The year in review: The best of the best, a sad ending, an optimistic beginning

As we prepare for 2013, we are left to reflect on 2012. There are, no doubt, many happy and sad memories. The most poignant memory is the recent tragedy in Newtown, Ct. My heartfelt condolences to all those touched by these heartbreaking killings. As well, Hurricane Sandy wrought havoc on the Eastern seaboard, especially New Jersey and New York. My thoughts are with those affected as they continue to get their lives back to some semblance of normalcy. Other major 2012 events: US Presidential election; economic turmoil continues; The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II took place; London hosted the Olympic Games; Facebook went public; Windows 8 is released; and mass hysteria grips the world as the Mayan calendar reaches the end of its current cycle. This is by no means an all-inclusive list, but gives you an idea of what we have lived through in 2012. Condolences to all who have suffered losses and congratulations to those that have had occasions to celebrate!

In RDH eVillage FOCUS, we covered many interesting topics, including: oral cancer; perioscopy, nutrition, antimicrobial resistance; caries detection; leadership; lasers; inflammation; antioxidants; the Challacombe scale; fat; sugar; and a host of other topics.

As we look forward to 2013, dental hygiene celebrates its 100th anniversary! As an American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Past President, this is especially gratifying 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. Join the celebration in Boston June 19-23, 2013, in Boston!(1)

As the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) President (2010-2013), I eagerly anticipate the IFDH 19th International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH), August 14-17, 2013, in Cape Town, South Africa.(2)

I invite you to join the celebration and to participate in a global exploration of dental hygiene.(1) The conference aim is to explore the vital role of dental hygienists as primary health care providers in complete health care, and to unite the dental hygiene profession and other disciplines in dentistry and medicine. The World Dental Hygienist Awards will be given to deserving nominees.(3) The Award is presented every three years in the following categories: Research Category: $5,000; Activity/Project Category: $3,000; Student Research Category: $2,000; and Student Activity/Project Category: $2,000. Please apply!

As I reflect on 2012, my saddest memory if the recent loss of my mother, Rose Perno. However, my mother is always with me, as reflected in the poem I read at her celebration of life.(4) I am grateful for the many years I had with Mom, and thankful for my husband and other family, friends, career, profession, and many other blessings in my life. As we move into 2013, I wish all of you health, peace, and happiness. I want to thank all contributors to this newslewtter, and Mark Hartley and Duane DaPron from PennWell for their help and support throughout the year. I leave you with these thoughts for the New Year, 2013.

At the sound of the tolling midnight bell
a brand new year will begin.
Let’s raise our hopes in a confidant toast,
to the promise it ushers in.

May your battles be few, your pleasure many,
your wishes and dreams fulfilled.
May your confidence stand in the face of loss
and give you the strength to rebuild.

May peace of heart fill all your days
may serenity grace your soul.
May tranquil moments bless your life
and keep your spirit whole.

~ Author Unknown ~

References
1. http://www.adha.org/annualsession2013/index.html.
2. http://www.embassyconferences.co.za/portfolio/present/19th-international-symposium-on-dental-hygiene/10.
3. http://sunstarawards.com/World_Dental.html.
4. http://www.lifelovequotesandsayings.com/2012/08/13/your-mother-is-always-with-you/.

Sincerely,

Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS

To read previous RDH eVillage FOCUS introductions by Maria Perno Goldie, go to introductions.

To read more about dental hygiene in 2012, click here.

The year in review: The best of the best, a sad ending, an optimistic beginning

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