The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) was formed in 1923 to develop communication and mutual cooperation among dental hygienists. Today, ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the registered dental hygienists (RDHs) in the United States.
Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA) is a branch of the ADHA. SADHA allows student members to experience being part of their professional organization.
To improve the public's total health, the mission of the American Dental Hygienists' Association is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene by ensuring access to quality oral health care, increasing awareness of the cost effective benefits of prevention, promotion the highest standards of dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research, and representing and promotion the interests of dental hygienists.
Benefits of Student Membership in ADHA
As a student member, you are provided with invaluable opportunities to preview
your career as a dental hygienist. Your affiliation with ADHA will help secure
the success of your future in dental hygiene.
Scholarships - The ADHA Institute for Oral Health offers a variety of
scholarship programs and research grants for students seeking careers in dental
hygiene.
Recognition in Your Field - Membership in ADHA provides opportunities for
professional growth and recognition. Leadership opportunities are available at
every level of membership.
Countless Networking Opportunities - Join over 35,000 of your colleagues who
have made the commitment to dental hygiene and to ADHA. Members at the state and
local levels meet regularly to discuss ideas, information, and to share
experiences.
Employment Assistance - ADHA offers national advertising and employment
reference materials to assist students upon graduation.
Job Security - Once you've found a job, ADHA is right there helping to monitor
legislative efforts to impact government activities that affect the practice of
dental hygiene.
Financial Security - ADHA provides members with affordable, professional
liability insurance, as well as group health, automobile, term life and
disability insurance. You are also eligible to apply for a student MasterCard.
Continuing Education - ADHA helps you stay abreast of the issues affecting the
dental hygiene profession. Student Members are eligible to receive a 25%
discount on self-study continuing education programs. Students will also receive
information about the ADHA's Annual Session.
Sigma Phi Alpha, Chi Psi Chapter Induction
Sigma Phil Alpha is the National Honor Society for Dental Hygienists
Sally Esquibel: Undergraduate Student
Stephanie Baca: Graduate Student
Diana Burnham: Graduate Student
Elaine Sanchez Dils: Faculty
Western Society of Periodontology Award
Selected by UNM faculty to a student who has shown a special interest and proficiency in the field of periodontics
Crystal Valdez
Colgate Community Award
Selected by community health professor, exemplifies a star student in community endeavors.
Catrina Montano
HuFriedy Golden Scaler Award
Selected by UNM Clinical faculty based upon excellence in instrumentation.
Sally Nguyen
Irene Navarre Award
Selected by UNM faculty based upon clinical excellence and excellence in clinical and periodontology coursework.
Santana Martinez
Beuhler/Novitski Award
Selected by UNM Dental Hygiene Program Director, and given to the student who demonstrates overall outstanding academic achievement and character.
Sally Esquibel
New Mexico Dental Hygienists' Award
Selected by NMDHA and given to a student who consistently demonstrates service to the profession and community.
Carla Gutierrez
United Concordia Scholarship
Selected by UNM faculty based on student's overall performance.
Alysea Aranda
After Graduation...
Upon graduation from an accredited program in dental hygiene, you will be
eligible to become an Active Member of ADHA. Active Membership will entitle you
to all the benefits you received as a student, and many more.
The following services were designed especially for you, the dental hygiene professional:
Membership in your professional association demonstrates your commitment to excellence and the highest standards of preventive oral health care.
For more helpful information on SADHA please see ADHA's website.

Community and University Service
Graduate students, Diana Burnham, RDH, BS and Irma Poblano, RDH, BS
kick of the new school year by informing UNM students, faculty and staff about our
Dental Hygiene Program and patient services at UNM's North Campus
"Welcome Back Days."

SADHA members partner with UNM's School of Medicine medical students and volunteer for community service as they provide oral hygiene instructions and distribute oral health products at a local Health Fair for Head Start Programs


SADHA members attend professional conferences