The Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association Foundation:

A Legacy of Visionary Leadership, Service, and Lifelong Learning

Do you know the inspiring story of Benefactor Alice Hinchcliffe Williams, RDH, MS, and her enduring legacy?

Alice was a dental hygiene educator in Roanoke and a practitioner in Lynchburg, Virginia. After graduating from the Eastman School of Dental Hygiene in Rochester, NY, Alice began her career as a school dental hygienist serving 20 schools in Liverpool, NY. Her leadership as President of the Dental Hygienists’ Association of the State of New York became a great asset to the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA) when she later served as a Trustee.

With a Master’s degree in Science Education from UVA, Alice went on to become the founder and director of the Dental Hygiene Program at Virginia Western Community College in 1975. Her deep commitment to scholarship and lifelong learning is reflected in her long-standing, generous, and visionary support of VDHA’s Continuing Education Speaker Fund.

In 1994, as the benefactor of the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association Foundation (VDHAF), Alice endowed a perpetual fund to ensure lifelong learning opportunities for current and future generations of dental hygienists throughout Virginia. In response to her transformative gift, VDHA members rallied to raise matching funds — creating what is now administered as the Alice Hinchcliffe Williams Continuing Education Fund.

When you make a tax-deductible donation to VDHA’s Foundation, you are supporting not only the continuance of Alice’s legacy but also the Foundation’s mission to perform charitable, educational, research, and scientific activities.

Marge Green, RDH, MS, co-founding director and treasurer of the VDHA Foundation, reflects:

“Alice was a very special colleague and friend who warmed the hearts of all who knew her. Her long-standing support has enriched the professional development of students and practitioners and advanced the dental hygiene profession. The qualities that made her a wonderful person contributed to her many leadership accomplishments and her passion for lifelong learning and scholarly activity in our profession. Her legacy lives on in our many accomplished VDHA leaders, grant and scholarship recipients who have benefited from her generosity and vision.”

After retiring from education in 1980, Alice continued to serve her community through Altrusa, the Order of the Eastern Star, her church, and as President of the Adult Care Center of Central Virginia. In 1988, the YWCA honored her with the Academy of Women Award for Human Services. On October 21, 2001, Alice departed her earthly life to join the saints in their heavenly mission.

Alice Hinchcliffe Williams, RDH, MS

In addition to funding professional development programs featuring leading oral health and leadership experts, the VDHA Foundation has provided support for:

  • VDHA’s Annual Scientific Session and Networking Social events

  • Speaker Sponsorship Grants for component continuing education programs

  • Rally Day program materials and transportation support, enabling participation by components, students, and faculty

  • Leadership development opportunities for dental hygiene students, including participation in VDHA’s Annual House of Delegates and Professional Development Workshop

  • Membership recruitment and retention initiatives for VDHA

  • Ongoing fundraising to support VDHA’s educational and career development goals

  • Support for the Institute of Oral Health of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA)

  • Graduate Student Scholarships

  • Educational and Community Service Grants

The VDHA Foundation — and the legacy of Alice Hinchcliffe Williams — lives on in the dedication and excellence of Virginia’s oral health professionals and the patients they serve.