January 09, 2008

Important Message from Tammy Filipiak RDH, BS, Chair of Council on Policy & Bylaws

This year’s council has been hard at work visioning a way to present ADHA policies that will be more user-friendly and reflective of our new brand. We expect to present this new look to delegates for approval at the 2008 House of Delegates in Albuquerque this June. Meanwhile, be prepared to say farewell to the little black policy folders that have served ADHA for 25 years. You can find current policies listed on the About ADHA page of the website right under the bylaws and these will always be available online in the future for your reference.

The council would ask that before you begin amending policies and proposing new resolutions for consideration in 2008, that you consider our proposal. You will find broad global policy statements with supporting language/policies beneath each of them. Other ADHA councils have contributed to re-formatting of policies and you will find that everyone has worked diligently to maintain the values and vision of ADHA in this process. We are working to have a draft for distribution in the near future, and would ask that you consider using time prior to annual session with your constituent and district as well as your caucus time at annual session to review the comprehensive draft. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or provide additional input, we are confident that preparing in advance of annual session will allow for smoother facilitation of business on the house floor.

Thank you.

Nominations for ADHA Delegate to the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH)

Nominations are now being accepted for the position of delegate to the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH). The duties of IFDH delegates are:

• Attend the IFDH meeting and submit a liaison report
• Submit an annual report to ADHA for review
• Prepare articles for publication

The term of appointment is six years. The following criteria serve as qualifications for the position:

• Experience in the IFDH
• Experience in the international and oral health organizations/agencies
• Commitment to international health endeavors
• Support for the policies of IFDH
• Having served as a member of the ADHA Board of Trustees
• Time commitment to the term of office

Names to be considered by the ADHA Board of Trustees should be submitted by February 15, 2008, 5 p.m. CST. Nominations may be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and a short statement in support of the applicant’s qualifications.

Awards Corner!

New 2008 Hu-Friedy/ADHA Master Clinician Award
This new award is for the candidate with a minimum of ten (10) years of clinical experience. The Hu-Friedy/ADHA Master Clinician Award will present an outstanding professional with $5,000 and a commemorative award. Clinical dental hygienists must demonstrate outstanding clinical expertise in relating the interdependence of clinical practice and patient education for the improvement of patient compliance.
Information and application form

ADHA and Johnson & Johnson Announce the HYGIENIST HERO™ Recognition Program
In appreciation for your extraordinary efforts, Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products, Division of MCNEIL-PPC, Inc., makers of LISTERINE® and REACH®, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) have created a recognition program to honor your efforts. We want to recognize YOU, registered dental hygienist, for the efforts you have championed to raise awareness for oral health care. More information.

2008 Irene Newman Professional Achievement Award
The Irene Newman Professional Achievement Award recognizes current ADHA members who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in advancing the art and science of dental hygiene. Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2008.
Information and application form.

2008 Alfred C. Fones Award
The Alfred C. Fones Award is to recognize a current ADHA member who has contributed significantly to the profession of dental hygiene. Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2008. Information and application form.

2008 Johnson & Johnson/ADHA Awards
Additional forms the nominator and nominees are available for download. Ten (10) copies of the entire document must arrive at ADHA no later than January 7, 2008.
Nominator form. Nominee form.

Crest/ADHA Award for Clinical Dental Hygienists
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association in conjunction with Crest is pleased to present the Crest/ADHA Award for Clinical Dental Hygienists. This program recognizes and honors clinical dental hygienists that make a difference in the lives of their patients/clients. To download an application, please visit www.adha.org.

Colgate/ADHA Community Outreach Award
This component award program recognizes the volunteer efforts of ADHA components and individuals who have conducted significant community outreach programs that focus on preventive oral health care. To obtain more information and to download an application please visit www.adha.org.

2008 Distinguished Service Award
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association, in conjunction with Discus Dental, Inc., is pleased to present the Discus Dental/ADHA Distinguished Service Award. To obtain information and an application visit ADHA’s web site at www.adha.org and download a copy.

ADHA and Procter & Gamble announce Dental Hygiene Educator of the Year Award
This award was established to recognize, honor and reward a full-time dental hygiene faculty member who contributes to and is dedicated to providing high quality education to dental hygiene students. The recipient will characterize excellence in teaching, mentoring, and/or devotion to student achievement. For more information please visit http://www.adha.org/downloads/2008_ed_of_the_year.pdf

Access Needs Your Assistance!

Access’ “Working” column interviews individuals who work as dental hygienists or who use their hygiene knowledge outside general private practice. Of particular interest are corporate careers, positions in research or consulting and clinical practice not in a private dental practice. If you are interested in being interviewed for this column, send an email briefly describing your work setting to Jean Majeski, managing editor of Access, at jeanm@adha.net, and title your email message Working Column [your last name]. The Access team will be in touch with you if you are selected as a candidate for the column.

Access is asking dental hygienists to share their stories illustrating why it is important to have disability insurance. If you would be willing to explain why you're glad you had disability insurance--or why you're sorry you didn't--send an email to Christineh@adha.net and title the message Disability Insurance Stories. Your submission may appear in print, or someone from the Access team may contact you for additional information.

Access wants to know who your mentor is and what they did to make a difference in your professional life. Recognize that special person without whom you would not be the dental hygienist you are today! Email your mentoring story to Christineh@adha.net and title the email Mentoring Stories. Your submission may appear in print, or someone from the Access team may contact you for additional information.

Have an interesting hobby? Volunteer with a great organization? Access wants to know what dental hygienists are doing out of the office to balance their lives, keep themselves healthy, stay financially secure and enhance their lifestyles. Please email your insights and contact information to Christineh@adha.net and title the email Accessing Life. If we decide to use your idea in an article, someone from the Access team will get in touch with you. We look forward to your contributions! Please note: if you are featured in “Accessing Life,” we will need a print-quality photo that shows you participating in your featured activity.

Your insights on Access are needed! We have made many changes in Access over the past two years. Tell us what you think of Access and if it has impacted your learning in dental hygiene and dentistry. Please email Christine A. Hovliaras-Delozier, RDH, BS, MBA at Christineh@adha.net.

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