox, who is the CEO of the IADR, recently informed us of some wonderful news! Dr. Leigha Rock was recently named Chair of the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry and Senior Associate Dean (Dental Affairs) In Alberta Canada for a five-year term effective August 1, 2026. Dr. Rock comes to the University of Alberta from Dalhousie University, where she serves as an associate professor and the director of the School of Dental Hygiene in the Faculty of Dentistry. She brings extensive academic and national leadership experience, including serving as the current president of the Canadian Association for Dental Research and co-chair of Canada's National Oral Health Research Strategy. We know our Canadian (CDHA) colleagues are thrilled with this news….as we all are. A dental hygienist as a dental school Dean! Congratulations, Leigha - #Upward indeed!
Many More Accomplishments Since March….
Here are some Federation updates since our last eNews in March:
Advocacy Advisory Committee – the committee held its first meeting in April. It was a “meet & greet” occasion, with a discussion of potential priorities when they begin their work in the Autumn. Rachael England (UK) has graciously agreed to Chair the committee.
Global Oral Health Summit – the speakers have been finalized! Scheduled for November 7, 2026, it promises to be another outstanding event. This year’s theme is One World, One Smile: Integrating Oral Health for Better Global Health. Please visit the dedicated page on the IFDH website for updates on the individual presentations. https://ifdh.org/global-oral-health-summit-2026/ Thank you to Colgate Palmolive and Crest + Oral-B for their sponsorship!
Presidential Podcasts – the wait is almost over! The first three podcasts will be accessible in mid-June. Be sure to visit our dedicated web page at https://ifdh.org/podcast/ And thank you to Colgate for their sponsorship!
White Papers – The first paper in our next series is underway. Authored by Frances Robinson, HE Dip, MSc, Assoc FCGDent, (UK) its focus is community outreach and oral health education. All IFDH White Papers can be accessed at https://ifdh.org/programs/white-paper-series/ Thank you, Haleon, for supporting this important series!
Committee Spotlight: Social Media & Social Responsibility Committees
Social Media: We have certainly kept the Social Media Committee busy during this term! Thank you to them for their dedication! Their regular postings across all our channels, including Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn have put the IFDH at the forefront. We also developed Press Releases for various breakthrough events that the committee shared. Committee Co-Chair Anri Bernardo (South Africa), shared her thoughts: Serving as co-Chair of the Social Media Committee has been a rewarding experience. I have enjoyed collaborating with such a creative and dedicated team to strengthen communication, increase engagement, and highlight the important work happening across IFDH. I am especially proud of the committee’s efforts to expand our outreach and create a stronger sense of connection among members through timely and meaningful social media content. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the IFDH Board and the Social Media Committee members for their continued support, collaboration, and dedication throughout this experience. Co-Chair Maria Perno Goldie (USA) adds: "Serving as co-Chair of the Social Media Committee has been a rewarding experience, especially working alongside such a dedicated and thoughtful committee. I’ve appreciated the shared commitment to our goals and the spirit of collaboration that has guided our work. I’ve valued the opportunity to work with colleagues who bring insight, creativity, and genuine care to this committee. Our collective efforts have strengthened both our outcomes and our sense of purpose. I extend my sincere appreciation to the IFDH Board and the members of the Social Media Committee for their dedicated support and significant contributions."
Sharon Friedman Yaniv, IFDH Vice President, has acted as the Board Liaison to the committee, and along with Anri & Maria the members include:
- Miranda Steeples (UK)
- Jiyoung Jung (South Korea)
Social Responsibility: The Social Responsibility Committee encourages members to create projects that improve the health of the underserved. Each International Symposium recognizes the projects that have made a difference in the lives of others, with a focus on a specific theme. This term, the theme was improving the oral health of the elderly. Committee Chair Hadas Goldberg (Israel) states: “As Chair of the Social Responsibility Committee, I believe that social responsibility is one of the most meaningful ways dental hygienists can contribute to society. Beyond providing clinical care, we have a professional and ethical responsibility to reach populations with limited access to oral health education, preventive services, and health promotion initiatives. Ultimately, social responsibility is not only about giving back to the community, but it is also about advancing oral health, strengthening the profession, and creating lasting positive change for individuals and society as a whole.”
Sharon Friedman Yaniv has served as the Board Liaison, and committee members this term have included:
- Sylvia van Houten (The Netherlands)
- Lenka Velebilova (Czech Republic)
- Kamila Gensor (Slovakia)
And now I bid you Farewell
Adieu, Adios, Arrivederci, Sayonara, Auf Wiedersehen, Do Svidaniya, Annyeong, Tot Ziens, and Shalom. These words from an Irish saying are my sentiments exactly:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Can’t wait to see you in Milan!
Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA
IFDH President, 2024-2026