March 7, 2008

Greetings Fellow Hygienists,

Happy Spring!! I thought I should take a minute and update you on all that has transpired with ODHA since last fall. There is not much new information concerning the CDHC . It is my understanding that the final draft of the curriculum has been delivered. I have requested a second meeting with Dean Young to go over the final curriculum and to address the many concerns we still have. Thank you to those who have written letters! If you have not, it is not too late. Please do so as soon as possible. Also, please see ODHA's position paper on the CDHC on the legislative page. Angela Craig and Cyndy Vogler-Henry (legislative chairs) have done an outstanding job of keeping us informed concerning the CDHC.

Our first legislative day was well attended by students and hygienists. Many contacts were made and students were introduced to the legislative process. We educated the legislators concerning the CDHC at every opportunity. Our next legislative day is April 1, 2008. If you were unable to attend the last one, please make a point to attend. The second-year students from Rose will be attending. If you are quiet and shy, we'll put you with someone who is not. It's fun, really!

Canadian River Component has been revived! Kala Phillips, a recent graduate is the President. I'm so proud of her for stepping up and meeting the need. I attended their first meeting. They have elected officers and scheduled their first CE. You can contact Kala at: kphillips07@cox.net. The officer roster and CE information should be posted on the website soon.

The "Strong and Healthy Oklahoma, A Total Health Event" is coming up soon. The Oklahoma Dental Foundation has decided not to do sealants, but will be offering oral health screenings and education. Due to opposition from pediatric dentists concerning the sealants, the ODF decided not to do them at this time. It is disappointing, but we still need to volunteer to get exposure as health care professionals. It is an opportunity for us to work with ODA and show them that we are willing to be the "access to care" link. The event is Saturday March 29, 2008, at the Coca-Cola Event Center in Bricktown from 9-3. It is sponsored by Integris Health and the Oklahoman. Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering at: plaqbuster@aol.com. Let's have a great showing of hygienists! Several students have volunteered already as well!

In closing, I just want to take a minute to thank all my Board members, They are doing an excellent job! Attendance at Board meetings has been awesome! We always have room for more, and continue to need more volunteers to serve at both the state and local level. Please feel free to contact me any time. I'm only and e-mail away! A Special Thanks to those who have donated to the legislative fund. ODHA appreciates your generosity.

Sincerely,
Karen Sehorn
ODHA President
405-275-8608
plaqbuster@aol.com

Achieve regulating authority for dental hygiene in the areas of education, licensure and practice.

Promote the awareness of the dental hygiene profession.

Increase ODHA membership and involvement. Serve as the recognized authority for the profession of dental hygiene.

To improve the public's total health, the mission of the ODHA is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene by ensuring access to quality oral health care, increasing awareness of prevention, promoting the highest standards of dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research and representing and promoting the interests of dental hygiene.

Professionals promoting total health through quality oral health care.

The purpose of this Constituent, consistent with the ADHA Code of Ethics of the Profession shall be to improve the oral health of the public; to advance the art and science of dental hygiene; to represent and protect the interests of the dental hygiene profession; to contribute to the professional development of the dental hygienist; to foster research in oral health; to provide professional communications and to conduct other activities as may be permitted by the laws of the State of Oklahoma and to carry out the purposes of this Constituent.