The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has adopted ten new and updated policies during fiscal year 2025–2026, marking a significant set of policy changes affecting scope of practice, education, licensure, workforce well-being and disability inclusion. According to the association, the policies reflect both long-standing strategic priorities and new directions enabled by its updated governance structure.
Among the most notable actions, ADHA established a formal definition of Full Practice Authority and adopted a policy supporting Full Practice Authority for licensed dental hygienists in all U.S. jurisdictions. According to the association, Full Practice Authority allows licensed dental hygienists to evaluate patients, diagnose conditions within their scope of practice, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatment, including prescribing medications, as permitted by state regulatory boards.
The association also approved a policy calling for the dental hygiene doctorate degree to become the entry-level credential by 2032. According to ADHA, the policy is intended to strengthen clinical preparation, support expanded scope of practice and further position dental hygiene within the broader health care system.
Additional policies adopted include opposition to preceptor training, the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program, and other pathways that bypass Commission on Dental Accreditation–accredited minimum educational requirements for dental hygiene practice.
ADHA also adopted policies supporting dental therapists as mid-level oral health professionals who help expand access to care, as well as the use of xylitol as part of preventive strategies to reduce dental caries.
Licensure assessment was another focus of the policy package. ADHA now formally recognizes and supports the Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination as a valid, reliable and equitable measure of clinical judgment and skills for entry-level dental hygiene practice. According to the association, the examination, developed by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, uses case-based questions and 3D interactive models as an alternative to traditional single-encounter patient or manikin exams. The DHLOSCE has been implemented in Kentucky and Arizona and is integrated into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
Workforce well-being and inclusion were also addressed. According to the association, ADHA adopted a policy supporting the creation of comprehensive state and national diversion programs for dental hygienists with substance use or mental health conditions, with the goal of ensuring access to confidential treatment while preserving licensure and retaining skilled professionals. ADHA additionally updated its disability inclusion framework by replacing a single policy with two expanded policies: one affirming the rights of dental hygienists with disabilities and supporting reasonable accommodations, and another supporting pathways for individuals with disabilities to enter and thrive in the profession.
These ten policies are the first adopted under ADHA’s modernized governance structure, which took effect in 2025. According to the association, the system allows all ADHA members to submit policy proposals year-round, and several of the newly adopted policies, including those addressing licensure assessment, diversion programs and disability inclusion, originated directly from member submissions and were adopted by the Executive Committee.
“From Full Practice Authority to modernized licensure exams, these policies position dental hygienists to practice at the top of their abilities and better serve their patients,” said ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH. “Our updated governance structure is working. Any member can submit a policy proposal at any time, and several of these policies were submitted directly by members. That’s what it looks like when dental hygienists have a direct hand in shaping the future of their profession.”
ADHA represents the professional interests of more than 220,000 dental hygienists in the United States and publishes the peer-reviewed Journal of Dental Hygiene. The updated ADHA Policy Manual reflecting the newly adopted policies is available at adha.org/policymanual.
