Dental Hygienists attend the
American Dental Hygienists' Association
annual meeting in New York
by Rhonda Hamerslough

Dental hygiene students pose for a group photo in New York at the ADHA opening ceremonies. Back row (from left): Vicki Sindell, Dyanna Denny, Shawna Kirshenmann, Truc Nguyen, Adrian Lugo, Kelly Noto, Sandra Garcia, Heather Rosaasen, Kristen Allen and Aubrey Yost. Front row (l-r): Kristi Morgan, Joyce Oh, Becca Nutter, Rhonda Hamerslough, and Claudia Rodriguez.

This last year the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA) formed a leadership team. This team, which consisted of 11 seniors and one junior class SADHA representative, worked diligently to host fundraising events and provide services for community activities including dental screenings with the Crest van, and a health fair where they educated the community and gave out more than 2,000 toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Some of the fundraisers included a car wash, See's candy sales, Crest Whitestrip sales, and travel mugs.

The students' goal was met by raising enough money to attend the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) annual meeting in New York City. Sixteen seniors and two junior students: Claudia Rodriguez, first-year dental hygiene, and DH'03 graduates Dyanna Denney, Kelly Noto, Shawna Kirschenmann, Joyce Oh, Kristi Morgan, Sandra Garcia, Adrian Lugo, Kristin Allen, Miriam Skala, Sharisa Mellor, Becca Nutter, Heather Rosaasen, Vicki Sindell, and first-year dental hygiene students Aubrey Yost, and Truc Nguyen, along with Rhonda Hamerslough, DH'91, assistant professor, the SADHA advisor had the privilege of attending this meeting for four days.

Dental hygiene students participate in a car wash to help raise funds for their trip to a professional meeting in New York City.

Five students: Vicki Sindell, Miriam Skala, Sharisa Mellor, Kristin Allen and Kelly Noto, were chosen to present their research through poster presentations. The highlight of the meeting was the opening ceremonies where Rudy Giuliani gave an inspirational talk. They also attended a class specifically for students about oral cancer. They were able to learn about legislature by attending the house of delegates. They also interacted with students from other schools representing district IX.

As well as attending meetings, there were a few days of sightseeing. The students felt deeply impacted by visiting the site of the twin towers. It was an educational experience.

The new SADHA leadership team is working toward next year's ADHA meeting in Dallas, Texas. They also have plans for several community projects.

 

Presenting their research are DH'03 alumni (l-r): Sharisa Mellor, Kelly Noto, and Kristin Allen.	Miriam Skala, DH'03 (left) and Vicki Sindell, DH'03, pose in front of their research presentation.