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February 14, 2007
From
the Executive Director An exciting trend has recently started to appear and it shows that our combined PR efforts are paying off. Often overlooked by advertisers and the media, dental hygienists are starting to garner attention as prevention specialists who play a key role in the struggle for good oral health. Recently ADHA members have begun sending e-mails noting that television, radio, and print stories and advertisements have mentioned dental hygienists by themselves or alongside dentists as experts the public should seek advice from. For many years dental hygienists were either overlooked or ignored when people said the phrase “visit your dentist’s office.” Now it appears that media, advertisers, and medical professionals are beginning to realize the importance of properly emphasizing the role of the dental hygienist. In January, it was brought to my attention that Dr. Tim Johnson, a medical contributor to ABC News, appeared on “Good Morning America” to discuss the link between gum disease and cancer. During the interview it was reported that he specifically mentioned the necessity of visiting a dental hygienist twice a year for regular cleanings as part of the preventive maintenance routine. The fact that he designated dental hygienists as the primary specialist to visit for cleanings stands as tribute that our messages are coming across and finally beginning to take hold. Considering the impressive number of viewers that “Good Morning America” has, the scope of publicity garnered for the profession of dental hygiene is overwhelming. With millions of viewers nationwide, “Good Morning America” has become the number two rated morning news show in America. The dental hygienists’ message emphasizing their nature as prevention specialists reached an unprecedented number of people in a short time. The timing of this development couldn’t be better. With the recent steps taken through the redesign of the ADHA strategic plan, and the efforts put forth with the branding campaign, ADHA can only stand to increase its visibility, garnering positive attention for the profession. With the brand roll-out to be unveiled at annual session there should already be considerable interest on the part of media members within the profession, but with the latest coverage highlighting the importance of the dental hygienist, there is the possibility of a much greater scope of interest being drawn from the national media as well. While it has taken a considerable effort to increase the visibility of the dental hygiene profession, this latest development, combined with the recent steps taken by the association, should bolster our confidence that our public prominence is beginning to develop. As long as we continue to expand upon our recent efforts the dental hygiene profession should continue to garner this kind of coverage in the future. So to all of you, I say keep up the good work and congratulate yourselves for what we have achieved thus far, and stay confident that we still can ascend to greater heights. Ann Battrell, RDH, MSDH(c)
Student Shares Experience of CareerFlow Retreat Angie Morris, a graduate student of dental hygiene at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., was one of two MSDH students in the United States selected to attend the CareerFlow Retreat, sponsored by Philips Oral Healthcare. The Retreat provides training in public speaking, professional writing, sales and consulting for dental hygienists interested in career options outside of clinical practice. It was held from January 6-10, 2007, in Daytona Beach, Fla. To compete for the scholarship, graduate students had to submit a one-page essay describing why he or she wanted to attend the Retreat. Once she found out she had been selected to attend, Morris knew this would be an excellent opportunity to do a great deal of professional networking; she did not realize the impact each attendee would have on her life. “The attendees, corporate and media sponsors, and faculty that attended were extremely talented, intelligent and kind,” she said. “Also, the kindness and generosity from Philips Sonicare was amazing.” Morris also realized the value of interacting with working hygienists as a student. “Working hygienists share experiences that a student may or may not have read about in a textbook…various levels of experience provide learning opportunities for both students and hygienists.” The Retreat also affected Morris’ career goals more than she anticipated. Her specific goals—prior to attending CareerFlow—included graduation in May 2007 with an MSDH, acquiring a Corporate Dental Hygiene position after college, and assisting in the development and progression of oral health care procedures. Her experience at the retreat increased the scope of her post-graduation goals significantly. “My career goals post-graduation will incorporate steps that are beneficial and important to me, such as submitting for publication, arranging public speaking engagements within my community and becoming more active within my professional organization,” said Morris. “CareerFlow has influenced me to become a more active and involved dental hygienist.” After benefiting so much from this opportunity, Morris has advice for other students like her: “Take advantage of opportunities that are offered, even if it requires additional work. Participate in an essay scholarship competition, apply for an internship, etc, because the knowledge that you gain, the experiences that you will have and the people that you meet from these opportunities will impact you deeply, both on a professional and a personal level.”
