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November 18, 2006

Cheryl's SADHA Day Reflections

Yesterday, I attended my first SADHA day. I have been looking forward to this day,since I attended the House of Delegates in October. I wanted to see the people I met, and strengthen my frienships with my classmates. It was fun to hang out with my classmates outside of school. SADHA Day was mixed for me, however I will still attend next year's event.

I did not like the keynote speaker Sandra Burns and her lecture on Images to Teach Diversity. It was not what I expected. My vision of diversity is all ethnic groups and races represented. There are different types of diversities: Latino, People of Color, Disabled, and Arab-Americans. What I thought this lecture was going to be was how Diversity effects dental health and how we should have understanding and knowlege. I was disappointed that Sandra Burns focused on one race, and that she did not tie this with dental hygiene. I felt uncomfortable and I felt for The University of Detroit students. I choose to leave the lecture, but the day did get better.

I liked my First Roundtable discuss. It was put on by Bonnie Nothoff, RDH. She lead the discuss: Legislative Aspects of Dental Hygiene . Bonnie works for the MDHA and she is involed with govermental affairs and dental hygiene. I had the pleasure to meet her at the MDHA's HOD. Also, the MDHA's president Sandra Franklin was present at the roundtable. Bonnie's lecture was educating because she taught how bills get passed in Lansing and how as RDH's and dental hygiene students can influence legislation. For example, she discussed the bill that is trying to be passed that Dental Assistances can polish patients, and why this is a bad idea. I wish I could have stayed there for two hours, but I had to leave.

My second roundtable was interesting because I didn't sign up for it. It was suppose to be Plaque Check Detection System by Butler, but instead it was Young Dental and their products. I was confused for a few minutes, and I went with it. I got the history of Young Dental and how the founder developed the first prophy tip. We got sample of the different disposable tips and polish. I was most excited to get disclosing tabs and liquid. I liked the two toned liquid because when disclosed, the pink color detects new plaque and purple detects old plaque. I did an experiment and didn't brush my teeth last night. This morning I used the two toned disclosing agent and mostly, it was pink.

Overall, I had fun with a few low points, but this is life. You take the ups with the downs and you move on. I look forward in attending next year's events, and use the knowlegde that I have learned today in applying it to my dental hygiene career.

Posted by chewison at November 18, 2006 01:04 PM

Comments

I really love Cheryl's overall outlook. I would have to agree with her philosophy of applying everything we've learned in our experiences (the ups and the downs included) toward the future of our career. I too, look forward to attending professianl activities like this because I can apply what I have learned and observed.I think Cheryl has done a good job demonstrating is what it's all about. And I will also note that I had a lot of fun with the disclosing agents and tablets I recieved! I'm glad she did too! I actually tested them on family members at Thanksgiving--- this determined who gets the electric toothbrush gift!

Posted by: novakjes at December 3, 2006 07:51 PM

I was unable to attend SADHA day but I definitely think I will be attending next year. It seems like the round table discussions were very interesting and the day, as a whole, seemed fun and educational. The Legislative Aspects of Dental Hygiene round table discussion seems like a topic I would be interested in too. Being able to talk with someone who knows so much about Dental Hygiene and works to advance the profession sounds like it was educational as well as inspirational. I agree with you Mrs. Gwozdek, Cheryl's reflection was very professional and it gave me a better idea of what SADHA day is really all about.

Posted by: ecomito at November 30, 2006 06:19 PM

Thanks for sharing all of your comments, Cheryl. Your reflection indicates a high degree of professionalism.

Posted by: agwozdek at November 18, 2006 02:04 PM

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