The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has rebranded its podcast under a new name, “Hygiene Rising™,” reflecting the changing landscape of the dental hygiene profession and its expanding role in healthcare.
According to the ADHA, the new title highlights the momentum of dental hygienists as they take on expanded responsibilities, advocate for greater autonomy, and embrace their identity as prevention-focused healthcare professionals. The show’s tagline, “Real Talk on Oral Health,” underscores its focus on authentic conversations relevant to the dental hygiene community, including clinical topics, professional development, legislative advocacy, and personal career experiences.
The rebrand was announced by ADHA CEO Jennifer Hill during live podcast recordings at ADHA25, the association’s annual conference, held October 3 to 6, 2025, in Long Beach, California. The first official episode under the new name will be released this month, October, during National Dental Hygiene Month.
“We’re excited to announce this rebrand during National Dental Hygiene Month and here at ADHA25, surrounded by dental hygienists who are here to advance their knowledge and expand their impact on patient care,” Hill said. “Our podcast is a trusted platform for real conversations about important issues that matter to dental hygiene professionals, and ‘Hygiene Rising’ reflects that commitment.”
The decision to rename the podcast was initiated by ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA, in recognition of the show’s evolution beyond its original scope.
“This rebrand reflects what we are seeing across our profession — dental hygienists rising to meet new challenges and create new opportunities, advocating for autonomy, and stepping into our roles as prevention specialists,” VanGuilder said. “Our podcast is already capturing this momentum, so it was time for the name to reflect the movement that’s already happening in dental hygiene.”
The podcast originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic while Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA, served as ADHA president. Crespin continues to host the show, which has since broadened its content to include clinical innovations, workforce issues, medical-dental integration, entrepreneurial endeavors, and policy developments.
According to the ADHA, “Hygiene Rising” functions as a free resource focused on oral health from the perspective of prevention-oriented professionals. It explores whole-body health connections, emerging career pathways, and the integration of medical and dental care. The podcast also supports the ADHA’s larger initiatives in federal advocacy and strategic partnerships.
More than 160 episodes are currently available on major podcast platforms. Future plans include the addition of guest co-hosts and select video episodes. The show will continue to document the profession’s progress from pandemic-era challenges to expanded opportunities in healthcare collaboration and professional autonomy.
For more information and to access the podcast, visit adha.org/pod.
