It is hard to believe I am nearing the end of my second term as President of GSLDHA!  It has been awesome getting to know all the intelligent, fun, outstanding women that comprise the GSLDHA board and committees.  A huge thank you to you ladies for your never ending support and for all you do to uphold our profession in such high esteem!

 

I want to sincerely thank the hygienists that attended Lobby Day this year.  The emphasis this year was to educate our legislators on the importance our profession places in improving the oral health of the public.  It is vital to stress the importance a minimum of a college associate level degree and board certification plays in safely treating and educating the public.  Legislators need to know how a dental hygienist's education and training differentiates us from someone who is "on the job trained".  They need to realize why receiving treatment from an "on the job trained" dental employee is not acceptable!

 

Congratulations to all of the St. Louis Community College @ Forest Park graduates!  It has been a pleasure to meet with you and see how far you've come in two year's time.  I wish you all the best in your future dental hygiene careers and want to encourage you to continue active membership in ADHA  and GSLDHA!  We are here to support you!

 

I also encourage veteran dental hygienists to mentor new graduates.  I am so thankful for meeting more experienced hygienists who have supported and guided me in "the real world" of dental hygiene.  Their input and advice has been invaluable.

 

Thank you all who support our association by attending GSLDHA continuing education courses!  We have had excellent attendance this year.  Our vice president, Michelle Patton, and past-president, Karen Reiner have done an outstanding job in securing interesting and relevant speakers.

 

On Friday, September 24, 2010 GSLDHA will be hosting a dental hygiene networking and CE luncheon at the Mid-Continent meeting in St. Charles, MO.  Look for more information in the near future on our website.

 

Saturday, June 12, 2010 is this year's Komen Race for the Cure.  GSLDHA is forming a team.  Please join us and walk in support of friends, family and fellow hygienists who have been touched by breast cancer.  You will find registration information on our website.

 

Now that the Prophy Pipeline has gone paperless, please be sure to alert GSLDHA of e-mail address changes.  We want to be sure to include you in all of our "e-mail blasts" announcing upcoming events.

 

Have a great summer!  As always, feel free to contact me personally with any comments, suggestions or questions.

 

Respectfully,

Kristen McDaniels, RDH, BS

President, GSLDHA

kpmcdaniels@yahoo.com