School Receives $3 Million Endowment The Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences announced recently that it has received a gift of $3 million from Delta Dental of Massachusetts. This grant will fund a new, full-time professorship of community oral health while also supporting the development of a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program. In addition to plans to develop the Master’s program, the endowment will be used to expand community services in Boston, particularly for elderly, disabled and homeless residents. Other plans will include involving both students and supervisors in preventive screening services to underserved populations in nursing homes, homeless shelters and other communal living environments. The new degree program will prepare dental hygienists for leadership roles in public health settings. It will also educate graduates on the best ways to inform patients about preventative dental care as well as giving hygienists the background sufficient to accept faculty positions at local and national dental hygiene schools. “This gift is intended to address systemic problems we’re seeing in underserved areas—thousands of residents lack access to routine oral health care. We need more oral health professionals caring for people right in their neighborhood,” said Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Massachusetts. “This is not about having a nice smile. It is a critical issue that affects overall health—millions of school days and work hours are missed each year due to dental disease.” According to Patricia Ramsey, Director of Forsyth Alumni Programs, the endowment was announced at a party for Esther Wilkins, because the gift “reflects Wilkins’ vision for the profession.”
People to People Announces Fall 2007Dental Hygiene Program in Russia and Poland People to People Ambassador Programs is coordinating a delegation of dental hygienists who will travel to Russia and Poland from August 24 to September 2, 2007. Delegates will visit various facilities and will meet with leaders in oral health. The exchange will include discussions on the Russian and Polish health care systems; how the educational systems in Russia and Poland are designed to train oral health professionals such as dental hygienists; and public health measures for disease prevention and health promotion in Russia and Poland. Selected members from the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) were invited to participate on this delegation based on their areas of interest, experience, and expertise in the field of dental hygiene. Selections from the association were made based upon the specific focus of the delegation and certain other criteria, such as geographic location, to gather a broad cross section of invitees. It is our intent to develop a diverse delegation composed of professionals who would prove to be quality ambassadors and who are able to contribute meaningfully to the professional meetings. The Dental Hygiene Delegation is being led by Ms. Margaret Lappan Green, CDA, RDH, MS, president (2006-2007) of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Ms. Green is looking forward to sharing this opportunity for professional and personal growth with colleagues from the United States, Russia, and Poland. “I encourage those in the dental hygiene arena to pursue this rare and exciting opportunity to share their expertise with others,” she said. “Delegates can play a role in defining the themes for discussion, and will be able to both share and gain insights through the exchange. This is an opportunity to discuss issues that will be vital not only for Russia and Poland, but also for the rest of Europe, for the United States, and for the world at large.” Since People to People Ambassador Programs is a private-citizen effort, delegates are responsible for their own program costs. Delegates often raise funds for their program through employers, sponsorships, scholarships or other means, and Ambassador Programs has information available on their website to assist you in these efforts. Program details and a registration form are available by calling 1-877-787-2000, ext. 8100, or e-mailing info@ambassadorprograms.org. More information on People to People Ambassador Programs can be found online at www.ambassadorprograms.org.
2007 Institute for Oral Health Annual Fundraising Gala & Silent Auction The 2007 Institute Fundraising Gala & Auction is quickly approaching, and we need your help! Through auction items and ticket sales, over $40,000 was raised last year for dental hygiene education and research. This year, we hope to exceed that figure! On Friday, June 22, 2007, the Institute will host its 9th annual silent auction in New Orleans, La. During the Institute Gala, the premier fundraising event for the organization, time-share vacations, works of art, jewelry, food and wine baskets, regional and collectible gifts and handmade crafts will be auctioned. Help to make this another successful year for the Institute’s premier fundraising event. We ask that you solicit donations from your Constituent and Component organizations as well as dedicated dental hygienists throughout your state. It is recommended that all auction items retail over $100. Donors will receive a tax-deductible credit for their gift. Auction items will be displayed on the Institute website and in the Gala program with the donor and solicitors’ names. If you, or a donor, have any questions regarding auction solicitations or the auction process, please feel free to call Star Abernathy at (312) 440-8944 or e-mail at institute@adha.net. Your help in this matter is important, as it is only through your generosity that auction items are collected.
