The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has announced its 2025 class of ADHA Professional Fellows, recognizing 94 dental hygienist members with the Fellow of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (FADHA) designation.
The new cohort was honored during a reception on Saturday, October 4, at the 2025 ADHA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. According to the ADHA, the FADHA designation recognizes dental hygienists who demonstrate exceptional achievement, commitment to education, and dedication to advancing the profession.
With the addition of this third cohort, the total number of ADHA Professional Fellows now stands at 349, representing 47 states. Fellows have shown sustained excellence in areas including clinical practice, education, research, public health, leadership, and advocacy.
“As we enter the third year of this program, we’re demonstrating how the FADHA designation opens doors for ADHA Fellows,” said JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, Ph.D., AAFAAOM, FADHA, ADHA director of research, education and advocacy. “When we launched the new Educational Methodologies Course series this year, for example, Professional Fellows were the first subject matter experts we contacted to author courses. This is exactly the kind of opportunity that comes with this designation—recognition as leaders who advance the profession through their expertise and commitment.”
According to the ADHA, the FADHA is a lifetime designation awarded to members across various practice settings and career stages. Eligibility criteria include a minimum of five years of ADHA membership, 100 continuing education credits over any five-year period, professional engagement through practice, scholarship, volunteerism, or leadership, and submission of professional references, a current curriculum vitae, and a statement of contributions to the field of dental hygiene.
“This year’s class represents the depth of talent and dedication that defines our profession, across all professional roles that dental hygienists hold,” said Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA, ADHA president. “Our Fellows are shaping the future of dental hygiene through their work in communities, classrooms, research labs and clinical settings. Their commitment to excellence elevates our entire profession.”
Fellows receive a certificate, a lapel pin, and access to an exclusive directory for mentoring and networking. According to the ADHA, they are also given priority for volunteer and paid opportunities related to committees, special projects, and continuing education initiatives. Fellows are recognized annually at ADHA events and are featured across the organization’s website, newsletters, and social media channels.
The full list of the 2025 ADHA Professional Fellows is available at adha.org/education/fellowsprogram/2025fellowsclass.
The application cycle for 2025-2026 is now open and will remain so through August 1, 2026. According to the ADHA, the designation is granted on a rolling basis throughout the year as applications are approved. Participation in the annual conference is encouraged but not required for recognition.
More information about the ADHA Professional Fellows Program is available at adha.org/fellowsprogram.
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