Dental hygiene celebrates its 100th anniversary

After a very successful meeting in Phoenix, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is already preparing for the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) and Annual Session of 2013. ADHA has adopted a theme: “100 Years of Dental Hygiene: Proud Past, Unlimited Future” in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the dental hygiene profession in 2013. The theme was created using the suggestions of dental hygienists from across the country. A survey on ADHA’s Facebook page determined the winning theme.

As the voice of the more than 150,000 dental hygienists in this country, ADHA is taking the lead on planning the celebration for this momentous occasion. This anniversary is a great time to look back on the journey the profession has taken over the last century, and the accomplishments of dental hygienists along the way. For many young dental hygienists and dental hygiene students, this will be an opportunity to see and appreciate all the undertakings of those who came before them as they begin to plan for the second century of dental hygiene.

The centerpiece for this momentous occasion will be ADHA’s 2013 Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) at the 90th Annual Session in Boston, Mass. ADHA is preparing a series of very special events to celebrate the history of our profession in Boston for the 100th anniversary.

Geena Davis

The Keynote Speaker will be Geena Davis! Few have achieved such remarkable success in as many different fields as Geena Davis has. An Oscar and Golden Globe winning actor, world-class athlete (at one time the nation’s 13th-ranked archer), skilled musician, and successful film producer, Davis is one of the most respected women in Hollywood.

As a long-time advocate for women and girls, Davis is the founder of The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, focused on dramatically increasing the percentage of female characters – and reducing gender stereotyping – in movies, TV and other media aimed at kids 11 and under. Earning the 2006 Golden Globe Award, Davis broke ground in her portrayal of the first female President of the United States in ABC's hit show "Commander in Chief." She also earned an Academy Award in 1989 for her role in Lawrence Kasdan's "The Accidental Tourist."

Davis was again nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe for her performance as Thelma in Ridley Scott's "Thelma and Louise," in which she co-starred with Susan Sarandon. She received Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress for her portrayals of a political speech writer in "Speechless," a film which she also co-produced, and as a baseball phenomenon in "A League of Their Own." Davis, a member of the genius society, Mensa, is also a trustee of the Women's Sports Foundation, and supports Title IX and girls' participation in sports.

Erin Brockovich Another exciting event will be the Thursday Plenary Session, where the speaker will be none other than Erin Brockovich! Ms. Brockovich is an internationally sought after speaker who in 1993 discovered that the California utility, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, had been poisoning the residents of Hinkley, Calif., with the toxic chemical Chromium 6. Her tireless research resulted in the largest legal settlement in U.S. history against the company. She has won numerous awards and has spoken with many groups dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers and citizens against environmental torts. In 2000, Universal Studios released the movie “Erin Brockovich” to tell the story of the residents of Hinkley and Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the title role.

Debbie Reynolds Another (always exciting) event is the Institute of Oral Health (IOH) Benefit/President’s Reception. The host of this event will be Debbie Reynolds! As star of more than thirty motion pictures, two Broadway shows, two television series, as well as dozens of television appearances, here and abroad, in 2012 Debbie Reynolds celebrates her sixty-fourth year in show business. Debbie was ADHA’s popular keynote speaker from our 2008 Center for Lifelong Learning in Albuquerque. There will be many 100th Anniversary Keepsake items. Beginning in Phoenix, ADHA is selling a variety of keepsake memorabilia such as 100th anniversary pins, luggage tags and T-shirts. These items are available in the ADHA Boutique on the exhibit floor or online via ADHA’s e-Bay store accessed through www.adha.org. As an ADHA Past President, this is especially heart-warming to me. ADHA past presidents will have a chance to reminisce in Access magazine, in ADHA Update and other media outlets. Beginning in July 2012, Access will be featuring past presidents of ADHA as Guest Editors for the 10 issues that will print during the centennial year. The Guest Editors will reflect on major issues in dental hygiene during their tenure as president. “Looking back at the last hundred years will be a fun trip down memory lane that we hope will result in appreciation for where we are today,” said ADHA Immediate Past President, Pam Quinones, RDH, BS. “Most importantly, we hope this celebration encourages dental hygienists to keep looking forward at what the next hundred years hold for them.” Watch for the series of 100 Dental Hygiene Milestones to begin in Late February on the ADHA Facebook page 100 days before next year’s CLL celebration. To find out how we can work together ADHA will set up a conference call with other media outlets in July 2012. Contact Jeff Mitchell at [email protected] with any questions.

Susan Savage, RDH, BSDH Join me in welcoming Susan Savage, RDH, BSDH, as ADHA President, 2012-2013. Susan is from Ellensburg, Washington. Denise Bowers, RDH, RDH, PhD, of Lima, Ohio is President Elect, and Kelli Swanson Jaecks, RDH, BSDH, MA, of Salem, Oregon, is the Vice President. Louann M. Goodnough, RDH, BSDH, will continue her term as Treasurer.

Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS

To read previous articles in RDH eVillage FOCUS written by Maria Perno Goldie, go to articles.

Dental hygiene celebrates its 100th anniversary

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