The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association was incorporated on May 19, 1944 by 11 hygienists to assist in promoting the art and science of dental hygiene, elevate and sustain the professional character and education of the dental hygienists, promote mutual improvement, social intercourse and good will; disseminate knowledge of oral hygiene, enlighten and direct public opinion in relation to oral hygiene and dental prophylaxis; to represent, to have cognizance of and to endeavor to safeguard the common interests of the dental profession.
Today’s Massachusetts dental hygienists are endeavoring to do much the same thing in a different time and place. We have more concern for the general health of our patients and not just their oral health . As dental hygienists in the 21st century we are also concerned with OSHA standards; with new technologies; and with increasing our political knowledge and clout to assist the profession of dental hygiene in serving the public’s oral health and total health needs.
The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association is part of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and has representation on their Board of Trustees through the District One Trustee. We have collaborative relationships with many organizations and associations, including those in other dental fields, the medical field and public health.
The Board of Trustees is the leadership conduit of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association and is lead by the President with assistance from the Executive Officers. The Board of Trustees is also comprised of Trustees that represent each of the 11 components and 6 Council Chairs, a Business Manager and an Editor. The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association holds its’ Annual Meeting in the fall of each year. It is at this meeting where the House of Delegates votes for its Executive Officers.
Our Mission
The Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association Mission is; to improve the public’s total health, and 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, promoting the highest standards of dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research, and representing and promoting the interests of dental hygienists.
If you are already a member, a dental hygienist looking into membership, another health professional or a consumer looking for oral health information, the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association welcomes you to our website and invites you to contact us if you need additional preventive oral health or membership information.