By Jerelyn Smith, RDH, MSDH, CDA, FADHA
December 31, 2025

“To be a professional, you need to be a member of your professional organization.” Those words from my Program Director, Virginia “Ginny” Przygocki, RDH, BS, stuck with me from the moment I heard them back when I was a dental hygiene student at Delta College. In fact, membership in the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) was one of our program requirements.

Before my summer break between my first and second year in the program, Ginny mentioned something called the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA) House of Delegates meeting, which would take place in the fall. She encouraged us to consider attending. I couldn’t wait for the semester to begin so I could volunteer—I didn’t even fully understand what the meeting was, but I knew that if I wanted to be a true professional, that was where I needed to be!

Attending the MDHA House of Delegates that fall opened my eyes. I was surrounded by passionate, knowledgeable hygienists—the “movers and shakers” of our profession. Their camaraderie and commitment inspired me. After graduation, I continued my membership and began volunteering with our local component, the Mideast District Dental Hygiene Society (now the Great Lakes Bay Dental Hygienists’ Association). Over the years, that involvement grew—from committee member to newsletter editor, delegate, and eventually President.

About five years into my career, I was encouraged to serve at the state level on the Legislative Council and I later ran for Vice President of MDHA—eventually becoming President. Those experiences offered tremendous growth in leadership, communication, and advocacy. They also strengthened my passion for advancing and protecting our profession.

(L-R): Tammi O. Byrd (2003-04 ADHA President), Ann Battrell (1996-97 ADHA President and ADHA CEO 2016-23) Carol Jahn (Director of Professional Relations & Education for Water Pik, Inc.) and Jerelyn Smith at ADHA’s 2016 Annual Session in Orlando, FL.

Since those days, I’ve continued to find ways to extend my journey in organized dental hygiene even further. I’ve been honored to serve as a Delegate to the ADHA, representing Michigan at the national level, served as District V Director, collaborating with colleagues across several states to promote leadership, education, and advocacy within our profession, and currently, I serve as the ADHA Foundation–appointed State Liaison. In this role I help connect Michigan hygienists with the Foundation’s mission of improving access to oral health care through community-based programs and research.

My goal is to inspire others to get involved and discover the same sense of pride and purpose that membership and leadership have given me. Being an active member enables us to have a voice in shaping the future of our profession. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how one person can make a difference.

Jerelyn Smith pictured in 2005 with then Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm at the signing of PA-161, a bill that reduced red tape for hygienists to practice in underserved areas under the assignment of a dentist.

About 15 years ago, the Chair of the Board of Dentistry encouraged hygienists to review the Administrative Rules and propose updates. A close look revealed a gap: although we’d been trained to place temporary crowns, we weren’t allowed to do so in practice, so I submitted suggestions. Seeing it incorporated into our scope was a powerful lesson in how engagement—even from just one person—creates change. More recently, I recommended that hygienists and dentists be permitted to monitor blood glucose levels chairside. That proposal has been received and is expected to be adopted in the upcoming rule changes.

At the October 2025 MDHA House of Delegates, I was deeply honored to receive Life Membership in the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association. This distinction recognizes members who have demonstrated long-term commitment and significant contributions to the Association and the dental hygiene profession. For me, that’s 25 years of consecutive membership—and counting!

These experiences are a reminder that the sky truly is the limit when we stay engaged, informed, and united. As I celebrate 25 years of membership and look ahead to the next 25, I encourage all hygienists to get involved—attend a meeting, volunteer, lend your voice, and see the difference you can make.

Here’s to the next generation of “movers and shakers.” I hope you’ll join me!

____________________________________

Jerelyn Smith, RDH, MSDH, CDA, FADHA is has been an ADHA member for 26 years. Her clinical experience spans multiple specialties, having worked in periodontal, pediatric, and general dentistry practices. She is an Assistant Professor in the Dental Hygiene Department at Ferris State University in Michigan. Jerelyn is a past president of the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association. She has served as Delegate, Parliamentarian, Speaker of the House, District Director and has held several leadership positions at her component and constituent levels, including President.