Record Attendance Reached During 80th Annual Session of the American Dental Hygienists' Association

Chicago-July 22, 2003 - More than 1,200 dental hygienists representing all 50 states convened at the 80th annual session of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) in New York June 25 through July 2, 2003, setting a record for the Chicago-based nonprofit organization.

The session high point was ADHA's keynote speaker, former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, and his speech "Leadership in Difficult Times."

"The professional development and networking opportunities are a major draw for the annual session every year," said newly installed ADHA president, Tammi O. Byrd. "But, we were particularly excited this year to have Mr. Giuliani speak at our opening ceremonies. It was truly inspiring."

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

Additional representation included the ADHA Institute for Oral Health and the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association. ADHA also hosts the National Dental Hygiene Show every year.

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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