title: Advancing education in dental hygiene.
abstract: The changing health care environment and societal imperatives indicate the need for transformative change within the dental hygiene profession to serve the emerging needs of the public. The American Dental Hygienists' Association is leading the way toward meaningful change.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) has as its vision the integration of dental hygienists into the health care delivery system as essential primary care providers to expand access to oral health care. This article provides data on current dental hygiene education programs and those in development. Also included is a discussion regarding how the dental hygiene profession can better serve the health and wellness needs of society by transforming the way graduates are prepared for the future.
  
  
  METHODS
  ADHA's dental hygiene survey center data, policies and a futuristic analysis plus a review of the professional literature describe the current state of dental hygiene education and the profession. A discussion of societal, health care and educational trends that creates the imperative for transformation of the dental hygiene profession is provided.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultimately, the purpose of advancing education in dental hygiene is to achieve better oral and overall health for more people. The profession's responsibility to the public includes evaluating its own ability to provide care and taking the steps necessary to ensure its maximum effectiveness. ADHA is leading this process for dental hygienists in diverse ways. It is imperative that the dental hygiene profession understands and embraces the changing health care environment. Through open dialog and the sharing of evidence the professional path will be determined along with forward movement for the benefit of society and the dental hygiene profession.
authors.affiliation: American Dental Hygienists' Association, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Battrell
authors.affiliation: American Dental Hygienists' Association, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.affiliation: American Dental Hygienists' Association, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Steinbach
authors.affiliation: American Dental Hygienists' Association, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bessner
authors.affiliation: American Dental Hygienists' Association, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address: JoshS@adha.net.
authors.forename: Josh
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.affiliation: American Dental Hygienists' Association, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Majeski
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D003479:Curriculum; D003729:Dental Care; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018865:Dental Research; D004500:Education, Graduate; D004522:Educational Status; D005178:Faculty; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011231:Preceptorship; D011364:Professional Practice; D016730:Program Development; D012941:Social Responsibility
keywords: Dental hygiene education; degree completion; dental hygiene programs