2007 Liz Chaney Liaison of the Year Award The Liz Chaney Liaison of the Year Award is designed to honor an individual whose exceptional service and accomplishments are demonstrated through extraordinary fundraising skills on behalf of the ADHA Institute for Oral Health. This award is presented annually during the Institute Gala, held at Annual Session, to the liaison who has exceeded the general responsibilities of his/her position. The nominee should:
Winners will be announced at Annual Session. In addition, the Institute will recognize the recipient in the Liaison Newsletter, Access, and the Honor Roll. If you have any questions regarding the award or the nomination process, please contact Star Abernathy at (800) 243-2342 ext. 244 or via email at institute@adha.net.
OSAP Announces call for Abstracts The Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has announced a call for abstracts and table clinic presentations for their 2007 Annual Symposium in Charlotte, NC. The Symposium, which will be held May 31 through June 3 at the Charlotte Westin Hotel, will feature leading experts on infection control and occupational health and safety sharing information of critical concern to dental professionals and others involved in dentistry. Abstracts may be submitted in the categories of Infection Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Science, and Other (a category that includes analysis of policy development and implementation, new analysis of existing research, meta-analysis or synthesis from existing studies of the above, and behavioral studies [including intervention studies] of utilization or adoption of practices by dental personnel). Papers will be reviewed by a prestigious panel of experts using International Association for Dental Research (IADR) review criteria (www.iadr.org). All submissions must be received at the OSAP Central Office no later than Thursday, March 1, 2007. OSAP is offering mentorship prior to the submission deadline. For more information or Symposium registration information, call 800-298-OSAP (6727) or visit www.osap.org.
American Public Health Association Call for Abstracts—Deadline Extended DEADLINE February 16th, 2007
Joint sessions co-sponsored with other sections,
special interest groups, and caucuses are encouraged, as well as ideas
for invited sessions and panels. Abstracts will be selected through a
rated review process according to significance, timeliness, and overall
quality. For all the details
on submitting abstracts click on the link below
National Provider Identifier Number Required in ‘07 In 2007, any dental hygienist who is self-employed, an independent contractor, the proprietor of a dental hygiene business, or has any reason to file an insurance or Medicaid form, will need to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Entities which provide and bill for services will need an NPI as well. The NPI will replace health care identifiers, such as Medicaid provider numbers, in use today in electronic transactions governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Various segments of HIPAA have been implemented over the past several years. Two important provisions—the creation of uniform insurance codes, and regulations concerning privacy for patient information—are already in place. More explanation on these topics can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/ Beginning on May 23, 2007, the federally issued 10 digit number must be included on a number of standard transactions, even if you have an existing tax ID number or a state Medicaid identifier Dental hygiene designation The NPI will be needed to obtain Medicaid and private insurance reimbursement. You can apply for a number online here. Directions on the site will lead you through the application process. Or click “contact” for additional information on how to file. For fact sheets and additional information about the NPI click here. Please contact Governmental Affairs at gov.affairs@adha.net if you have comments or questions.
