As a dental hygienist, I am a licensed clinician, but I’m also an advocate for the dental hygiene profession and a mentor to both seasoned hygienists and first-year hygiene students. As a clinician, I perform preventive and therapeutic services for patients in a private dental practice, so my reach is relatively small in scope.
The same holds true for my role as an educator; I teach the art of clinical dental hygiene to a group of 24 college students. But one private dental practice and one class of 24 hygiene students is not conducive to supporting a more extensive, all-inclusive clinical and educational outreach. My goal is to engage with a broader audience with the intent of providing support and mentorship, sharing personal experiences, advocating for our profession, contributing different points of view, and presenting continuing education to my colleagues.
My preferred audience would be on a multinational level from all walks of life and different cultures; however, I would welcome initial expansion even to just one region of the US. I have a natural inclination for helping others and my dedication to advancing the hygiene profession runs deep.
I serve on the executive committee of the North Carolina Dental Hygienists’ Association representing component one. The scope of dental hygiene practice in North Carolina is extremely limited compared to our counterparts in the north and northwest. Because we are licensed oral health-care professionals, our status in the medical and dental communities should reflect the same.
My passion to advocate for our profession and listen to the concerns of my colleagues offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. These connections are vital to ensure the growth and continued success of the dental hygiene profession one community at a time. RDH Community Connection (RDH CC) is a place where these connections take place.
Humans have an innate desire to belong and connect with one another. The RDH CC platform takes our natural human inclination to a more personal and professional level. Whether you’re looking to build your professional network, find resources, learn about the latest advances, products, and trends in dental hygiene, or just get some good advice, RDH CC is a place where you can do this and much more. In fact, you can think of it as your go-to connector for all things dental hygiene-related.
Our members encompass a group of dedicated, professional men and women who are willing to share their expertise and experiences in many areas of the dental hygiene arena. Some of their career paths include health administration, education, clinical, research, published writing, social media, and public health. Many of our members have experience in more than one area, but most importantly, they are all registered dental hygienists just like you.
What about connecting face-to-face and in person? While many of our resources can be accessed online, RDC CC is also a way to connect with real, live people since members are located all over the US. Depending on the needs of each community, members can coordinate in-person meet-ups in different regions of the US so they can engage with one another face to-face.
This can be done through a formal fundraising event, or a casual coffee shop meet-and-greet. Live webinars, podcasts, and articles are also available online. In addition, if there is another feature or resource that you would like to see added to our platform, please let us know in writing. We always welcome feedback.
Now that you know a little bit more about our program, what information are you interested in accessing? What would you like to learn more about? We have an abundance of resources at your disposal, so the possibilities are endless. We’re excited for you to begin your journey with RDH CC, and we hope to connect with you soon.
Editor's note: This article appeared in the June 2024 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
