NODHA Presidential Message~ 2021

As NODHA President, it is imperative for me to acknowledge the difficulties that each of us are facing both personally and professionally with COVID-19.   It is for this reason that I felt it would be fitting to start with a quote that inspires me. I hope it does the same for you.

“Resilience is all about being able to overcome the expected.  Sustainability is about survival.  The goal of resilience is to thrive.” Jamais Cascio

A valuable quote like this one can have significant meaning.  There are the words of the author, but the beautiful thing is that everyone will have a different interpretation of the quote. A quote has the potential to provide strength, purpose, motivation, or encouragement.  A quote has the potential to make a bad day good or change someone’s outlook.  A quote has the potential to impact one’s emotions temporarily or permanently.

As a profession, we have proven to be resilient.  We have overcome surmountable challenges associated with the pandemic.  And we did this by being tenacious.  Yes, I used a dental hygiene pun.  As dental hygienists, we are accustomed to battling tenacious calculus.  From a clinical perspective, calculus described as tenacious is something we typically don’t enjoy. It’s stubborn, strong, resistant, and at times, impossible.  Contrary to calculus, being a tenacious person can be a desirable attribute. There are several non-dental definitions of tenacious.  However, the definitions that resonated with me are: 1. “to be extremely persistent in adhering to or doing something; and 2. “not easily letting go or giving up.”  As you can see, possessing tenacity can encourage resiliency.  And resiliency has allowed the dental hygiene profession to not only survive but thrive! So go ahead and be tenacious!  

I would like to thank our members and potential members for staying united and supportive.  I would like to acknowledge Tricia Barker for her leadership as president this past year.  Additionally, I would like to thank the board members for their teamwork and positivity.  Y’all are the best!

I am honored to serve as President for the 2021-2022 term.  I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Respectfully,

Heather Allen, RDH, BSDH, MSHCM

NODHA President