SADHA DAY

Have you ever been to SADHA Day?

In October, I had a chance to attend SADHA Day. Mott Community College was the host this year. WOW!! You may be asking why I say “WOW”; well I do not recall SADHA Day when I was in dental hygiene school. That was my first time to attend. I did not even know there was an ADHA Student Member Adviser. I didn't even know there was more to being a hygienist then working in an office. All I knew back then was that I was student who had assignments, tests at school and boards to complete. I believe I was not alone. At SADHA Day, I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Sheila Vandenbush,RDH, BS, MS, PhD and Dr. Wilhelm A Piskorowski, DDS. They both brought insight to the choices “available” out there. Dr. Piskorowski talked about Outreach Community Affairs, Alternative to Traditional Practice and Dr. Vandenbush spoke of Public Health Opportunities in Michigan.

As I listened to both of these professionals, I had different thoughts go through my head. The first one was ENGAGE!! We not only need to engage students, but we need to engage the existing dental hygienist. I hear all the time that there are no jobs in the area. Or if I ask a fellow hygienist, "are you currently a member of the ADHA?" I hear "I don’t need to pay membership dues, I get other magazines for free and there are websites for information." How do we change the mindset of current dental hygienist? How do we show them that the ADHA is more than magazines and dues? I’m not full of ideas, but collectively I think some ideas could be thought of. I know the ADHA has the new branding; what I don’t know is how they are getting this out there in front of the non members. Also, I would like to see Dr. Vandenbush speak at local components a similar speech she gave to the students. This could be a continuing education course available to dental hygienists. She has a wealth of information on the PA 161. Interaction between members and nonmembers is crucial for communication and growth. Another thought I had was on Dr. Piskorowski’s topic. The Outreach Community Affairs is available to students that attend Universities, but what about the students that attend Community Colleges? If I remember right, this is something that may be possible in the future. This could be a way for the universities to connect with the community colleges and at the same time reach the underserved. There are so many choices for hygienist both existing and graduating.

I have to say Mott Community College put on an Excellent SADHA Day, especially for my first one.

Jenny D