The American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) has officially announced that its charitable arm, formerly known as the Institute for Oral Health (IOH), has changed its name to the ADHA Foundation, effective immediately.
The name change marks a return to the organization’s original name, which was used from 1978 to 1986. The name change is intended to clarify the foundation’s relationship with the ADHA while continuing its mission to support dental hygiene professionals through scholarships, research, and community service grants.
“We are excited to reinstate the name ADHA Foundation,” said Erin Haley-Hitz, president and immediate past president of the ADHA Foundation. “This name change strengthens our connection to the ADHA and reinforces our commitment to supporting dental hygienists at every stage of their careers. Our mission remains the same—we will continue to empower the next generation of dental hygienists and support their professional development through meaningful grants.”
The name change is part of the foundation’s efforts to increase recognition for its contributions to the profession. Over the past three years, the American Oral Health Association (ADHA) Foundation has awarded more than $461,000 in scholarships and grants to 155 members.
“We have been raising funds for ADHA’s Institute of Oral Health for many years, but I am amazed at how many ADHA members still do not really understand the purpose and role of the Institute of Oral Health (IOH),” said LeeAnn Winkler, regional liaison for the ADHA Foundation.
“Changing the name to the ADHA Foundation will help people better understand the impact the organization has through scholarships, research grants and community service projects, and will hopefully lead to more donations and applications.”
The ADHA Foundation was originally established in 1956 as the Educational Trust Fund. In 1978, it became the ADHA Foundation and in 1986 the Institute of Oral Health to reflect its broad support for oral health research, education and practice.
The rebranding coincides with the start of the new fiscal year for the American Oral Health Association (ADHA) and the introduction of a new leadership team and program initiatives. The IOH General Research Fund has been renamed the ADHA Foundation General Research Fund, but all other existing scholarships and grants will retain their names.
The ADHA Foundation also announced two new scholarships that will be offered in the fall and winter of 2025. The Better Smiles, Better Everyday Health Scholarship will provide a $2,500 scholarship to an undergraduate student focused on promoting everyday oral health, and the Brighter Smiles, Brighter Futures Scholarship will provide a $1,000 scholarship to a master’s student dedicated to improving children’s oral health through community service.
The ADHA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the ADHA umbrella, will continue to support students, professionals, and oral health programs nationwide. The rebranding allows the foundation to increase its visibility and impact while maintaining its tax-exempt status.
