What you need to know about the ADHA's recent policy updates

 On February 4th, 2026, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) released 10 new policy updates that have the potential to impact things like dental education and licensure. The policies address scope of practice, licensure exams, education standards, workforce well-being, and disability inclusion. 

While ADHA policy positions do not change state law or licensure requirements on their own, they signal the Association’s advocacy priorities. 

What’s changing? 

Full Practice Authority adoption 

A significant update includes establishing a formal definition of Full Practice Authority (FPA) and the adoption of a policy supporting FPA for licensed clinicians nationwide. 

Per the ADHA’s website, “Under Full Practice Authority, licensed dental hygienists may 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.”¹ 

Education requirements 

The ADHA approved a policy that would make dental hygiene doctorate degree a mandatory credential for entry-level hygienists by 2032. According to the ADHA, this requirement will strengthen clinical preparation, support an expanded scope of practice, and better situate dental hygiene within the health care system. 

The Dental Hygiene Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DHLOSCE) is now formally recognized as a valid and reliable benchmark test for entry-level dental hygiene practice. DHLOSCE includes questions that require the use of lifelike, 3D models as opposed to traditional single-encounter patient or manikin exams, which require a motor skills assessment. DHLOSCE is already active in Kentucky and Arizona and has been integrated into the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact).² 

Dental therapists and more 

Policies supporting dental therapists as valid oral health professionals who can expand access to care have also been implemented. In states where dental therapists are authorized, they may perform certain procedures within the scope defined by state law, their advanced CODA-accredited training, and as defined by CODA-accreditation standards. Dental therapists have the ability to increase access to oral care and enhance care in communities without full-time dentists, according to KFF Health News.³ 

Diversity and inclusion 

The ADHA now actively supports the creation of comprehensive state and national diversion programs for hygienists suffering from substance use or mental health conditions. This provides them access to confidential treatment programs whilst preserving both their position in the workforce and their professional licensure. 

The ADHA’s disability inclusion policies have also been updated, replacing a single position with two expanded policies. The first policy affirms the rights of dental hygienists with disabilities and supports their accommodations while the other supports pathways for disabled dental professionals to join and thrive in the workplace^.1 

Additional policies adopted 

Other changes include the “ADHA’s opposition to preceptor training, the Alabama Dental Hygiene Program (ADHP), and other mechanisms that bypass CODA-accredited minimum educational requirements for dental hygiene practice.” The ADHP is a non-CODA-accredited path to licensure that requires a sponsoring dentist in a clinical environment to provide real-world dental experience.⁴ 

The ADHA also supports the use of xylitol as part of preventive strategies aimed at reducing dental caries. 

Statement from ADHA president 

ADHA president Lancette VanGuilder believes these polices can bolster the profession and help dental professionals better serve their patients. They are the first round of policies submitted under the ADHA’s modernized governance structure, which took effect last year and allows all ADHA members to submit their own proposals. 

Want to suggest a policy change or update? VanGuilder noted in the ADHA’s press release: “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.” 

For more information, you can read the  ADHA Policy Manual. 

1. ADHA adopts ten new and updated policies affecting scope of practice, education and licensure. American Dental Hygienists’ Association. February 4, 2026. https://www.adha.org/newsroom/adha-adopts-ten-policies-fy26/  

2. Prepare for the DHLOSCE. Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.  https://jcnde.ada.org/dhlosce/prepare-for-the-dhlosce#:~:text=Learn%20more%20about%203D%20Models,tutorial%20video%20is%20also%20provided.  

3. Saint Lewis C. Dental therapists: "A slice of specialized care that helps fill gaps. DentistryIQ . June 12, 2023. https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/article/14295091/dental-therapists-a-slice-of-specialized-care-that-helps-fill-gaps  

4. The Alabama Dental Hygiene Program. Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama. https://dentalboard.org/adhp/