October marks the beginning of National Dental Hygiene Month, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is highlighting this year’s theme: “The Power of Us.” According to the ADHA, the theme emphasizes how collective efforts within the dental hygiene community can create lasting change for the profession and for the communities it serves.
The month begins with the ADHA25 Annual Conference, taking place October 4 to 6 in Long Beach, California. Hygienists can participate in person or through select livestreamed sessions. ADHA members attending in person are encouraged to pick up “The Power of Us” pins at the ADHA Membership booth and other locations throughout the convention center.
Two CE-eligible livestreamed courses will be available on Saturday, October 4. The Power of Fluoride, presented by Victoria Patrounova and sponsored by Colgate, will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. CT (1.5 CE). Later that day, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. CT, Kim Milleman and Kumar Shah will lead Is Mouthrinse the Missing Piece? sponsored by Listerine (1.5 CE).
Weekly National Dental Hygiene Month programming planned by ADHA will focus on different aspects of the profession’s reach and impact: the individual hygienist, clinical practice, professional partnerships, and the advancement of the field. The organization is sharing digital materials, clinical and wellness resources, and social media content throughout the month.
On October 10, the ADHA is encouraging participation in its annual #PostYourPurple campaign to promote engagement and visibility. According to the ADHA, the hashtag campaign is designed to increase excitement among professionals by encouraging them to share images featuring the color purple — dental hygiene’s signature color — on social media.
The final week of National Dental Hygiene Month will focus on broader professional advocacy, including mental health. The ADHA will host a free webinar on October 29, titled Mental Health: A Personal Journey and Call to Action. Scheduled from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. CT, the session features speakers Harry Bruell and Sherri M Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH. The webinar will address the intersection of mental and oral health, the systemic barriers to mental healthcare, and how dental professionals can contribute to early intervention, support, and advocacy. More information and registration for the October 29 webinar is available here.
ADHA states that National Dental Hygiene Month is a time to recognize the contributions of dental hygienists and to continue advancing the profession through collaboration, policy engagement, and community support. Access all of ADHA’s initiatives related to the monthlong event here.
