Empowering Dental Hygiene Educators Across California
Welcome to the California Dental Hygiene Educators' Association (CDHEA), where dental hygiene educators come together to inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen the future of our profession.
CDHEA is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of dental hygiene educators by creating opportunities to connect, learn, and lead. Guided by the values of honesty, integrity, and respect, we cultivate a collaborative community that empowers educators to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and elevate teaching practices across California.
Together, we are shaping the next generation of dental hygienists by promoting excellence in education and preparing compassionate, highly skilled professionals to provide exceptional oral healthcare to the communities they serve.
Whether you're an experienced educator, new to academia, or passionate about advancing dental hygiene education, we invite you to become part of a network committed to learning, leadership, and lasting impact.
2026 Annual Meeting
Join dental hygiene educators from across California for the 2026 California Dental Hygiene Educators' Association Annual Meeting, taking place September 18–20, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento. This annual event offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues, explore innovative teaching strategies, earn continuing education credits, and engage in meaningful discussions that advance dental hygiene education.
This year's program features presentations on artificial intelligence in dental hygiene education, brain-based learning strategies, faculty calibration, leadership updates, collaborative teaching methodologies, and an open forum with the Dental Hygiene Board of California. Attendees will also enjoy networking opportunities with fellow educators and industry partners throughout the weekend.
In addition to professional development, attendees are encouraged to support the Pam Hughes Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to dental hygiene students. Scholarship donations can be made online or during the annual meeting, with 100% of contributions directly benefiting future dental hygiene professionals.
We look forward to welcoming educators from across the state for a weekend of learning, collaboration, and professional growth. Register early to secure your spot and take advantage of discounted registration rates before the September deadlines.
Weekend Events Overview
Friday, September 18, 2026
Director's Meeting 3:30 PM
Facilitator Angela Barnett, RDH BS, MAOL
Night at the Rounds 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Collaborative Teaching Methodologies (2 C.E. Units)
Co-facilitators Jeanice Howard, RDHAP and Diane Melrose, RDH, BS, MA
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 8:15 AM-5:30 pm
Artificial Intelligence for the Dental Hygiene Educator & Student
Claire Jeong, MS, RDH (founder of StudentRDH) (2 C.E. Units)
Helping Students Remember: Brain-Based Memory Strategies
Claire Jeong, MS, RDH (founder of StudentRDH) (3 C.E. Units)
DHBC UPDATE/Open Forum
Business Meeting
Corporate Appreciation (5:30-6:30 pm)
Meet with Sponsors/"No Host Bar"
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 8:15 AM-12:15 PM
Update from the CDHA President, Dr. Vickie Kimbrough
Faculty Calibration-A Meeting of the Minds
Angela Barnett, RDH, BS, MAOL, Assistant Professor, Southwestern College, Higher Education Center in National, California (3 C.E. Units)