North Carolina Dental Hygienists' Association

Welcome to the North Carolina Dental Hygienists Association!

Our History

In the early days of our association, a pioneering group of dental hygienists laid the foundation for what would become a thriving community advocating for the profession. In 1949, Carolyn Smart Keith, Winifred Brewer Burns, Maxine Bowman, Mary Louise Tuttle, and Nancy Horton Pappas came together to establish the NCDHA Constitution and Bylaws, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of our journey. Over the subsequent years, our members championed the transition of dental hygienists from public programs to the private practice setting, educating both dentists and the public on the invaluable preventive therapies offered by our profession. The advent of dental hygiene education in North Carolina in 1953 at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later at community colleges in 1965 further solidified our commitment to advancing dental hygiene education and practice in our state.

Who We Are Today

The North Carolina Dental Hygienists’ Association (NCDHA) stands as a beacon of unity and progress within the dental hygiene community. As a 501(c)6 non-profit organization and a proud member of the tripartite structure of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), we are dedicated to serving the needs of dental hygienists across North Carolina. When you join NCDHA, you become part of a dynamic network of professionals, comprising five Components, each offering unique networking, continuing education (CE), and leadership opportunities at the local, state, or national level. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower dental hygienists with the latest educational experiences and knowledge, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements, treatment modalities, and policy developments.

Why Join? Membership Matters!
​Joining NCDHA is more than just becoming a member; it's a commitment to your professional growth and the advancement of dental hygiene in North Carolina. Here are just a few reasons why membership matters:

Advocacy

Stand alongside fellow dental hygienists as we advocate for legislative and regulatory changes that promote the welfare and interests of our profession.

Educational Opportunities

Expand your knowledge, skills, and career prospects with NCDHA's comprehensive educational events. Stay ahead of industry trends, explore new advancements, and enhance your professional development through our diverse range of educational offerings.

Networking

Join NCDHA and tap into a powerful network of like-minded professionals. Forge valuable connections, exchange ideas, and collaborate with industry leaders to elevate your career and make meaningful contributions to the dental hygiene community.

Industry Leadership

Take advantage of leadership development programs and initiatives that empower you to become a leader within the dental hygiene community.

Mission Objectives

Join NCDHA and become part of a dynamic community committed to advancing dental hygiene in North Carolina. Together, we advocate, innovate, and empower each other to elevate our profession and make a difference in oral health care.

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Continuing Education Excellence

Our objective is to provide unparalleled continuing education opportunities that empower hygienists to excel in their careers. Through cutting-edge programs, we equip hygienists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in today's dynamic dental industry.

Community Engagement and Support

We cultivate a supportive community where hygienists can connect, collaborate, and uplift each other. Our commitment to community engagement, networking events, mentorship programs, and volunteer opportunities fosters a sense of belonging and empowers hygienists to thrive personally and professionally.

Advocacy and Professional Development

We advocate for the rights and interests of dental hygienists while fostering their professional growth and leadership potential. Through mentorship, leadership programs, and advocacy initiatives, we empower hygienists to become influential leaders in their field.

Promoting Oral Health Equity and Access

We champion efforts that promote oral health equity and ensure access to quality dental care for all individuals. Through community outreach, advocacy, and partnerships with healthcare organizations, we strive to eliminate barriers to care and promote oral health equity for all.

Join NCDHA and tap into a powerful network of like-minded professionals. Forge valuable connections, exchange ideas, and collaborate with industry leaders to elevate your career and make meaningful contributions to the dental hygiene community.

Thank You For Visiting NCDHA!!

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