Open Call for the ADHA-Commissioner to the Commission on Dental Accreditation The current ADHA-appointed Commissioner to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) will complete her term at the October 2007 American Dental Association Annual Meeting. Nancy Zinser, RDH, MS, has served as a member of the Commission for one four-year term (the maximum allowed by CODA). It is necessary for ADHA to select a successor; the term of appointment will become effective beginning at the 2007 ADA Annual Meeting and will end at the 2011 ADA Annual Meeting. The Commissioner is required to make a significant time commitment to this role. Commissioners are expected to complete the web-based site visitor training manual, assume site visit and committee assignments, as well as attend Commission meetings. It is estimated that Commission activities require 10-15 days per year. Commission members must be accessible by both fax and electronic mail. The Commission meets in late January and late July of each year. Commissioners may also serve on review committees, which meet two to three weeks prior to the Commission meeting. Full participation in these regular meetings is the single most important responsibility of a Commission member. Members of the Commission review agenda reports concerning accreditation-related topics. Commissioners must have a working knowledge of Commission policies, procedures and Standards. Preparation prior to these meetings is imperative. Careful review of meeting agendas and all accreditation and policy-related materials mailed in advance of each meeting is expected. Commissioners participate in making final decisions related to accreditation and policy issues; in-depth review and understanding of issues are essential. Prior to the CODA meeting, the ADHA Commissioner shall discuss current ADHA policies with the ADHA president. ADHA Selection Process: Required credentials for the Commissioner: Commissioners should have served as an ADHA board
of trustees’ member, council member or demonstrated active involvement
at the national level within the last three (3) years and should also: Names and substantiating documentation must be submitted to the ADHA Division of Education for transmission to the Council on Education for review. Recommendations will be forwarded to the ADHA Board of Trustees for consideration in June 2007. Please submit your biodata form to ADHA through email at education@adha.net; via fax at 312-467-1806; or by mail: Division of Education, ADHA, 444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400, Chicago, IL 60611. Deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 16, 2007.
Call for Comments to the Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education Programs The American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) invites communities of interest to review and comment on the proposed revisions to the Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education Programs. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Council on Education is considering the proposed revisions to the Accreditation Standards and will provide written comments on behalf of ADHA to CODA. The Council is requesting your feedback in order to ensure the comments are representative of the views of the ADHA membership. Please submit your comments regarding the Accreditation Standards to ADHA through email at education@adha.net; via fax at 312-467-1806; or by mail: Division of Education, ADHA, 444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400, Chicago, IL 60611. Please submit your comments no later than Friday, April 6, 2007. ADHA has scheduled an open hearing regarding the Standards during the 2007 ADHA Annual Session in New Orleans on Sunday, June 24 from 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Interested in Being an ADHA Officer in 2007-2008? The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) will soon begin reviewing candidates for both elective and appointive offices for 2007-2008. Please visit www.adha.org to download all of the necessary forms to submit your name for consideration. The following officers are to be elected in June, 2007: President-Elect Interested parties should submit a bio-data form. If elected, ADHA will provide all necessary forms for completion. For council appointments, interested parties should complete and submit all of the forms available on the website. For any questions please contact ADHA at exec.office@adha.net or by calling 800-243-ADHA (2342).
The ADHA Annual Session Research Poster Session provides dental hygiene researchers and educators the opportunity to present their work, exchange ideas and share information and effective strategies for teaching and mentoring research with their colleagues and other dental hygienists. Abstracts are being solicited for an open poster session during the 2007 Annual Session of the ADHA in New Orleans, La. Posters should pertain to ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda, evidence-based patient-centered dental hygiene practice, Healthy People 2010: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives, or an area of dental hygiene-related research significant to the participant. The deadline for submissions is February 19, 2007. To download a copy of the abstract preparation guidelines, selection criteria and electronic abstract submission, click http://www.adha.org/research/index.html.
The ADHA is seeking applications from health professionals with expertise in education, research, data analysis, and the translating of science into practice who are interested in joining its Resource Persons Network (RPN). The Resource Persons Network (RPN) is a group of professionals willing to volunteer their services in support of ADHA’s mission to improve the overall oral health status of the United States. What are the qualifications to become a RPN and where can I sign up? Applicants should have proven experience in working with community-based organizations/institutions, public health, program development, organizational development, and grant management. An applicant’s expertise should be related to a specific and/or multiple groups. And finally, all applicants must have a minimum of five years’ experience working with oral health issues. Interested applicants who meet the criteria should complete the online application located at: http://www.adha.org/downloads/RPN_applicaton.pdf In connection with the Resource Persons Network, ADHA is looking for hygienists with experience/specialty to serve as consultants to students and/or hygienists interested in pursuing a career in one of the following areas of dental hygiene (http://www.adha.org/enews/01312007.htm#rpn): Anesthesiology
E-NEWSLETTER DISCLAIMER
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