
American Dental Hygienists' Association - ADHA 2026
Event Date
September 26–28, 2026
Location
Fort Worth, TX
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ADHA Annual Conference (ADHA26) is the flagship yearly gathering of the American Dental Hygienists' Association, taking place September 26–28, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. Themed "Big Hearts, Big Fun" the event invites registered dental hygienists from across the country to connect, learn, and celebrate the profession in the heart of Texas.
ADHA26 is a flagship event that brings together dental hygienists from across the United States for three days of education, networking, and professional celebration, focused on advancing clinical skills, fostering collaboration, and highlighting the evolving role of hygienists in modern oral healthcare. It is the American Dental Hygienists' Association's flagship gathering for dental hygiene professionals, with a focus squarely on training and certification, making it a working conference centered on professional development.
Attendees are largely practicing dental hygienists pursuing continuing education credits and updated clinical credentials. The program blends educational sessions, peer networking, and an exhibit component featuring companies serving the dental hygiene field, making it worthwhile for anyone seeking to stay current, earn CE, and engage with the broader RDH community.
Show Highlights
- Continuing education sessions designed to expand clinical skills and keep hygienists current on preventive oral care.
- Networking with dental hygienists from across the country, described by ADHA as gathering your "RDH besties."
- An exhibit hall featuring companies whose products and services are tied to clinical hygiene practice, CE delivery, and dental office operations.
- Held during the lead-up to National Dental Hygiene Month (October), adding a celebratory, community-driven atmosphere.
- Set in downtown Fort Worth, giving attendees easy access to Sundance Square, the Fort Worth Stockyards, and Texas hospitality.
Specific keynote speakers and the full session schedule for ADHA26 had not been publicly finalized at the time of writing; check the official website for the released agenda.
Attendance
ADHA has not published official attendance figures for ADHA26. According to third-party event data, the ADHA Annual Conference brings together roughly 1,000 to 2,000 attendees each year. The audience is largely practicing dental hygienists pursuing continuing education credits and updated clinical credentials.
Registration
Registration for ADHA26 is handled online through the official conference site (adha2026.org) and its attendee registration portal. Costs vary depending on membership status, the number of days being attended, and the registration date. An early-bird rate was offered for a limited time, so registering early typically secures the lowest price. Prospective attendees can also sign up on the ADHA website to be alerted as registration details and pricing tiers are released.
History
The conference is organized by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), which was formed in 1923 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. ADHA is the largest national United States organization representing the professional interests of more than 185,000 dental hygienists across the country. The Annual Conference serves as the association's premier yearly meeting, held in a different host city each year; the 2026 edition (ADHA26) is taking place in Fort Worth, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the ADHA 2026 Annual Conference?
ADHA26 takes place September 26–28, 2026, at the Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston Street, in downtown Fort Worth, Texas.
Who should attend ADHA26?
The conference is designed for dental hygienists (RDHs) and dental hygiene professionals from across the United States. Attendees are largely practicing hygienists pursuing continuing education credits, networking, and professional development.
How do I register for the ADHA Annual Conference?
Registration is completed online through the official conference site at adha2026.org and its attendee portal. Pricing varies based on membership status, the number of days you attend, and how early you register, with an early-bird rate offered for a limited time.
What airport should I fly into and how do I get downtown?
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is about 24 miles (roughly 30 minutes) from the convention center, and Dallas Love Field is about 35 miles away. You can take the TEXrail from DFW into downtown Fort Worth, or use a taxi/rideshare for roughly $55–60 one way from DFW.
Where can I park and stay near the venue?
City-operated self parking is available at a garage adjacent to the Omni Fort Worth Hotel for about $18 per vehicle, with additional convention center parking at 1200 Houston Street and 1301 Commerce Street. Numerous downtown hotels, including the Omni Fort Worth, Sheraton, Worthington Renaissance, and Le Méridien, are within walking distance.
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