I write the first editor’s note of the year on the heels of a personal retreat I gift myself each year. I take alone time to reflect on what was, why things were good and bad, and where I will take my energies in the year to come.
For the RDH dental hygiene community, we ended our year with positive momentum. We can take this and use the energy to catapult us forward further and faster. This power may be focused on new goals or changes you want to make. You can define personal goals, and then you may identify a few clinical goals to improve your patient care.
I was asked, “What is your goal for RDH in 2023?” And I responded with, “Do I only get one?”—smiling, as I have a long list.
With your help, I want to bring awareness to new graduates and to dental hygiene students that RDH has a community to support them as they transition into their career. From a monthly magazine, two newsletters, CE courses, podcasts, and the largest dental hygiene conference in the US, we’re here to support the positive momentum new hygienists bring to the profession.
Many of our new graduates survived major challenges graduating during the upheaval of a pandemic, and could use guidance and mentorship as they step into that operatory alone. Be sure to read Amy Navarrette’s article on strategies for building confidence in hygiene students.
This issue brings you the findings of the DentalPost survey conducted with results from almost 7,000 dental hygienists. It provides a clear picture of our profession from average income to benefits, and the retirement footprint. RDH and DentalPost are eager to share the information you provided us, and we thank you for it.
If one of your New Year goals is to improve your operatory skill set, be sure to read our article by Alicia Murria about clinical technologies, Josey Sewell’s insights on goal-setting, and Amber Auger’s look into the secrets in saliva (and Brooke Crouch’s on what to do if saliva is minimal). In addition, we have new content from Andreina Sucre, a hygienist who was a dental pathologist in Venezuela. Get ready for exciting pathology information in the coming year.
Also, look forward to upcoming issues with articles on techniques to support overall systemic health—processes you can use to assist your patients with defining what their oral health could be sharing with their overall health.
We would also like to invite you to RDH Under One Roof 2023. This year the conference will be held in Nashville from July 20-22. RDH welcomes the 3rd Annual RDH Evolution, which will also be hosted in Nashville July 17–19. Be sure to read what Bethany Montoya and Britt Glauz share about their experiences at these two events.
Happy New Year, and welcome to the beginning of exciting times in our profession!
“I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
Edwin Osgood Grover
