Profile of DHAN

Overview
The Dental Hygienists’ Association Nepal (DHAN) was formed in 2006 to develop communication and mutual cooperation among dental hygienists. Today, DHAN is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the more than 600 registered dental hygienists (RDHs) in NEPAL.

Mission Statement
To improve the public's total health, the mission of the Dental Hygienists' Association of Nepal is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene by ensuring access to quality oral health care; increasing awareness of the cost-effective benefits of prevention; promoting the highest standards of dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research; and representing and promoting the interests of dental hygienists.

Component
DHAN’s 55 local dental hygiene associations are known as component organizations. They form the first line of involvement for individual members. The components implement community service programs, educational sessions, and offer ideas and information about state and national policies.

Constituent
This is the Nationalwise dental hygiene association. The constituent organizations serve the components in their jurisdictions by informing them of national policies and programs and monitoring legislation.

Member Services
Maintains membership records and communicates with members, potential members, constituents, and components on all aspects of membership.

Education
Promotes the advancement of dental hygiene education through collaboration with the dental hygiene and dental education communities of interest, provides support to the dental hygiene practice community; maintains database of dental hygiene education programs; publishes Education Update; and interacts with other health professions, consumer groups, and health workforce agencies.

Research
Promotes the implementation of the National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda; provides resource support through conferences and research; and interacts with other health professions and consumer groups.

Governmental Affairs
Monitors legislation; works with state legislative chairs; provides information on issues related to legislation and dental hygiene practice; promotes DHAN interests before Congress; monitors federal activities; and administers funds granted for state activities.

Communications
Implements DHAN’s public relations programs; publishes the Journal of Dental Hygiene, the official scientific journal of DHAN, and Access, a professional magazine that addresses practice, legislative, and lifestyle issues. Also responsible for managing DHAN Online.

Finance and Management
Information SystemsOversees association assets and audits; maintains accounting records; manages data processing and the product order department.

Institute for Oral Health
DHAN's foundation awards dental hygiene scholarships, research grants, fellowships, and community service grants.