President's Message | November 2026
As we approach the holiday season and reflect on another year, I want to take a moment to share some exciting updates, upcoming opportunities, and a reminder of the importance of staying connected and engaged in the future of our profession.
Exciting New Partnership with Pay Insights!
I am thrilled to announce that the Iowa Dental Hygienists' Association (IDHA) has partnered with Pay Insights to bring a comprehensive Dental Hygiene Salary Survey to Iowa!
One of the challenges our profession continues to face is the lack of accessible, reliable compensation data that accurately reflects the experiences of dental hygienists across our state. This partnership is an exciting opportunity to better understand compensation, benefits, schedules, and workplace trends throughout Iowa.
What can you expect?
- A confidential survey that takes approximately 7 minutes to complete.
- Questions regarding compensation, benefits, work schedules, and practice settings.
- An opportunity for hygienists across Iowa to contribute, regardless of IDHA membership.
- Survey results anticipated by February 12, 2027, providing valuable insight into compensation trends across our profession.
***The survey will be available through January 7, 2027, and we will be sharing additional information and reminders very soon!
Our goal is to help empower dental hygienists with meaningful information to support informed career decisions, compensation discussions, and a better understanding of our professional landscape. Your participation is essential to ensuring the results reflect the diverse experiences of hygienists throughout Iowa.
Legislative Updates & Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, IDHA continues working toward advancing our profession through thoughtful advocacy, modernization of dental hygiene practice, and conversations surrounding opportunities for dental hygienists to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Our legislative priorities remain focused on supporting the profession, improving access to care, and ensuring that dental hygienists have a meaningful voice in shaping the policies that affect our patients and our future.
We are also incredibly excited to congratulate Dani Ollenburg on her election to the Iowa House of Representatives, representing District 60! We look forward to the knowledge, perspective, and leadership she will bring to Iowa. We are optimistic that she will be a tremendous asset to dental hygienists and the communities we serve. Congratulations, Dani!
Mark Your Calendars: IDHA Lobby Day!Wednesday, February 24, 2027 | Iowa State Capitol
One of the most meaningful ways we can advocate for our profession is by showing up, sharing our experiences, and building relationships with those making decisions that impact dental hygiene in Iowa.
Whether you are an IDHA member or not, your voice matters, and your participation is welcome!
I strongly encourage dental hygienists from every corner of Iowa to consider joining us at the Capitol this year. You do not need to be an expert in legislation to make a difference. Your firsthand experiences as a clinician, educator, student, or advocate are incredibly valuable.
We would love to see more hygienists step forward, become involved, and help demonstrate the strength and commitment of our profession. Advocacy is not something that happens only through an association or its leadership. It happens when each of us recognizes the value of our voice and chooses to use it. We look forward to hopefully seeing many familiar and new faces at the Capitol this February!
Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for the dedication, compassion, and expertise you bring to your patients and communities every day.
Our profession continues to evolve, and while challenges remain, there is so much opportunity ahead of us. I am grateful for those who continue to advocate, volunteer, mentor, and support one another for our dental hygiene profession.
On behalf of IDHA, I wish you and your loved ones a beautiful holiday season filled with happiness, rest, and meaningful moments together.
Thank you for all that you do each and everyday.
Warmest regards,
Ashley Whiteing, BSDH, RDH
President, Iowa Dental Hygienists' Association
2026-2027 IDHA Board of Directors
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