Hygienist Inspired Program

Turning Chairside Chats into Fulfilling Careers

Created by ADHA in partnership with the Foundations of Delta Dental, Hygienist Inspired is an innovative chairside recruitment program that leverages the trusted relationship between dental hygienists and their patients to strengthen the profession.

Program goals

  • Address workforce shortages

    • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental hygiene employment to grow 9% between 2023 and 2033—about twice the average growth of other professions. Hygienist Inspired helps grow the pipeline of future hygienists by engaging patients who already show interest and aptitude for oral health careers.

  • Improve access to care

    • Many underserved communities, particularly in rural areas and communities of color, face persistent barriers to dental services. By recruiting and supporting candidates from these communities, Hygienist Inspired helps develop a local workforce that is more likely to remain and provide culturally responsive care where it’s most needed.

  • Increase diversity in the profession

    • The 2022 U.S. Census Bureau data show that 96% of dental hygienists were female and 82% were white. Hygienist Inspired works to broaden representation in the field so the dental workforce better reflects the population it serves—improving patient comfort, communication, and outcomes.

How it works

  • Chairside conversations: Hygienists talk with patients about careers in dental hygiene during routine appointments, highlighting education paths, financial aid, and career benefits.

  • Resource connection: The program provides materials, mentorship opportunities, and guidance to help interested patients explore education and training options.

  • Community-focused recruitment: Hygienist Inspired emphasizes recruiting from local, underserved communities to build a workforce that understands and meets community needs.

Why it matters

  • Strengthens the dental team by creating more entry points into the profession.

  • Enhances access to preventive and restorative care in underserved areas.

  • Builds a more diverse, representative workforce that improves patient trust and health equity.

Join the movement

Hygienist Inspired invites dental hygienists, clinics, educational programs, and community organizations to participate. By using the influence of chairside relationships, we can expand opportunity, improve access, and make the profession more inclusive for everyone.