Allied Dental Education Resources
Everything Allied Dental Educators Need, in One Place.
ADEA publishes research, surveys, data, and other useful resources tailored specifically for allied dental education.
Resources Now Available
About ADEA Allied Dental Education
ADEA Allied Dental Value Proposition
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) represents more than 330 educational institutions and over 2,000 individuals in the allied dental professions across the U.S. and Canada as a core part of its work to prepare future-ready oral health professionals.
ADEA serves as the voice of the entirety of dental education: dentistry, dental hygiene, dental assisting, dental laboratory technology and dental therapy.
Governance
ADEA Compendium of Curriculum Guidelines
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is pleased to present the 2026 edition of the ADEA Compendium of Curriculum Guidelines for Allied Dental Education Programs.
Developed in response to the evolving needs of allied dental education, this updated resource provides clear topic-specific guidance to support program directors and faculty, including those who are new to their role or have a limited background in educational methodology.
Designed for entry-level allied dental education programs, the Compendium is applicable across program types, including certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as institutional settings such as community colleges, universities, dental schools and academic health centers.
Commonly referred to as the “Allied Dental Compendium,” this publication is one of ADEA’s most widely used resources. It was developed by ADEA member experts across specialty areas to support allied dental faculty in delivering consistent high-quality education aligned with current standards and expectations.
Download the 2026 edition of the ADEA Compendium of Curriculum Guidelines for Allied Dental Education Programs (PDF).
All competency documents are approved by the ADEA House of Delegates.
They are intended to define the core competencies and supporting knowledge and skills necessary for the specified professions and to serve as resources for the schools and programs educating students entering these professions or advancing their education as well as other interested organizations.
- ADEA Entry-level Competencies for Allied Dental Professionals, March 2023 (PDF)
- Graduate Dental Hygiene Program Aims and Outcomes, March 2021 (PDF)
As Approved by the 2021 ADEA House of Delegates
Allied Dental Education Research and Data
ADEA administers the only national survey specifically for allied program directors to assist them in matters related to salaries, faculty vacancies, types of faculty appointments and student recruitment.
Professional Development Opportunities
ADEA provides leadership programs and professional development opportunities for allied dental educators.
- ADEA Allied Dental Faculty Leadership Development Program (ADFLDP)
- ADEA Allied Dental Program Directors’ Conference (ADPDC)
- ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program (ADCFP)
- ADEA Allied Dental New Program Director Academy (ADNPDA)
- ADEA Leadership Essentials for Allied Dental Educators (LEADE)
- ADEA Leadership Institute
- ADEA ADEA Emerging Leaders Program
Scholarships, Awards and Fellowships
ADEA offers a variety of awards and scholarships to support the academic and professional development of students, faculty and administrators.
The following scholarships and fellowships are available for allied dental educators and students.
- ADEA Haleon Dental Hygiene Scholarship
- ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Dental Hygiene Students Pursuing Academic Careers
- ADEA/MouthWatch Patti DiGangi Scholarship for Dental Hygiene Innovation
- ADEA/Sigma Phi Alpha Linda DeVore Scholarship
- Student Leaders for Social Change
ADEA Compendium of Curriculum Guidelines (PDF)
ADEA Entry-level Competencies for Allied Dental (PDF)
Graduate Dental Hygiene Program Aims and Outcomes (PDF)
ADEA Allied Dental Program Directors Survey
ADEA Allied Dental Graduating Student Survey
Council of Allied Dental Program Directors
Questions
For any questions, please contact Rebecca Stolberg, ADEA Senior Vice President of Allied Dental Education and Faculty Development, at StolbergR@adea.org.