President’s Message
June 2009
Summer Greetings … Patti Di Gangi RDH, BS, a friend of mine, uses a quote in her
lecture presentations from Janet Lapp, “the biggest mistake is to do more of what
one has always done because it works.” Stepping out of our comfort zone is
something we all avoid doing, and WDHA has been no different. Change does not
happen overnight nor does it need to completely redefine who we are and what we
stand for.
As “CHANGE” seems to be the new buzz word, and on everyone’s lips these days I
thought I would take this opportunity to let you some of the ways the Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association is changing for YOU. Over the years many of you have
commented, both positive and negative, on how you think WDHA represents you as a
dental hygienist in the state of Wisconsin. We do hear you.
WDHA is currently in active dialog with the Wisconsin Dental Association. The focus of our discussion is currently on, but not limited to, a mutually agreed upon direct access proposal that would assist in addressing the access to care disparities in WI and one that would optimize the dental hygiene workforce in both the public and private sector.
This is a work in progress as we want to get it right, so we are consulting with
hygienists directly involved in providing care in those settings, as well as other
stakeholders in oral health. Updates will be provided as they occur and, as members
of WDHA, your input is always welcome and needed. YOU are the Essential Piece to
anything the association puts forward as we strive to be representative of all dental
hygienists.
For the first time in the recent history of WDHA, we have an active Public Health
Council, per association By-Laws, who will report to the Board of Trustees. It is my
personal feeling that the better informed we are the better decisions we make. As this council takes shape under the direction of Co-Chairs Midge Pfeffer RDH, BS, CDHC and Lisa Bell, RDH, BSDH, I look forward to, very soon, being able to inform YOU of the opportunities available outside the clinical practice setting and having information readily available and a source to go to when you need direction on how to get there.
The format of our official state dental hygiene newsletter “Tooth-Bytes” has taken on a new look as well. I hope you are enjoying it? I would like to thank the efforts of the
local component leadership in updating the contact information of all hygienists in
their area so WDHA can keep you informed on what is happening in dental hygiene
across the state. Very soon WDHA will be unveiling our new redesigned website
www.WI-DHA.com to better keep you up to date and informed. Without the efforts
of Cindi Due both the newsletter and redesigned website would not have been
possible. On behalf of the association, thank you Cindi.
And last but not least, very soon we will be unveiling our new logo. The final decision was made based on the input of many of you, and I’m sure you will agree that it does represent what WDHA is all about.
“Change Can’t Happen Unless Change Happens”… I used this in my acceptance speech as President of the WDHA last fall, and I truly believe it has merit today as we progress this association through some tough times economically, while at the same time move the association in a positive direction enabling us to offer something that is of interest to all. For our annual Scientific Session Indigo Conference, we will be unveiling a new online registration format, and many course offerings that YOU have asked for. This is, after all, the only conference in Wisconsin that is by dental hygienists for dental hygienists. This year’s conference is Friday October 2-Saturday October 3 at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Mark your calendars to attend this event. I look forward to meeting many of you at the President’s Reception on Friday night.
Deb Beres, RDH, BSDH 2008-2009 WDHA President
President’s Message
August 2009
As the summer fades away and crisp air fills our evenings, we look forward to our Annual Indigo Hygiene Conference October 2-4. Consider joining your colleagues for a week-end filled with continuing education, networking with friends, discussing important hygiene issues and moving our professional association forward.
September 30 the deadline to renew our professional credential. Please go to http://drl.wi.gov “License Renewal Online” Use your license number to renew. Then register for the Indigo Conference to get a head start on your CE units for the next renewal period.
There are many new articles on the pages of the new website. Read about the joint effort between WDHA, WDA and many, many other organizations for the Mission of Mercy week-end in LaCrosse.
There is a new page for student hygienist news. Read about students who attended the ADHA Annual Session in Washington DC in June 2009.
Read about our delegates to ADHA who also attended the Annual Session in Washington DC in June.
I want to encourage each of you to attend the President Reception on Friday night of the Indigo Conference. It will be a fun time to meet and learn from each other, make new friends, share hors d’oeuvres and allow me to thank all of you who have participated in making this year a successful one. My year may be winding down, but I will still be active in the association. Come and make next year even more successful.
