Which organization primarily sets the guidelines for continuing education in dental hygiene?

The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) is responsible for establishing the guidelines for continuing education in dental hygiene. This organization plays a crucial role in the advancement of the dental hygiene profession and ensuring that practitioners maintain their knowledge and skills through ongoing education.

The ADHA provides resources, support, and a framework for educational opportunities that are specifically tailored to the needs and practices of dental hygienists. This ensures that dental hygienists remain competent and up-to-date with the latest practices, technologies, and regulatory standards, which is essential for their professional development and the safe delivery of care to patients.

While other organizations like the American Dental Association and state dental boards do have roles in the broader landscape of dental practice and education, they typically do not focus exclusively on the continuing education requirements specific to dental hygiene. The National Dental Board mainly deals with national standards for dental education and licensure rather than directly overseeing continuing education for dental hygienists. Therefore, the leadership and focus of the ADHA on continuing education make it the primary organization for this purpose within the dental hygiene field.