ADHA Massachusetts

ADHA Massachusetts ADHA Massachusetts We have more concern for the general health of our patients and not just their oral health .

The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association was incorporated on May 19, 1944 by 11 hygienists “to assist in promoting the art and science of dental hygiene, elevate and sustain the professional character and education of the dental hygienists, promote mutual improvement, social intercourse and good will; disseminate knowledge of oral hygiene, enlighten and direct public opinion in relation to

oral hygiene and dental prophylaxis; to represent, to have cognizance of and to endeavor to safeguard the common interests of the dental profession.”

Today's Massachusetts dental hygienists are endeavoring to do much the same thing in a different time and place. As dental hygienists in the 21st century we are also concerned with OSHA standards; with new technologies; and with increasing our political knowledge and clout to assist the profession of dental hygiene in serving the public's oral health and total health needs. The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association is part of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and has representation on their Board of Trustees through the District One Trustee. We have collaborative relationships with many organizations and associations, including those in other dental fields, the medical field and public health. The Board of Trustees is the leadership conduit of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association and is lead by the President with assistance from the Executive Officers. The Board of Trustees is also comprised of Trustees that represent each of the 11 components and 6 Council Chairs. The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association holds its' Annual Meeting in the fall of each year. It is at this meeting where the House of Delegates votes for its Executive Officers.

MDHA supports Health Care For All’s Amendment  #1042Recent advocacy efforts helped raise the proposed MassHealth dental ...
04/26/2026

MDHA supports Health Care For All’s Amendment #1042

Recent advocacy efforts helped raise the proposed MassHealth dental cap to $1,750 in the Fiscal Year House Ways & Means Budget. This is a meaningful step forward in protecting access to care for our patients.

Now we must go further. Amendment #1042 would exempt dentures from the cap (because the ability to eat, speak, and smile is not optional!).

Take action today: Ask your Representative to co-sponsor Amendment #1042.

Together, we can protect essential oral health services for those who need them most.

Health Care For All advocates for health justice in Massachusetts by working to promote health equity and ensure coverage and access for all.

https://act.healthcareforall.com/a/fy27-house-budget

04/20/2026

Massachusetts RDHs, we are in the middle of a dental access crisis, and Dental Therapy (S.2854) is part of the solution we’ve been waiting for.

Think of a Dental Therapist as the Physician Assistant of dentistry. It’s a mid-level provider role that creates a high-level career ladder for RDHs while providing life-changing restorative care to those who need it most.

The Data is Undeniable:
👉🏼In states with DTs, patient visits for the underserved jumped by 35% in just ONE year.
👉🏼In 2024, DT candidates crushed clinical boards with a 96% pass rate—outperforming the 89% pass rate of graduating dentists.
👉🏼Right now, MA has over 40 dental deserts. In Western MA, children are waiting 6 months for a chair while simple cavities turn into surgical nightmares.

We don’t need more wait and see policies. We need a workforce that can actually meet the demand. We are advocating to protect our patients and the longevity of our profession.

This is about clinical excellence, workforce autonomy, and health equity.

WE NEED YOUR VOICE.

The State House needs to hear from the people on the front lines. Don’t let this opportunity pass us by.

CLICK THE LINK IN OUR BIO TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY NOW!

Let’s close the gap. Let’s lead the change. Let’s get S.2854 over the finish line.

Join us on May 2, 2026, at Devens Common Center for the Central Mass Symposium!This exciting event features expert speak...
04/19/2026

Join us on May 2, 2026, at Devens Common Center for the Central Mass Symposium!

This exciting event features expert speakers Caitlin Parsons (The Aligned Hygienist) and Dr. Adam Lowenstein, along with a legislative update from MDHA President Amy Willor.

Total CEU: 6.5
$99 Member
$129 Non-Member

All courses are included with registration—just be sure to select each individual course during sign-up to receive your CEU certificates. We look forward to seeing you there!

https://cezoom.com/company/landing-page/conferences/f5760d06-82c8-4050-b1b1-d31883f4e12e

Course 1: MDHA Legislative Update with Amy Willor, MDHA President

Course 2: Burnout-Proof; A Wellness Reset to Thrive in Dentistry with Caitlin Parsons, RDH (The Aligned Hygienist)
The physical and emotional demands of dentistry can leave even the most dedicated professionals feeling depleted. This course provides a wellness reset through ergonomics, yoga-based movement, breathwork, and stress reduction tools designed to restore balance and build resilience. Participants will explore the connection between pain, stress, and burnout, apply movement-based strategies to prevent injury, and practice simple breathwork and yoga-based tools to calm the nervous system, supporting sustained energy, focus, and well-being.

