Now in its second year, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Professional Fellows Program is a prestigious recognition that highlights the importance of professional excellence in dental hygiene. It honors ADHA members who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, commitment to their education, and dedication to their profession.
The application requires a commitment to maintaining high standards of ethics, professional responsibility, and contributing to the advancement of the profession. Earning this recognition is a testament to the hard work of dental hygienists who strive for excellence in their field.
As an inaugural ADHA Professional Fellow inducted at the ADHA’s 100th Anniversary Annual Conference in 2023, I was and continue to be humbled and honored to be part of such an esteemed group of peers.
My 2023 FADHA peer, Donna Grzegorek, PHDH, BS, RDH, FADHA, shared, “I’m honored to be an inaugural ADHA Professional Fellow. This meaningful recognition showcases hygienists who represent exceptional achievements in the dental hygiene profession. I’m humbled to be included among such respected colleagues.”
The Fellow designation is not uncommon among associations and has a history that is much older than even the ADHA. I was pleased when my own professional association launched this recognition program, and I jumped at the opportunity.
Why I applied
Key to my decision to become a FAHDA: it prioritizes continuing education and professional development. Adding the FADHA designation to my name is a validation of my commitment to excellence in dental hygiene and a recognition of my impact in the field. My fellow inaugural class inductees feel the same.
“One of the reasons I became a fellow is that as a group, we can contribute to the advancement of the dental hygiene profession,” said Leciel Bono, MS, RDH, FADHA. “Together we embody a shared ethos of continuous improvement, a steadfast dedication to improving oral health outcomes for patients, and to improving our excellence as a profession. It’s truly an honor to be counted among this community of distinguished professionals, who exemplify the highest standards of clinical skills, ethical conduct, and ongoing education, united in our passion for promoting oral health and advancing the profession.”
Toni McLeroy, MSDH, CRDH, FADHA, shared, “Hygienists serve humbly for the greater good of our profession and we don’t really need a spotlight on our achievements. But as I read the application criteria, I thought, why wouldn’t I apply? We worked hard to get where we are. For me, FADHA is a reminder that I’m making a difference. And so are you. That FADHA pin I wear serves as a reminder of my love for dental hygiene, and how I continue to strive for excellence in all I do.”
Opportunities as a FADHA
Among the incentives to become an ADHA Professional Fellow is the recognition and prestige. FADHAs are seen as leaders in the dental hygiene profession and are often called upon to mentor and guide other dental hygienists and offer expertise for media and research inquiries. We also have access to exclusive networking opportunities and resources that can help us further our careers and positively impact our communities.
To become an ADHA Professional Fellow, you must demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and professional development, maintain high standards of ethics and professional responsibility, and actively contribute to advancing the dental hygiene profession. Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining why they believe they should be a Fellow and how they have contributed to the profession.
A new class of Fellows
A new class of Fellows was inducted at the 2024 ADHA Annual Conference in New Orleans this week. They are the new recipients of this prestigious recognition for dental hygienists. I congratulate them!
As a FADHA, I’m proud to be part of this esteemed and growing group of professionals and will continue to strive for excellence in dental hygiene. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit adha.org/fellows.
