2025 CDHA HOD Summary

Key Updates for San Diego Members

The California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) House of Delegates met in 2025 to review and vote on important bylaws, policies, and professional positions. Below is a summary of key updates and what they mean for our San Diego dental hygiene community.

Updated CDHA Mission Statement

CDHA adopted a revised mission statement that emphasizes unity, advocacy, professional standards, scope of practice, education, and access to oral health care.

What this means for hygienists:

This strengthens how dental hygienists across California, including San Diego, are represented at the state level and supports continued advocacy for our profession.

2026 CDHA Budget Approved

The January–December 2026 CDHA budget was approved with amendments.

What this means for hygienists:

The approved budget supports statewide advocacy, education, and member resources that directly benefit local components like San Diego.

Life Membership Criteria Updated

Life Membership eligibility increased from 30 to 35 years of CDHA membership

Past presidents removed from automatic eligibility

Life members from former Northern and Southern California associations retain their status

New Life Members approved:

Maureen Titus

Noel Kelsch

Susan Lopez

What this means for hygienists:

These updates ensure consistency while continuing to honor long-term service and leadership within our profession.

Updated Definition of Dental Hygiene

CDHA modernized the definition of dental hygiene to better reflect today’s education, autonomy, and clinical decision-making.

What this means for hygienists:

This reinforces dental hygienists as licensed healthcare providers and supports how our role is described in legislation, education, and public messaging.

Education and Licensure Standards Reaffirmed

CDHA reaffirmed that:

Entry into the profession requires graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program

California programs must also be approved by the Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC)

DHBC-approved post-licensure training programs are supported

On-the-job or preceptor licensure models are opposed

What this means for hygienists:

These protections help preserve the value of our license, ensure patient safety, and prevent weakening of educational standards.

Dental Hygiene Diagnosis Recognized

CDHA formally recognized dental hygiene diagnosis as an essential and foundational part of clinical practice and supports amending the Dental Hygiene Practice Act to include it within scope of practice.

What this means for hygienists:

This affirms the clinical judgment hygienists already use daily and supports future scope advancement in California.

Public Health Policy Expanded

CDHA updated its public health policy to include prevention, education, early detection, and cessation of cannabis, tobacco, nicotine, and vaping products.

What this means for hygienists:

This reinforces the role of dental hygienists in San Diego as frontline public health providers addressing evolving community health concerns.

Student Membership Clarified

Student membership is now defined as enrollment in an accredited dental hygiene program for initial licensure as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

What this means for hygienists:

This creates clarity for students, educators, and components across the state, including our local programs in San Diego County.

Elections and Leadership Updates

Speaker of the House: Paul Kim

VP of Administration and Public Relations: Laura Hilton

Secretary-Treasurer: No candidate elected; appointment will be made by the CDHA President

What this means for hygienists:

These leadership roles help ensure continued representation, stability, and communication between state leadership and local components like San Diego.