Course 3: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Dr. Adam Lowenstein
This course provides oral health professionals with practical, evidence-based strategies for caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Participants will gain a deeper understanding of sensory processing, communication differences, and common behavioral challenges encountered in the dental setting. The goal is to improve patient experiences as well as expand access to care for this growing patient population.

04/15/2026

Did you know that in 35 other states, dental hygienists are already safely administering nitrous oxide? It’s time for Massachusetts to join them and modernize our practice to put our patients first.

We are pushing for our Nitrous Oxide Bill S. 1587. This legislation would finally allow RDHs—who are already experts in head and neck anatomy and local anesthesia—to administer nitrous oxide.

Why does this matter? Because dental anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to care. Whether it’s a pediatric patient, someone with a disability, or a highly anxious adult, being able to provide immediate relief makes our care more efficient and our patients more comfortable.

Right now, our bill is in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. We need your voice. Go to the Voter Voice link in our profile to quickly and easily submit your testimony—it only takes a minute.

Tell them that 35 states can’t be wrong. Let’s get this over the finish line—for our patients.

https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/ADHygienists/Campaigns/135201/Respond

The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association is 𝘵𝘩𝘦 voice advocating for hygienists across the Commonwealth and we’r...
04/13/2026

The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association is 𝘵𝘩𝘦 voice advocating for hygienists across the Commonwealth and we’re inviting all MDHA members and Mass hygiene students to join our Board of Directors Meeting 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭!

Time: 7pm
Location: via zoom
Link in profile

This is your opportunity to get involved, stay informed, and help shape the future of our profession in Massachusetts.

Join us on May 2, 2026, at Devens Common Center for the Central Mass Symposium!This exciting event features expert speak...
04/09/2026

Join us on May 2, 2026, at Devens Common Center for the Central Mass Symposium!

This exciting event features expert speakers Caitlin Parsons (The Aligned Hygienist) and Dr. Adam Lowenstein, along with a legislative update from MDHA President Amy Willor.

Courses:
1. MDHA Legislative Update with Amy Willor, MDHA President
2. Burnout-Proof; A Wellness Reset to Thrive in Dentistry with Caitlin Parsons, RDH (The Aligned Hygienist)
3. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Dr. Adam Lowenstein

Total CEU: 6.5
$99 Member
$129 Non-Member

All courses are included with registration—just be sure to select each individual course during sign-up to receive your CEU certificates. We look forward to seeing you there!

https://cezoom.com/company/landing-page/conferences/f5760d06-82c8-4050-b1b1-d31883f4e12e

03/24/2026

Dear ADHA Member,

As part of ADHA’s new governance model, I invite you to join us for ADHA’s first Annual Meeting of voting members. This virtual meeting represents an important step forward in strengthening transparency, engagement, and connection between ADHA leadership and our members.

During the meeting, ADHA staff and leadership will share highlights from the latest Annual Report, provide updates on advocacy efforts across the country, and review ADHA’s new 2026-2028 Strategic Plan announced in a press release today. The plan introduces a new mission, reflects the evolving role of dental hygienists across practice settings, and sets the association’s priorities and direction for the next three years.

ADHA 2025-2026 Annual Meeting of Voting Members

📅 Monday, April 6
🕗 7:00pm CT/ 8pm EST

Register Now → link in bio

I encourage you to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to hear directly from your association leadership, better understand key priorities, and stay informed about the work being done on behalf of dental hygienists nationwide.

Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to ADHA.

Warm regards,

Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA
President, American Dental Hygienists’ Association

03/22/2026

We’re closer than ever!

Both of our Senate bills — Dental Therapy and Nitrous Oxide — have officially made it to Ways and Means. This is a major step forward and a clear sign that momentum is building.

This is one of the final, most important steps in the process — and right now, your voice matters more than ever.

