The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) and GoTu, the leading dental talent marketplace, have announced a new partnership designed to create actionable opportunities for dental hygienists across the country. At the heart of the collaboration is a shared commitment to supporting the mental well-being, professional development, and career mobility of registered dental hygienists (RDHs).
This strategic alignment reflects a broader movement within the dental industry—one that prioritizes whole-person care for providers and builds stronger pathways for advocacy, education, and community. GoTu—ranked No. 42 on the Inc. 5000 list, No. 31 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, and recently named the fastest-growing dental company by Becker’s Dental + DSO Review—brings a proven track record of innovation and growth to the table, making it an ideal partner in advancing ADHA’s mission.
A Wellness-First Approach to Workforce Support
With burnout rates rising in a rapidly evolving oral healthcare workforce, ADHA and GoTu are introducing initiatives that respond directly to the challenges facing hygienists today. The partnership will deliver a mental health workshop, ongoing advocacy campaigns, educational events and resources, and more—focused on supporting hygienists’ well-being and career growth.
“Our work with GoTu comes at a critical time for dental hygienists across the country,” said Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, ADHA President. “The pressures and challenges on our profession demand more than just awareness—they require concrete solutions. By joining forces, we’re creating meaningful supports for mental health, professional growth, and practice mobility that reflect the real needs of today’s hygienists and give them more options to shape the profession on their own terms.”
Echoing this commitment, GoTu emphasizes the importance of meeting hygienists where they are—with tools, flexibility, and a strong support system to match.
“Dental hygienists are the backbone of preventive care, but they’re also carrying an invisible load,” said Ed Thomas, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of GoTu. “This partnership with ADHA is about addressing those challenges head-on, providing tools, resources, and a stronger sense of community to ensure they feel supported at every stage of their career.”
The partnership will amplify ADHA’s and GoTu’s shared priorities through a range of collaborative efforts—from wellness programming and thought leadership to expanding awareness and access around licensure mobility. Central to this effort is increasing visibility and education around the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact), a crucial step in unlocking multi-state practice opportunities and modernizing how the hygiene workforce moves and works.
“This partnership is grounded in action,” said Cary Gahm, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of GoTu. “We’re not just raising awareness—we’re creating meaningful opportunities for hygienists to lead change, prioritize their well-being, and shape the future of the profession.”
Together, GoTu and ADHA are building a more sustainable future for the dental hygiene profession—one where wellness, mobility, and empowerment are part of the job description.
Learn more about GoTu at https://gotu.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube @joingotu.
About GoTu
GoTu is a pioneering, technology-driven workforce solution and skill-sharing marketplace serving the dental industry. The platform allows dental offices to contract directly with registered dental hygienists, dental assistants, and associate dentists to fill both short-term and permanent positions. Launched in 2019 as a response to the growing staffing crisis in the dental industry, the platform has connected more than 35,000 dental offices with over 100,000 dental professionals. Founders and childhood friends Cary Gahm and Edward Thomas, in collaboration with Debra Simmons, RDH, have grown the Miami-based business from a bootstrapped startup to an institutional, investor-backed powerhouse with 150+ dedicated team members. For more information, visit GoTu.com.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
