National Dental Hygienists Week Reminds Us to Appreciate All the Great Care Provided

Hygienists should always be recognized for the critical roles they play in helping to improve oral and overall health.

There are many distractions in and around a busy dental practice, and even some rare things happening in the skies above us this week, but it’s important not to ever forget to appreciate the great work turned in by dental teams everywhere.

In March we had our share of national dental holidays, including Dental Assistants Recognition Week (the first full week each March), and National Dentist Day (March 6). This week it’s time to recognize the hard work and passionate dental care turned in by hygienists, as the second week of April marks National Dental Hygienists Week™, celebrated annually April 4-10. Appropriately, the celebration takes place in April which is Oral Health Month.

Last year, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) celebrated 100 years as the largest national organization representing the professional interests of dental hygienists. According to the association’s website, the ADHA community is made up of more than 226,000 registered dental hygienists (RDHs) from across the country.

National Dental Hygiene Month is in October, and the ADHA teamed with Colgate® Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc to celebrate all month long in October of 2023. The month-long activities included the ADHA Institute for Oral Health Foundation, ADHA and Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® volunteer drive.

While we may not be in October now, we are in the middle of National Dental Hygienists Week, so don’t forget that hygienists should always be valued and recognized for their critical roles in improving the public’s oral and overall health.