Organization Structure:
ADHA is a tripartite organization. It is structured on three levels:
Component:
ADHA’s 375 local dental hygiene associations are known as component
organizations. They form the first line of involvement for individual members.
The components implement community service programs, educational sessions,
and offer ideas and information about state and national policies.
Constituent:
This is the state dental hygiene association. The constituent organizations
serve the components in their jurisdictions by informing them of national
policies and programs, and monitoring legislation.
National:
This level represents the interests of all dental hygienists and provides
educational and professional development programming. It is comprised of 12
geographic districts, each of which represents a group of constituents. The
national organization receives input from the constituent and components through
elected district trustees.
The trustees, president, president-elect, vice-president, treasurer, and immediate
past president make up the board of trustees – the administrative body
charged with conducting all national association business.
National Headquarters Structure:
Located in Chicago, ADHA’s national headquarters is organized into the
following divisions, all of which report to the executive director, who works
out of the executive office.
Executive Office:
Works closely with the ADHA Board of Trustees, councils and committees. Coordinates
the association’s annual meetings; manages fundraising and corporate
relations; and maintains liaison activities with other health organizations.
Member Services:
Maintains membership records and communicates with members, potential members,
constituents, and components on all aspects of membership.
Education:
Promotes the advancement of dental hygiene educations through collaboration
with the dental hygiene and dental education communities of interest; provides
support to the dental hygiene practice community; maintains database of dental
hygiene education programs; publishes Education Update; and interacts with
other health professions, consumer groups, and health workforce agencies.
Research:
Promotes the implementation of the National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda;
provides resource support through conferences and research; and interacts
with other health professions and consumer groups.
Governmental Affairs:
Monitors legislation; works with state legislative chairs; provides information
on issues related to legislation and dental hygiene practice; promotes ADHA
interests before Congress; monitors federal activities; and administers funds
granted for state activities.
Communications:
Implements ADHA’s public relations programs; also publishes the Journal
of Dental Hygiene, the official scientific journal of ADHA, and Access, a
professional magazine that addresses practice, legislative, and lifestyle
issues. Also responsible for managing ADHA Online.
Finance and Management Information Systems:
Oversees association assets and audits; maintains accounting records; manages
data processing and the product order department.
Institute for Oral Health:
ADHA’s foundation awards dental hygiene scholarships, research grants,
fellowships, and community service grants.
How to Contact the ADHA?
1-800-234-ADHA
www.adha.org
member.services@adha.net