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