✔️ Support S.2854 — creates a mid-level oral health practitioner (“dental therapist”) to expand access for 2 million MassHealth enrollees and save the state $3.2M annually.

✔️ Support S.1587 — allows dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide under general supervision, improving workflow and patient comfort without added cost.

If you care about expanding access to care and strengthening our dental workforce, this is the moment to speak up.

Take action now:
👉🏼Use the VoterVoice link
👉🏼Share with your colleagues
👉🏼DM us with any questions

https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/ADHygienists/Campaigns/135298/Respond

03/16/2026

𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗛𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀

Two critical bills supported by the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association are now heading to the 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲—and we need 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁!

𝗦.𝟮𝟴𝟱𝟰 – 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆
This legislation would authorize dental therapists in Massachusetts, expanding the dental workforce and increasing access to care for patients who currently struggle to find providers. Dental therapists work as part of the dental team to provide routine, preventive, and basic restorative care. In states where they are already authorized, they have helped expand access to care in underserved communities while lowering costs for programs like MassHealth.

𝗦.𝟭𝟱𝟴𝟳 – 𝗡𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝘅𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀
This legislation would allow dental hygienists in Massachusetts to administer nitrous oxide with appropriate education and training. For many patients—especially those with dental anxiety, special healthcare needs, or difficulty tolerating treatment—nitrous oxide can make the difference between receiving care and avoiding the dental office altogether. Allowing trained hygienists to administer nitrous oxide would improve efficiency in dental practices and help more patients access comfortable care.

Here’s how YOU can help:
• Submit written testimony—it’s quick and powerful! Use the 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 link in our profile or you can email your testimony directly to Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov

Your voice can make a difference in expanding access to essential oral healthcare across Massachusetts.

Let’s get this done together!

https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/ADHygienists/Campaigns/135298/Respond

🏀 Join the Madness – Support Massachusetts Madness 2026! 🏀The ADHA Foundation’s March Madness Fundraiser is here, and Te...
03/08/2026

🏀 Join the Madness – Support Massachusetts Madness 2026! 🏀

The ADHA Foundation’s March Madness Fundraiser is here, and Team Massachusetts Madness 2026 is ready to make an impact!

You can support in two ways:
✔️ Donate to our Team General Fund
✔️ Register as a team participant and create your own fundraising page to raise even more for the cause!

🎉 Prizes for Top Fundraisers (Massachusetts Team):
🥇 1st Place – $100 Amazon Gift Card
🥈 2nd Place – Gold Floss Box Purse
🥉 3rd Place – $25 Dunkin Gift Card

✨ BONUS: Anyone who makes a donation to a team member or to the Team General Fund will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

This fundraiser is open to members, student members, and non-members, so please help spread the word!

The ADHA Foundation awards thousands of dollars each year to advance the dental hygiene profession through scholarships, research, and community service. These funds support dental hygiene students, expand the field, and help hygienists provide oral health care and education in their communities.

👉 Join our team or make a donation today: Massachusetts Madness 2026

Together we can empower dental hygienists and increase access to oral health care. If joining the team isn’t for you, please consider making a small donation to support the cause.

Thank you for your support!

https://www.mightycause.com/team/kan1hf

📣 What to Expect for MDHA 2026 Lobby Day 🦷Join Katie Clare, Regulations & Practice Chair, and our consultants Charles Gr...
03/05/2026

📣 What to Expect for MDHA 2026 Lobby Day 🦷

Join Katie Clare, Regulations & Practice Chair, and our consultants Charles Group Consulting for an informative session on:
✅ The 5 bills submitted for this legislative cycle
✅ Updates on bills impacting dental hygienists
✅ What to expect for Lobby Day
✅ How YOU can advocate for your profession

Thursday, March 19, 2026
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Free for ADHA members | $10 for non-members
1 CEU
Registration link in bio!

Course Contact: governmentaffairs@massdha.org

Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and make a difference for dental hygiene in Massachusetts!

Address

Clinton, MA
01510

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 12pm
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Wednesday 10am - 12pm
Thursday 10am - 12pm
Friday 11am - 1am
Saturday 10am - 12pm
Sunday 12am - 12pm

Telephone

+17743615625

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