To become a member of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA), and in turn the component in your area, you need to join the American Dental Hygienists' Association, (ADHA). With membership in ADHA each hygienist is also a member of their state constituent and local component. ADHA dues are $226.00; this includes dues for MDHA and the local component.
Become a Member
BREAKING NEWS! CODA Accepts Recommendation to Require Needs Assessment to Determine the Feasibility of Proposed Dental Hygiene Programs... Read more.
On January 15, 2009 as one of the final acts in the 2006-2008 legislative session, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law landmark legislation that for the first time, allowed registered dental hygienists, without the supervision of a dentist, the ability to see patients in public health settings such as schools, community health centers, and nursing homes. Chapter 530 of the Acts of 2008 - AN ACT TO IMPROVE, PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE ORAL HEALTH OF THE COMMONWEALTH. This changes allows Massachusetts Hygienists to practice as Public Health Dental Hygienists - "PHDH". Read more
Become a Student Member of ADHA. ADHA is the professional organization that represents the student voice and is open to all students enrolled in entry level and graduate level dental hygiene programs throughout the country. By becoming a Student Member you have taken a significant step in your future and have chosen to enter an important role in the oral health care profession. Whether you have just started school, or are close to graduation, ADHA Student Membership is your critical link to the dental hygiene profession.
2011 Graduates - may become Active members by logging in to their student membership record at www.adha.org, click on the "Convert Now" link and complete the required information - which includes their new dental hygiene license number. Students may also convert by calling ADHA directly at (800) 243-2342, press 1 or by emailing their name, ADHA ID, license number and state of licensure to member.services@adha.net.
Continuing Education Requirements for Dental Hygiene Licensure in the Commonwealth Dental hygienists must have proof of a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education that has significant intellectual or practical content which deals primarily with matters directly related to the practice of dentistry or dental auxiliary functions or with the professional or ethical responsibilities and obligations of licensees (234 CMR 5.04). A Dental hygienists seeking renewal of his/her license to practice in the Commonwealth must complete a minimum of 20 CEU's per renewal cycle. This requirement must be fulfilled during the 24 months immediately preceding the March 31 renewal date in odd numbered years. (234 CMR 8.00) For more information visit the Massachusetts Health and Human Services website.
Component Continuing Education Classes will be updated as they become available.
