IFDH President's Report:
October 2025

We Are All Difference Makers!
Difference Maker
“A dedicated person who can make a big impact even with just a small action or a few words. Someone who improves the lives of others. One who rallies or encourages others to propel themselves #upward and bring about change”.
When you read the definition of a difference maker, does it ring true? Does it sound like anyone you know? It sounds like every one of you! Each day you make a difference in the lives of the patients you see, or through the work you do. We are clinicians, researchers, educators, public health practitioners, entrepreneurs, administrators, and corporate representatives.
For our delegates to the IFDH, you are leaders who have an impact on the future of the professions you represent. So, let’s keep going, difference makers – we’re just getting started!

Thank you for a Successful Virtual IFDH HoD Business Meeting!
Our second-ever virtual meeting of the House of Delegates was a great success, thanks to all delegates who attended. The meeting provided everyone with updates of all that’s happening at IFDH and gave everyone the opportunity to learn more about our programs.
Welcome once again to our new delegates! We are thrilled to have you as part of the IFDH. Reach out anytime if you have questions, ideas, or suggestions. And if there are any committees you would like to join, let me know. For any delegates who were unable to join us, or if you’d like to re-visit the meeting, you can access the meeting on our website in the HoD Resources section.

IFDH Participates in Roundtable
I recently traveled to New York for an exciting event on September 24th. I participated in a roundtable discussion with high-level global oral health experts, policy makers, and public and private sector leaders on advancing oral health. The discussion, sponsored by Colgate, was held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly meeting and spotlighted the importance of health education, behavior change, and cross-sector collaboration. Prevention was a big focus, as all participants realized how essential it is to health promotion. My hope is this conversation will continue, with actionable goals.
Congratulations to Bright Smiles, Bright Futures!

The Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) program, fully funded by Colgate-Palmolive, has achieved an incredible milestone - they have reached 2 billion children and their families across the globe! Since 1991, the program has connected with underserved communities to provide oral health education, free dental screenings, and referrals to practitioners when needed. Thank you for making the world and the future brighter, one smile at a time.
A Visit to the West Coast, USA

I was fortunate to attend the ADHA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California! Not only did I see many friends, but I also represented the IFDH in many ways. I was introduced at the General Session, participated in a Hygiene Rising podcast from the exhibit floor, attended the ADHA Fellows reception & President’s Party, and was invited to a meeting of peer organizations. This was a wonderful gathering where we shared common goals and discussed ways to collaborate. Pictured in the photo along with me are representatives from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM), the Canadian Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA), as well as officers & staff of the ADHA. Working together, we can do great things!
IFDH Programs & Happenings
Global Report
Delegates heard about this new program during our virtual HoD meeting. Its purpose is to review the preventive practices that currently exist globally, based on a survey of the IFDH 34 member countries. It’s exciting that ALL OUR MEMBER COUNTRIES will be directly involved in creating this important report!!
The survey results will be developed into a professionally designed document that describes each country’s preventive practices along with common themes. In addition, the IFDH will develop recommendations to enhance preventive oral care and the role of the dental hygienist, dental therapist, oral therapist and oral health therapist in providing such services. We are in the initial phases of developing the survey. Thanks to Colgate for partnering with us!
More White Papers Published
During our HoD meeting we provided an update on the status of our White Paper series. Having published four papers to date and with two more to be published by the end of the year, we are truly creating timely, evidence-based resources for all our members. Be sure to read them. Thank you to Haleon for their support!
A New Advocacy Committee
We also informed delegates about the formation of this new committee during our virtual HoD meeting. The role of the Advocacy Committee will be to keep aware of regulation & policy issues for the IFDH, with the goal of helping to shape policies and practices in a way that benefits dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral therapists and oral health therapists. The Board is finalizing the goals and charge for the committee.
Fellowship Program Coming Soon
This new IFDH designation will recognize our members who have achieved professional excellence. A similar program exists with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and some of the concepts will be similar. You work so hard and make a difference – we want to recognize that! Details coming soon.
Social Responsibility Project Applications
Applications are now open! This year’s theme is “A Healthy Smile for Life – Oral Health for Better Aging.” If you have a project you’ve developed that focuses on the elderly and improving their health and well-being, you are eligible to enter. Thank you to DENTSPLY Sirona for their ongoing sponsorship! Click for more information and to watch the video.
World Dental Hygienist Awards
This program is underway and soon the Awards Committee will begin the judging process. Thank you to the Sunstar Foundation for joining forces with IFDH to present the World Dental Hygienist Awards since 2007. The awards honor those who have positively impacted patients, the community, and the public through their dedicated work and achievement. Click for more information.
Research Grants
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. This grant program provides small grants for students enrolled in dental hygiene graduate programs conducting thesis research (Undergraduate, Master’s or PhD levels). If you are a student researcher and qualify under the above criteria, applications are now open and will close on October 15. Thank you, DENTSPLY Sirona for supporting this important program!
Committee Spotlight:
Education & Global Oral Health Summit Committees
In this edition of the eNews I’d like to highlight the Education & Global Oral Health Summit Committees. Both hard-working committees have had a huge impact this term!
Education Committee – This committee plays a key role in elevating our profession by developing programs to increase our knowledge and strengthen our role in healthcare. This year, the Education Committee has been tasked with examining ways to develop an IFDH Fellowship Program. The Fellowship Program will recognize individual IFDH members who have achieved professional excellence in their careers. The details are being developed so stay tuned for this exciting new program and how to become an IFDH Fellow!
The Education Committee is co-chaired by Loes Velthoven-Verlinden (The Netherlands) and Francine Trudeau (Canada). Additional members include Cheryl Dey (Australia), Anri Bernardo (South Africa), Sviatlana Anishchuk (Ireland), Hanan Tahir (UAE), and Tammy Filipiak (USA). IFDH Secretary Carmen Lanoway serves as the Board Liaison. Francine says, "Serving on the Education Committee has been an inspiring and rewarding opportunity to promote professional development and contribute to advancing the dental hygiene profession through education, while collaborating with dedicated colleagues who share the same passion of growth and innovation!"
Global Oral Health Summit Committee – Each year, the IFDH holds a virtual Global Oral Health Summit to address important issues in oral health. The charge of the committee is to develop a theme and determine speakers for the Summit, to plan the event, and to potentially take part in presenting. Past themes have included sustainability in oral healthcare, advocacy, and the changing and evolving role of the dental hygienist.
This year’s Summit takes place on Saturday, November 8, and the theme is “One World, One Smile: Elevating Oral Health by All, For All.” BTW – it’s FREE! Click for more info and to register.
With speakers representing the World Health Organization, the European Forum for Primary Care, and more, it promises to be an exciting and excellent event. The committee, chaired by Gitana Rederiene (Lithuania) says “The role of Chair of the IFHD Global Oral Health Committee is a fulfilling one, providing an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and establish connections with professionals worldwide. It also facilitates the promotion of equitable, prevention-focused oral health practices.”
Additional members include Antonella Abbinante (Italy), Eva Lopez de Castro (Spain), Cole Gilbert (South Africa), and Tammy Filipiak (USA). The IFDH President serves as the Board Liaison. And I can state enthusiastically that working with these dedicated and talented colleagues is a true joy. Our Summit on November 8 will be outstanding!
Any delegates who are not part of a committee but would like to join one, reach out to me:
jillr@ifdh.org
KEEP BEING A DIFFERENCE MAKER – KEEP BEING YOU!
#Upward!
Warmest Regards,
Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA
IFDH President, 2024-2026