Record Attendance Expected for 80th Annual Session of the American Dental Hygienists' Association

Chicago-June 25, 2003 - A record number of dental hygienists representing all 50 states is expected to convene at the 80th annual session of the American Dental Hygienists' Association from June 25 through July 2, 2003 at the New York Hilton in New York.

ADHA President Kimberly K. Benkert, RDH, MPH, COM, will officially call the session to order at the opening ceremonies on June 28 at 8 a.m.

The annual meeting features continuing education courses covering topics ranging from ultrasonics to oral health care for patients with diabetes mellitus. Other special events include tobacco cessation, public health and independent practice.

Exhibitors will display the latest in oral health care products, equipment and patient education aids at the group's National Dental Hygiene Show held June 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. and June 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADHA constituent organizations will feature an array of items from their states at ADHA's Marketplace, and dental hygiene students will present table clinics as part of the culmination of a national competition.

Social events will include the ADHA Institute for Oral Health Gala on June 27; the president's reception on June 28; the president's luncheon and ADHA/Pfizer awards on June 29; and the installation ceremony for the 2003-2004 ADHA officers on July 1.

ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the more than 120,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.

For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at http://www.adha.org.

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