Deb Beres, RDH, BSDH 2008-2009 WDHA President
October 2009
On Sunday, October 4, 2009 the Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association convened for the 83rd House of Delegates (HOD) Meeting. During the opening ceremonies a few hygienists were recognized for their contributions to the profession of dental hygiene. Deb Beres, the WDHA Immediate-Past President was thanked for her commitment of leadership over the past year, Linda Jorgenson for her generous time commitment of 3 years as the District VII Trustee and finally, Jodi Olmsted was honored for her lifelong commitment to leadership development with the prestigious Carol Benson Award. We are very fortunate in Wisconsin to have these strong leaders, mentors and role models. The meeting ended with the installation of officers. At that time, I was installed as the WDHA President. This is an honor and a commitment that I do not take lightly. The profession of dental hygiene has seen many changes and continues to be coming into its’ own. It is truly an exciting time for all of us.
Prior to the HOD meeting, the WDHA hosted another successful Indigo Conference, the premier conference in Wisconsin dedicated to dental hygienists. Ten continuing education programs were offered plus CPR re-certification and an OSHA update. Many vendors displayed their product lines as well. Students were welcomed as they participated in Table Clinic competition followed by a program designed exclusively for them. The silent auction rendered over $900 towards student scholarships. Fun was had by all! If you have not attended an Indigo Conference, I would like to invite you to put October 7 and 8 on your calendar for next year’s event.
The Mega-Issues Forum held during the Indigo Conference weekend produced lively discussion regarding the interest in a bachelor degree completion program in Wisconsin. This will also be a topic discussed more thoroughly at the Leadership Workshop on October 17 in Steven’s Point.
Legislatively, this past year WDHA was involved in discussions regarding the definition of dental hygiene. The Wisconsin Dental Examining Board took on the task of updating the definition of both dentistry and dental hygiene. The WDHA joined forces with our allies giving testimony on behalf of the proposed changes. The goal of our efforts is to (1) align the practice act with the accreditation standards for dental hygiene education, (2) open new practice settings in which a hygienist would be able to perform services within the dental hygiene scope of practice, and (3) lift some of the restrictions found under the general supervision section. Now more than ever, you need WDHA and WE NEED YOU! This legislative activity will be an ongoing effort so refer to the website for updates.
If you have questions about WDHA, you have competent and confident leaders available and ready to help you find the answers. This would be a good time to identify your component trustee and make sure that your email address is available to them for timely correspondence. Potential member email addresses are welcome as well!
I am looking forward to representing you this coming year—promoting our proud profession.
Debbie Schumacher RDH, ME-PD
WDHA President
October 2009 - 2010
November 2009
This is an exciting time for the dental hygiene profession. We’re making real progress towards our strategic goals on both the national and state level and as a result providing a true value for our members. The new mid-level provider in Minnesota and an expansion of direct access to a dental hygienist in several other states are only two examples of how our association improves the working lives of dental hygienists every day.
Others in our state, however, might question our success. Recently an item in the Wisconsin Dental Association Journal called into question the value of WDHA and ADHA membership and to support their position used quotes taken out of context from ADHA staff and national leaders made during the 2009 House of Delegates meeting. The article went on to state that WDA has established a task force to explore the potential of creating a “professional home” for dental hygienists under the WDA umbrella.
My response to WDA is thanks but no thanks!
In Wisconsin I am happy to report that our membership numbers are on the rise. I believe this is because dental hygienists do value membership in our professional association and realize that the ADHA/WDHA is the ONLY association in Wisconsin committed exclusively to supporting and advancing the profession of dental hygiene. Those of us who have been practicing long enough remember a time when dental hygienists were only allowed to work under direct supervision in a dental office, were not able to: place sealants, administer local anesthetic, place sub-gingival medicaments, provide dental hygiene services to patients outside of the traditional dental offices or bill for those services. The WDHA played a crucial role in representing our interests in each of these areas. The WDHA continues to advocate for our profession and the most current effort involves removing restrictions from where a dental hygienist can provide dental hygiene care. The motivation for this is to improve access to care for people in need. This has been done successfully in dental/dental hygiene schools, public schools and through health departments across the state over the past 5-plus years without authorization from a dentist.
While most dental hygienists would continue to enjoy employment in the traditional private practice setting, there are hygienists who wish to provide DH care in expanded settings without authorization from a dentist. Some view this desire as unwillingness to collaborate with other members of the dental team. This cannot be farther from the truth. In fact, as an extension into the community, dental hygienist would not only have the opportunity to provide preventive services but to identify people in need of dental/medical services and act as liaisons finding outlets for the care needed. Day in and day out, we work in collaboration with all members of the dental team. It is unfortunate that as we seek the opportunity to provide care, especially to the underserved populations, we are frowned upon as “poor team players”. We know that does not accurately reflect our commitment to care for patients or our respect for other members of the dental team. As our work unfolds, I will keep you informed.
