FDHA President's Message
I am very honored and proud to serve as the 2007-2008 President of the Florida Dental Hygiene Association. I have been a Florida licensed dental hygienist for 28 years. My husband, Dan, and I have been married for 22 years and we have two daughters, Lauren and Casey, who are students at the University of Central Florida... "go Golden Knights!"
At the conclusion of the 2007 House of Delegates, there was a feeling of attentive expectation. 2008 may begin an era of accelerated change that offers exciting professional opportunities in dental hygiene. It is a waste of time, energy and resources for the dental team to be in conflict. Increasing the quality of care and access to dental hygiene services can be accomplished if all members of the team work together with positive attitudes and commitments.
My personal strength involves listening attentively and speaking gently. Both channels of communication can effectively change and progressively grow this organization. This Association has the obligation to disseminate information from the state level to our grass roots members. Each member has a right to be informed, but each member must accept some responsibility for becoming an informed, active participant in our profession. Please accept the challenge when you are asked to help. Take a more active role in FDHA and this profession by networking at component and state meetings, mentoring dental hygiene students, supporting this Association and HYPAC financially, and volunteering to serve in the community.
I am interested in knowing your thoughts on the challenges facing our profession and encourage comments from every individual hygienist. Share your concerns and ideas. I am more than happy to listen and respond, for it is ideas that shape our future.
I have chosen a diamond as my symbol. A diamond is the hardest substance known. The strength, durability, value and sheer beauty of a diamond are characteristics that speak of quality. Dental Hygienists display those same properties. The quality of our members is the reason this organization confronts and overcomes the challenges we encounter. Like diamonds, we will endure and our value will increase.
The many small, flat, polished facets of a diamond...
- "F" - Faith
- "A"- Attitude
- "C"- Consistency
- "E"- Effort
- "T"- Teamwork
- "S"- Success
...reflects the good qualities of the people who belong to our organization and support our mission and goals. These qualities are "Facets to the Future" for the Florida Dental Hygiene Association.
