Student Member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association

Student Members of ADHA are a part of 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 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, your Student Membership to ADHA is your critical link to the dental hygiene profession.

You are the primary driving force in your association and the essential foundation upon which the future of dental hygiene is based. This website will offer you information and many opportunities as you progress through your dental hygiene education and after graduation. Be sure to visit often to learn about the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association and the American Dental Hygienists' Association.

Student Member Conversion

If you are a recent graduate, you can convert your student membership to an active membership at adha.org.

Watch for opportunities/scholarships from District I and MDHA to attend ADHA Annual Session in Phoenix, Arizona in June 2012!

A Message from the ADHA Student Delegate Representing District I
Pasqualina 'Lina' Pagliuca (June 2007)

About two months after submitting my application to become a student delegate to ADHA, I learned that I was one of two dental hygiene students chosen to represent District I at ADHA’s 84th Annual Session in New Orleans, Louisiana. Previous to my departure from Boston, I was apprehensive about traveling somewhere I had never been to and meeting new people. However, upon arrival I felt at ease, meeting many ADHA members in the airport and hotel. Everyone was so encouraging and supportive. I felt like I was a part of a family.

My days at Annual Session were spent networking with dental hygienists from across the United States and learning about important legislative initiatives they were working on. This was perfect for me because ever since I was young I have always been interest in politics. My passion for politics provoked me to run for Student Speaker of the House for ADHA’s Student House of Delegates. After being elected for this prestigious position by the other student delegates representing all 50 states, my first responsibility was to present the student delegate recommendations on each of the proposed resolutions to the ADHA Delegates during the 2nd House of Delegates session. It was such an amazing experience. Everyone kept asking me, "So what do you think about all this?" My response remained the same time after time, "I just had no idea ADHA was this big, and all this was happening in the world of dental hygiene."

ADHA is such a large organization that has so much to offer its members. I can not thank ADHA and the members of District I enough for giving me an opportunity to attend this meeting. It was one of the most exciting weeks of my life! This meeting energized me to get other dental hygienists and students involved in our professional organization. I extend the challenge that was given to me, to all students, and practicing hygienists… Become involved! Attend state meetings! See what the new ADHA is all about! It is so important to be active in our national organization. ADHA exists to develop, encourage and support us all!

Lina is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Forsyth Dental Hygiene Program.

Professor Susan Jenkins and Dr. Esther Wilkins visit with an MCPHS student at the Student Poster Session at ADHA Annual Session, June 2008, Albuquerque, NM.

Dental Hygiene Students
at the American Dental Hygienists'Association
Annual Session - Las Vegas, Nevada 2010.

Student Delegates Representing District I in Las Vegas, Nevada Giuliana Pagliuca and Kelly Shutoff, MCPHS Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene students had the honor of being chosen Student Delegate and Alternate Student Delegate representing District I at ADHA Annual Session in Las Vegas held in June. Both students had a busy week attending district and students meetings, as well as presenting testimony to the House of Delegates. Ms, Shutoff was chosen as the District I Student Voting Member giving her voting privileges, for the District I Student Delegation, on items that came before the House of Delegates. Although most of their time was spent fulfilling their duties, Giuliana and Kelly did find some time to relax and enjoy Las Vegas.

A First Year Dental Hygiene’s view of Annual Session, 2010
I’m Going to Vegas, Baby!
By Heidi Ebers 2011 Quinsigamond Community College Graduate

As a first year dental hygiene student, when I found out that the American Dental Hygienists’ Association held a national convention every year, I knew it was something I had to be a part of. Attending the conference would serve as an opportunity for me to spread my wings as a student and to see what happened at the national level for my new profession. Dental hygiene in a private office is one avenue for learning, but I was hoping to learn from others who have been working in the field, and gain knowledge on what I could do to bring dental hygiene to those who need it the most. Staying at Caesars Palace…All I can say is “wow, what a dream”’ there were beautiful pools, food and even entertainment. From seeing Elvis, to Cher, getting motivational speakers to give me the push I needed was incredible. It was a four-day, I Love Teeth Event along with an opportunity to relax and unwind. What a way to learn about new career I never thought of, working in a prison system, teaching, bringing hygiene to people who are not able to seek help independently. I also experienced dental hygienists earn national recognition for making a difference in their own community! This conference experience is one I will always be grateful for and never forget. As a dental hygiene student, I now see how far I can go, where there are new friends to meet and an opportunity to gain new insights and ideas to make me a better dental hygienist; what a gift! I can’t wait for next year’s conference in Nashville!

Heidi did in fact attend the 2011 Annual Session in Nashville, TN right after her graduation.