Founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as a vehicle to expand international relations beyond the structure of government agencies, People to People International and Citizen Ambassador Programs are united in their mission of bridging cultural and political borders through educational exchange. A goal of People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs is to form a successful relationship between their organization and the professional associations wanting to expand their international outreach but may lack sufficient funds to do so. People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs’ recognition of ADHA as the expert resource and voice of dental hygiene affords our association an opportunity to continue our global outreach of fostering international goodwill and advancing collegial relationships. The relationship between the two organizations remains mutually beneficial, as ADHA has the members and knowledge to determine the overall focus and mission of the delegation, while People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs has the development knowledge, international professional contacts, staff, and overseas travel experience. Delegate funding is the responsibility of each participating dental hygienist and accompanying guests who may also choose to participate.

A long, positive history of working with People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs dates back to the first Dental Hygiene Delegation visiting China in 1982.  In 2007, ADHA created an enriching exchange with Russia and Poland that was conducted by a delegation of 52 RDHs and 14 guests. For further information, please see the Journal detailing the daily events of this August 24 – September 2, 2007 exchange. 

Upcoming is ADHA’s 3rd initiative for an international exchange. Members of this year’s delegation will be visiting South Africa from October 19–29, 2009.   The focus of this exchange is two-fold:  

• attain a better understanding of the oral health care system and its accessibility for the people of South Africa
• share through professional exchange the similarities and challenges we face as oral health care professionals

The initial discussion topics listed in an invitation correspondence will be further refined as the delegation is formed to incorporate delegates’ specialized areas of interest and expertise.

With a limited number of spaces available, ADHA members and prior delegation members have been given priority should they choose to participate in this year’s program.  A recently distributed invitation provides contact information for specific concerns or questions that remain unanswered after visiting the ADHA website.  The People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs’ Representative, Debbie Long, can be contacted at 877-787-2000 ext 7921, fax: 877-676-5844 or email: Africa@peopletopeople.com. The Delegation Leader, Marge Green, RDH, MS, can be contacted through ADHA by emailing PeopleToPeoplePrograms@adha.net.