President's Message
TDHA: An Association Built Around You!
I am honored, humbled and excited to be serving as President of the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association. As you can see from the website, TDHA is a vibrant, active organization with diverse programs, committed members and an ambitious plan for the future. I am energized by the possibilities ahead.
In keeping with ADHA’s new brand, my theme for the year is “TDHA: An Association Built Around You” and I truly hope that all members will feel included and supported by this Association. I want TDHA to offer something of value for everyone. It could be continuing education, friendship, a support group, leadership training, employment possibilities or simply social interaction with interesting, intelligent people. I want TDHA to develop programs that empower hygienists “ in the trenches” to become better hygienists, or find jobs, or move easily from state to state.
I look forward to a busy year with all of TDHA’s councils and committees engaged in programs to enrich the professional lives of hygienists and improve the health of the citizens of Texas. As you browse the website you will find opportunities for networking, leadership training, student mentoring, community service, and continuing education. We are proud of our TDHA Annual Session in September, the Component Officers Workshop in July, Student Annual Session in February, year-round sealant and fluoride varnish projects and our Texas Size Continuing Education Weekend in August. In the legislative arena, we will be sponsoring a Legislative Awareness Day at the Capitol in February and during the Legislative Session, we will propose a bill to allow Texas hygienists to administer local anesthesia and another bill to increase access to oral health care by increasing the public health settings in which a hygienist can practice.
I hope TDHA will become your professional home. One of our missions is to protect and promote the interests of all dental hygienists in Texas, and to keep them informed. We will strive to protect your profession and keep you informed, but also provide the tools, information and support you need to build your career. We want you to see that TDHA is, indeed, an Association built around you.
Nancy V. Cline, RDH, MPH
President
Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association
October 25 , 2008