PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

From the desk of Lonna Jones, SDDHA President

It has been a fast summer with a lot of activity. Beverly Kennedy, Suzanne Luken, Zabrina Treeby and I went to New Orleans for the ADHA annual session. It was a very interesting experience. It is amazing to see so many hygienists in one place. I learned a great deal from the continuing education classes I took and also from the legislative sessions. Our organization really does have a great deal to offer all of their members and it is important that we all learn how to access that infromation and benefits.

There is a lot of activity going on in our state with access to care issues. The South Dakota Dental Association has some ideas for solving the issues that are not in the best interest of the Dental Hygienists in the state. It will be important for us to take an interest in their proposals and offer some alternative plans of our own.

We have a great list of presenters lined up for our Semi-Annual session in September and we hope to have a great turn out. We are planning a legislative day in January again to remind the lawmakers who we are and what we do. This is always a great day and I would love to see more hygienists participate.

It has been a great pleasure to serve as your President for the first few months and I look forward to a great year ahead!

Lonna Jones, SDDHA President

Letter From Immediate Past-President

The weather report promises this to be out last really hot day with a drop to 78 degrees tomarrow. That will be great! I hopw this finds you all fine and looking forward to fall. It always seens to be the best of the four seasons.

The ADHA Annual Session and visiting New Orleans were great this summer. South Dakota had a good representation with Lonna Jones, Suzanne Luken, Zabrina Treeby, Kelli Hanks, and myself attending the meeting. Although the resolutions and bylaws didn't seem too complicated, they did require a lot of floor time. Adopted resolutions included definitions of evidence-based practice, credentialing, cultural competence, and linguistic competence. Although the voting was very close, the resolution to increase member dues $5 to cover the cost of mailing the Journal of Dental Hygiene to members was not approved. Attempts to regulate body piercing establishments failed, as did requiring candidateds for president-elect to have served a minimum of one year on the board of trustees. The resolution to allow SAHDA members to convert to active member status through June 30th of the year following graduation and licensure and to be placed on summer dues billing cycle passes by a vote of 72 to 71! As this was my second annual session, it was easier for me to know what was going on. I certainly appreciate the chance to attend and represent South Dakota. It is also great to see the people from the other states in our district as well. It is so good to get to know them and I really looked forward to visiting with them again. The exhibit hall is full of many displays and samples.

Before leaving for New Orleans, I attended an Oral Health Coalition meeting in Pierre. There was some discussion of what other states do as preventive programs in school systems and a task force was formed to see what could be done in South Dakota. Members are to be 3 dentists and 3 dental hygieniests, Nance Orsbon from Delta Dental, and another member of the Coalition representing Voices for Children. Hopefully it will come up with some workable plans.

School is under way here again with the first day of classes having come and gone. There are 32 students in the junior class and 32 returning seniors. The college calendar is beginning much later this year, after Labor Day.

I look forward to seeing you in Chamberlain. The variety in the program should make the day go fast and leave us with much worthwhile information.

Take care. Enjoy September.

Beverly Kennedy, RDH, MA

Immediate Past-President, SDDHA

Meth and Dental Health DVD Now Available

Meth is fast becoming the #1 choice of illicit drug users. Many of the chemicals used to make meth can cause long-term health problems, permanent brain damage, and even death. It is also important to recognize and become aware of the devastating oral effects and characteristics of meth mouth.

MAPP-SD (Methamphetamine Awarness Prevention Project of South Dakota), a project of Praire View Presentation Services, Inc recently developed a 16 minute DVD to be used for training dental professionals about meth. The video and associated printed "Dental Protocol" are intended to provide dental office personnel with information about methamphetamine oral effects, the procedures to follow if you suspect use, and your role as a mandatory reporter.

The DVD contains interviews with Dr. Don Fischer, Cheif Dentist for the SD Department of Corrections and Lonna Jones, BS, RDH dental hygienist at Falls Community Health/Dental Clinic. Dr. Fischer relates his experience and personal knowledge of SD inmates who have abused meth and get a first hand look at Amy, a recovering meth user, as she visits Lonna at the clinic.

Thanks to a generous donation from the SDDA Southeastern District Dental Society as well as the South Dakota Dental Hygienists' Association, this video is available to SD dental offices free of charge. Audrey Ticknor, RDH, MA, MAPP-SD Meth Prevention Coordinator will be distributing the Meth and Dental Health DVD at the SDDHA Semi-Annual Session in Chamberlain on September 29th, 2007. You may also request a copy from the SDDA office or call MAPP-SD at 1-800-343-9272. For more information on methamphetamine awareness, to to www.mappsd.org.