Fall 2015 Newswire
It is October, and that means it is NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH!! This month is dedicated to our profession and is a great time to showcase our education, licensure and specialty in prevention. Visit the ADHA website at www.adha.org and look under the Events tab for NDHM materials. Here, you can also find a complimentary CE course provided by ADHA and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program. Post something on your Facebook page, write an article for a local newspaper or church bulletin, or hang the posters available at ADHA in every operatory at your office (one was also included with your most recent Access magazine)! Give credit where credit is due and be proud of what you do! You make a difference in people’s health and for that you should be celebrated!!
Since Fall is upon us, it is time to get back to the basics: reading, homework and routines ~ carpools, games and meetings! Maybe not in that order, or that literal, but the MDHA has definitely been doing their homework and we are ready to take on the new year!
As I write this last article as President, it is almost like the last day of school. I am saddened that my term will come to an end this month, yet I am so excited for the direction that MDHA is going and the amazing leaders that will drive the “change train” to new stations!
Speaking of change, grab your calendars as we have announced a different location for our annual House of Delegates (it will be held at Boyne Mountain Resort, October 23-25, 2015) and our annual Legislative Luncheon will be Wednesday, March 2, 2016 in Lansing. These are two excellent opportunities to see what we are doing at MDHA to move our profession upward!
Some other dates worth noting are the deadlines for scholarships (February 1st) and research grants (February 28th) available through your ADHA Institute for Oral Health (IOH). The IOH is the philanthropic foundation to advance professional excellence in dental hygiene education and research. Go to the ADHA website for further details, and spread the word to others that you know that may benefit from this type of funding.
By now, you should have received a letter from me detailing the background and progression of the restructuring taking place within our state. My hope is that you have a better understanding of the process and why change was desperately needed. I believe in this change and I want you to feel confident that your MDHA leadership is taking it seriously and will be with you every step of the way. The value of a sound and business-savvy organization is priceless! Our Component restructuring will be effective on October 25th and is a solid foundation for the future of MDHA. What a wonderful opportunity to support our colleagues and strengthen our association!
My theme of harmony fit perfectly with the idea of change this year and my hope is that we can all embrace what change is about: to make or become different. We experience change throughout our daily lives, both personally and professionally, and have seen leaps and bounds of change in the dental world. Change is good, just like harmony in a song. Every part in harmony enhances the other and it is imperative that they listen to each other so they are able to produce such beautiful music together.
I know the MDHA, with your help, will continue to work hard as the voice of all RDHs in Michigan.
And, as this President’s term is almost complete, know that my song has not ended as I will continue to change and grow, supporting this Association and our profession for many years to come. It has been an honor to serve you this past year and I look forward to making more music with MDHA!
Harmony will prevail…
KATHY MIELKE, BS, RDH
MDHA President