Celebrating Five Years of Impact
A Higher Learning’s Journey Toward Advancing Oral Healthcare
Our story
Celebrating A Higher Learning LLC's Fifth Anniversary
I reflect on our organization’s journey—from our humble beginnings to becoming a leading force in the dental hygiene field.
Founded on January 30, 2020, just two months before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, A Higher Learning was born out of a deep passion for oral health and an unwavering commitment to the empowerment of dental hygienists. It is no coincidence that this date aligns with my late mother’s birthday—an inspiration that fuels my relentless pursuit of educational excellence and equitable healthcare.
Unfortunately, my mother passed away in July 2023 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer, and it is her memory that continues to drive me to push the boundaries of what’s possible for dental hygienists and the patients we serve.
From the start, I recognized the healthcare disparities the pandemic exposed and the need to rethink the role of dental hygienists. What began as a small initiative to support dental hygienists quickly grew into a global leader in oral health education and advocacy. Guided by our mission to transform oral health through education, innovation, and prevention, we continue working toward a future where every dental hygienist has the resources and autonomy to make a meaningful impact.
Our achievements
Shaping the Future of Dental Hygiene
In the last five years, A Higher Learning has reached key milestones, reflecting our commitment to advancing dental hygiene and public health.
Public Health Priorities Dental Symposium | A premier event offering continuing education on essential public health topics. Since 2022, it has become a key gathering in the D.C. metro area, bringing together a diverse audience of dental professionals, stakeholders, and community advocates, fostering collaboration across the oral healthcare landscape.
Forging New Pathways: Dental Hygienists' Role in Advancing the Oral Healthcare Knowledge Base | Our annual virtual event is the only platform dedicated to showcasing original research authored by dental hygienists. This program celebrates the profession's contributions and inspires others to consider research as a career pathway.
International Symposium for Preventive & Nonsurgical Dental Hygiene | Hosted in August 2024 at the Fones School of Dental Hygiene, this biannual event brings together global experts to share the latest developments in preventive and nonsurgical interventions. It encourages a shift toward a more preventive, comprehensive, and minimally invasive approach to oral health.
PHPDS 2024 | Shavonne R. Healy
ISPND 2024 | Workshop
ISPND 2024 | Workshop
Our advocacy
Advocacy Has Been Our Core Focus
We saw significant progress with Washington, D.C. passing a groundbreaking law allowing dental hygienists to form collaborative practice agreements with dentists.
This historic update to the scope of practice, the first in 50 years, empowers dental hygienists to expand their role and enhance patient care.
As CEO, I’ve also led roundtable discussions and presentations on social justice in oral health, medical-dental integration, and the global disease burden. These efforts have been crucial in elevating the profession, advocating for systemic change, and fostering meaningful dialogue on critical public health issues.
Looking ahead
The Next Chapter
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are proud of what we've accomplished but remain deeply committed to the future.
The next five years will bring continued efforts to expand access to education, drive meaningful policy changes, and empower dental hygienists to play an even greater role in transforming oral health on a global scale.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We are deeply grateful for your support throughout this journey. As we continue to break new ground in the dental hygiene profession and advance public health, we invite you to stay with us every step of the way.
Stay informed about our upcoming events and initiatives by visiting here or following us on social media. Together, we can shape the future of dental hygiene and contribute to improving global health outcomes.
Here’s to the next chapter—written by all of us, working together to advance our profession, our communities, and our world.
In dedication to…
Deborah A. Healy
My mother’s memory continues to drive me every day, reminding me of the importance of perseverance and compassion in everything we do. In honor of her, I dedicate this journey to advancing the dental hygiene profession and improving the lives of those we serve.