CDHA - The Voice of Dental Hygiene in California

About

CDHA Foundation

The California Dental Hygienists’ Association Foundation (CDHAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the dental hygiene profession. Founded in 1980 by fifteen visionary California hygienists as Dental Hygiene Associates, Inc., the organization played a pivotal role in validating the unsupervised practice of dental hygiene through the Health Manpower Project #139, ultimately leading to the creation of the RDHAP license. Today, the CDHAF raises funds to support professional growth through scholarships, quality research, and innovative programs. Serving as a fiscal agent for hygienists and local components, the Foundation empowers community-based initiatives promoting public health and welfare.

CDHA Foundation Programs

Cora Ueland Scholarship

Cora Ueland served as the founder and first director of the University of Southern California (USC) Dental Hygiene Program for 28 years, from 1928 to 1956, and concurrently holding the position of President of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) from 1929 to 1930, she played a pivotal role in shaping the profession.

Diana Corley Scholarship

Diana Corley's dedication and leadership in the San Diego County Dental Hygienists' Society is commendable. She received her dental hygiene degree in 1971 from Wichita State University in Kansas and became a CDHA member in 1992. Upon moving to California, she contributed significantly to the dental hygiene profession. Notably, she led with grace, enthusiasm, and determination, mentoring numerous new leaders not only within the San Diego component but also making a broader impact.

Fiscal Agent

A non-profit acting as a fiscal agent (or fiscal sponsor) plays an essential role in supporting individuals, projects, or groups that do not have their own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The fiscal agent essentially lends its tax-exempt status to the sponsored project, enabling it to accept tax-deductible donations, grants, and other funding. This allows the project to focus on its mission while the fiscal agent manages financial and administrative responsibilities.

CDHA Student Poster Competition

The CDHA Foundation is an annual sponsor of the Student Poster Competition. The CDHA Student Poster Competition is in conjunction with the Spring Scientific Session. It provides dental hygiene students a fun and creative way to exhibit their innovative ideas and unique talents. Through an engaging, spirited contest, students each year use this opportunity to present research and information that reflects an area of dental hygiene significant to them, their patients, and their peers.

Mary Fadhl Research Travel Grant

The Mary Fadhl Research Travel Grant stands as a beacon of inspiration, embodying Mary A. Fadhl's enduring legacy and vision for the future of dental hygiene. By supporting students and fostering a culture of research excellence, this grant honors Mary’s contributions and propels the profession toward new heights of innovation and knowledge. Let us continue championing Mary’s ideals and shaping a brighter future for dental hygiene education and practice.