Spring 2013 President's Message
2013 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Dental Hygiene Profession! In 1906 Irene Newman became a pioneer by becoming the first dental hygienist in the world! Dr. Alfred Fones trained his assistant, Irene Newman, to scale and polish teeth as well as teach patients about oral hygiene. He gave her the title, "dental hygienist." In 1913 the Fones Clinic for Dental Hygiene opened. Twenty seven students were given their degrees in 1914 with Irene Newman receiving license number one.
Now here is a little North Dakota dental hygiene trivia:
- From the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiner's Minutes of January 9, 1959, "It was moved by Dr. Naides that the North Dakota Board go on record favoring a National Board in Theory, for Dental Hygienists. Motion seconded by Dr. Flath. Motion carried."
- The earliest minutes that NDSBDE have are from the annual meeting of July 14, 1950, which states 17 dental hygienists had licenses.
- NDSSS (now NDSCS) in Wahpeton, ND graduated its first dental hygiene class in 1967 and there were 10 graduates.
- NDDHA was established in 1968.
- NDDHA was incorporated in 1988.
At the 90th Annual Session in Boston this June, ADHA has chosen the theme, "Proud Past, Unlimited Future". As you read and hear about dental hygiene's past, I encourage you to celebrate the limitless possibilities for the future advancements in the profession. What are you going to do with your dental hygiene future? How will you increase awareness and ensure access to quality oral health care? How will you advocate your role as a professional? Just as Dr. Fones had a vision for dental hygiene, it is important that we see the opportunities to shape
our profession.
Respectfully Yours,
Linda Alton, NDDHA President
Linda Alton
NDDHA President
District VII Trustee Corner...
Greetings District VII Members!
I wanted to send out a newsletter for those of you who are not on the district Listserv and getting information by that means.
Unfortunately, I must inform you all that I have decided not to run for re-election as Trustee. My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to purchase a branch of his family business(West River Monument Company, Inc. in Rapid City, SD) just 7 months into my term as Trustee.