With Thanksgiving approaching I know I have much to be thankful for and a good part of that has to do with many of you! Travel safely and celebrate what you are thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!
The message of WDHA is positive. Spread the good word!
Debbie Schumacher RDH, ME-PD
WDHA President
November 2009 - 2010
Spring has sprung in Wisconsin in all of its glory this year. We have been treated to an early and colorful season which is rare indeed. For many of us, spring symbolizes new growth and new beginnings. For some, it reminds us of yard work and house up-keeping projects. Then there are those dental hygiene students for whom spring means National Board, CRDTS exams and Graduation! To all of the students, we wish you the best of luck.
New growth in WDHA has come in the form of a recently appointed Student Liaison. Ashley Wolf has accepted this position. You can learn more about Ashley in this month’s Hygiene Heartbeat.
The final report has just been released from the Dental Education Feasibility Study commissioned by the state of Wisconsin. Read about that in this month’s article of Tooth-Bytes.
Congratulations to our new members! Please go to the Component News tab to see who are our newest members for each component.
Finally and of great importance, you will be receiving correspondence from WDHA regarding an article in the latest WI Dental Association Journal. According to the article, the WDA is exploring the option of an allied membership in WDA for dental hygienists. They will be contacting their members via email as well as dental hygienists in attendance at the Jewel of the Great Lakes meeting in May. The question you have to ask yourself is Who do YOU want in control of YOUR profession? Don’t be fooled by the offer of benefits and services. The profession of dental hygiene is changing and the WDHA is in the forefront representing YOU and the patients you care for. Continued membership in ADHA/WDHA will keep dental hygienists in a position to have a say in the decisions that affect the profession of dental hygiene. If you have questions direct them to wi_dhaquestions@yahoo.com
Stay connected and enjoy spring!
Debbie Schumacher RDH, ME-PD
WDHA President 2009-2010
Who Knows a Dental Hygienist Better than Another Hygienist
Many dental hygienists can develop a feeling of isolation in their daily practice spending the vast majority of their time only with their patients. Where do you turn for advice or a mentor to help you with the issues you face each day? Membership in Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association provides you with a ready network of colleagues, ready and willing to listen to your questions and provide you with the support system that you may lack in the office. Dental societies and other organizations may promise that they can fill this need but many times all they can deliver is low cost CE. We’re sure that when you consider the networking opportunities, the CE offerings and malpractice, health and disability benefits available you will see the value and clear benefit of membership in WI-DHA.
Don’t trade your voice or vote to any other organization in exchange for allegedly low cost benefits. Only by representing our own interests can the dental hygiene profession achieve measurable and lasting success.
Join WI-DHA and ADHA today Click here for ADHA Real Time Membership Application
It is February and two things come to mind for me: Children’s Dental Health Month (CDHM) and of course Valentine’s Day. To recognize CDHM, I am sure many of you have implemented special events in your offices or are visiting a school to provide a dental health program for the children and I bet some of you are participating in the “Give Kids a Smile Day” events around the state. Whatever you are doing to help in your community, thank you! It shows that you have a heart. Since Valentine’s Day represents affection and appreciation, it seems like the perfect time to showcase our first feature for Hygiene Heartbeat. I am sure you will enjoy reading about Sarah Wruck from Holcombe.
Look to the Government section of the website (wi-dha.com) for a report and updates about the Dental Education Feasibility study that is underway. The study is due to be completed by the end of March.
This year the WDA sponsored Mission of Mercy will be held at Sheboygan High School on June 24-27th. If you are interested, registration to volunteer is available at this time at wda.org.
Stay warm, winter is almost over!
Debbie Schumacher RDH, ME-PD
WDHA President 2009-2010
Happy New Year!
Wasn’t it just 2000? Oh, well… Every New Year is a chance for a fresh start, to make self-improvements, or to try something new. We often do this through “New Year Resolutions”. According to dictionary.com, resolution means: resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.
This year I have resolved to learn how to do on-line banking. So far, so good…
If you have resolved to become a member of ADHA or remain a member of ADHA, good for you! This is the perfect time. Changes to our practice act are under review, a dental education feasibility study is under way and the economy is threatening job security. Know that the ADHA/WDHA is constantly working to represent you and your profession. Your membership is an investment in yourself, and you deserve it!
Along with my on-line banking, I resolve to keep you informed and represent you well.
Debbie Schumacher RDH, ME-PD
WDHA President 2009-2010
