June 2009 | Modern Hygienist
career: adha

A rewarding
professional “family”

Being a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association offers opportunities and rewards on many levels. 

by Tina Clarke, RDH, BSDH

Photo: Compassionate Eye Foundation/ Crhis Ryan/ OJO Images LTD

You see her across the room wearing a well-tailored suit, hair in a tight up-do and brief case in hand. It’s obvious she has an agenda and nothing can stop her. Her presence takes up the room and you are rather intimidated.

Your friend sitting next to you explains that this woman’s name is Kelli and she is from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). “Of course,” you think —any hygienist with a presence like that is a member of the ADHA. She must be after some legislature trying to change things again. Even though you aren’t a member of the ADHA you are happy to have Kelli and people like her working for you and your profession. I have heard this scenario before and it makes me ask, “Why wouldn’t you be a member of your professional association?”

The reply is usually along the lines of “The ADHA is just too political,” or, “All they want to do is promote their own agenda.” I understand this view, but I don’t agree.

More than politics
The ADHA is political and I am thankful for that. Without them and those who work hard at the local level we wouldn’t be able to provide the level of care our patients deserve. They also support our efforts to be the best clinicians by providing high-quality continuing education courses at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

The social and networking opportunities are some of my favorite events. I have had the opportunity to meet hygienists from across the nation and form some great friendships. Without the ADHA this wouldn’t be possible. Even though we hear more about the political aspect of the ADHA, it certainly isn’t the only aspect.

In regards to ADHA promoting its own agenda, one could argue that is true. The ADHA would be nothing without its members; it’s the members who fuel and guide the association. So if the members want to pursue a particular goal, then the ADHA will work toward that goal. If you want to include other priorities on the ADHA agenda, membership is the best way to start.

A role for everyone
Another possible reason hygienists aren’t members is simply because they feel they must be like Kelli: highly involved, knocking down doors and not afraid to ruffle feathers along the way. While it’s true there are members just like Kelli who choose to be involved in this manner, not all members fit this profile.

What about Elizabeth, who likes to help organize events such as CE or volunteer activities, or perhaps Dawn, who is creative and works on a newsletter? We also have Kristen who mentors other hygienists, a task that has untold value. There are so many ways one can be involved in the association and these are only a few examples.

Now it may seem you must be doing “something” to be a member of the ADHA. Again, this isn’t so. By being a member you are doing something; you are empowering those who enjoy the type of involvement they’ve chosen. One doesn’t have to take a leadership role to be valued.

A professional family
For example, you’re planning a huge family reunion. The invitations are sent, you know who is bringing what for the potluck, the family photo albums are out on display and the million other details that go into preparation are all in order. You put in a lot of time and energy, but it was worth it to know your family will be together.

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