Students Student News

Low Membership in ADHA
Submitted by: Debbie Hunsberger

Dental hygiene is the only health profession that is governed by another profession. The nursing profession does not answer to a board of physicians so why are dental hygienists governed by dentists, mainly the State Board of Dentistry? Could it be due to lack of membership in this professional organization? How will the voice of dental hygiene be recognized and heard if hygienists don’t value membership in their organization? Belonging to a national organization such as the ADHA gives a recognized collective voice and lets the world know that hygienists stand and are united as one.1 As membership numbers remain low in the ADHA, so will representation in voting to make any type of change for the benefit of this profession.

Not all practicing dental hygienists choose to become members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. In fact only 18% of those who are licensed maintain their membership in the ADHA.2 Excuses range from membership being too expensive, to an apathetic attitude and receiving nothing in return.3 Lack of time is another possible reason because belonging to organizations relies on volunteers and many people have overloaded schedules.4

As in dental education, one could believe that lack of awareness may be part of the problem. If one looks at all the benefits from being a member of the ADHA, how could one refuse to participate? Benefits range from security of profession, protecting the value of hard earned education and preserving a license so that this profession is not taken over by just anyone. Included in the membership are subscriptions to two dental magazines that keep hygienists abreast to new research, products and issues that are important. There is a discount included for continuing education courses. Employment assistance is offered as well as help in becoming licensed in other states. Benefits also include professional liability insurance as well as disability and medical. Discounted hotel rates across the U.S. and a credit card program with reduced rates and a points reward system are other bonuses. The last two benefits of belonging to the ADHA are that of leadership and recognition. Being involved in the ADHA allows one to meet others in this profession and provides the opportunity to learn and develop new skills from peers. Members from across the nation become extended professional family. By volunteering in the community with the organization, one will be providing a service and education to the public as well as building awareness and identity for dental hygiene.4 By uniting and becoming members of ADHA, hygienists are showing the world their commitment to this profession.1

There is strength in numbers. The only way dental hygiene is ever going to get out from under the restraints of organized dentistry is to relinquish the power they [organized dentistry] have over dental hygiene. Hygienists don’t need dentists’ guidance or approval. Dental hygienists need to unite as one organization. The more hygienists and students we can make aware that the ADHA represents them and not the ADA, the greater our memberships will be, along with our voices when it comes to voting for change. If membership increases, this could mean increased power when the ADHA presents an argument to our lawmakers.5 Change is coming. There are now forty-six states in the union that can provide services under general supervision in some settings. Also thirty-one states allow the dental hygienist to administer anesthesia and fourteen states allow certain services to be performed under various forms of unsupervised practice.1 These changes occurred because the ADHA fought for change to expand the scope of practice. Change begins at the grassroots level; the individual hygienist must recognize the role and obligation in preserving this profession. Becoming a member will make that happen.

Debbie Hunsberger is a second year student from Northampton Community College and will be graduating in May 2008. This is a paper Debbie wrote for her POHS III class.

REFERENCES

1. Guignon A. Under the holiday tree. RDH 2007;27(5):24-25.
2. Furgeson D. Membership numbers. ADHA. Internet.
3. DePalma A. Are you Jane Hygienist? RDH 2006;26(4):31.
4. ADHA. North Carolina Dental Hygiene Association. 2008;4pages. Internet. Available: http://ncdha.org/content/ADHAFAQQuestions.aspx
5. Laughter L. Don’t fly under the radar. RDH 2007;27(5):26-28.
6. Laughter L. Which big dog protects you? RDH 2007;27(5);17-19.

Accomplishing Your Goals
Submitted by: Courtney Froberg
PDHA SADHA Representative
Westmoreland County Community College

Ambition, self determination, courage and strength are necessary in order to accomplish your goals in life. Success comes to those who go the extra mile and reach for the stars. The road to success is often long and winding, and the journey is complex with many joys as well as disappointments along the way.

After high school, my journey started with working 40 hours a week for minimum wage. I felt like I was going down the wrong road, leading to a dead end. I am not the type of person to just let my life pass me by. I was determined to succeed, so I started take pre-requisite courses for Dental Hygiene at the Westmoreland County Community College. By the end of the year, I had completed all of the pre-requisite courses, and it was time to take the entrance exam. After taking the exam, my mind could not stop wondering what my score was and if I made it into the program. In the summer of 2007, I finally received a letter stating that I was gratefully accepted into the Dental Hygiene program. My life could not have been any better.

Time has passed so quickly since then, and I am now going to be a second year Dental Hygiene student. Within the last year, a world of opportunity has been placed right in front of me; waiting for me to take the plunge into professionalism.

When it was time for PDHA’s Annual Session, we were urged to attend the conference in order to experience the organized, professional side dental hygiene. During the session there was a chance to volunteer to be the State SADHA Representative. My fellow students automatically turned to me and insisted that I volunteer for the position. I cannot explain how nervous I was, but I did it. I walked up on stage and expressed how important it is to be a part of your professional organization in order to have control over the future of your profession, to protect the scope of practice and ultimately assure your job security. I was elected to be the State SADHA representative, and I am extremely honored to hold this position.

Dental hygiene education teaches us how to be good health care providers; however, another significant part of the educational experience is the relationships you develop during your time in the program. I would love to thank my fellow students at the Westmoreland County Community College and all of the students in other dental hygiene programs in Pennsylvania as well as the faculty members because without their support I would not be in this position.

I attended my first Board of Trustees meeting in March of 2008. I was extremely nervous and excited at the same time. As soon as I walked into the meeting area, members of the board started to greet me with kindness. Absolutely every member made me feel extremely welcomed. By the end of the meeting I sat in awe of how much effort these individuals put into protecting our profession. I cannot express how grateful I am to be able to have this experience.

I feel like I am finally on the right road, and this road is leading me to become a member of both PDHA and ADHA when I graduate and receive my license.