The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has received first place in the Large Association category of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) Impact Awards for its Hygienist Inspired Ambassador Program, a workforce development initiative funded by the Delta Dental Foundation.
Sponsored by Colgate, the IFDH Impact Awards recognize member association programs that promote the oral health of their country's citizens during the calendar year. ADHA was recognized alongside associations from Australia and Slovakia. The award was presented by IFDH President Jill Rethman during the 2026 IFDH House of Delegates Business Meeting, held July 7 to 9 in Baveno, Italy, where ADHA delegates Kelli Swanson Jaecks, MA, RDH, FADHA; and Tammy L. Filipiak, RDH, MS, FADHA, accepted the award on the association's behalf.
Launched nationally in 2025, the Hygienist Inspired Ambassador Program trains registered dental hygienists to serve as ambassadors who introduce students and individuals considering career changes to the dental hygiene profession in schools, clinical settings, and community environments. The program also includes a national network of allies, including dental hygienists, dentists, educators, and community health leaders.
According to ADHA, the program reached 8,550 people during its pilot year through 730 ambassador-led activities supported by 1,561 volunteer hours. Nearly half of the outreach involved high school students, 593 allies participated across all 50 states, and the association's Become a Hygienist digital platform received more than 170,000 page views from prospective students exploring the profession.
“Hygienist Inspired was developed on the belief that dental hygienists are their own profession’s most compelling advocates,” said Jessica August, MSDH, RDH, CDA, FADHA, president of ADHA. “ADHA is honored to see that idea recognized on the international stage, and it reinforces that we are on the right path. When hygienists share their stories, they spark interest in careers in dental hygiene, strengthen the oral health workforce, and expand access to care in the communities that need it most.”
“This award belongs to our Ambassadors and Allies as much as it does to the program,” said Marlyce James, EdD(c), MEd, RDH, CDHC, CDA, FADHA, program manager of Hygienist Inspired. “Their passion, dedication and countless hours of service are inspiring the next generation of dental hygienists and creating meaningful change in communities across the country. Together, we are helping to shape the future of dental hygiene.”
According to the association, ADHA plans to expand ambassador representation in high-need regions, strengthen partnerships with educators and workforce organizations, and continue investing in digital tools that support awareness, mentorship, and enrollment. The association said funding from the Delta Dental Foundation has supported the program's national reach.
More information is available at https://www.adha.org/hygienistinspired.
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