ADHA, (The American Dental Hygienists’ Association) has a policy manual. In it I find items that inspire me:
Under Core Ideology: “Helping dental hygienists to achieve their full potential as they seek to improve the public's total health.” We didn't always know about the oral/whole body health connection. Now we do and hygienists are vital to whole body health.
Under Roles of the Dental Hygienist: “Activities of the dental hygienist include but are not limited to, those of clinician, educator, advocate, administrator/manager, and researcher, with public health being an integral component of all these roles.” We are also change makers.
But it is a 3rd item in the ADHA policy manual that struck the biggest chord with me and helped me choose my theme for the coming year.
Under Diversity: “The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an inclusive organization. We value the differences within our membership and we recognize that diversity adds value to our organization, our mission and the quality of our programs and services.” My theme for the coming year is Inclusivity, Because We All Matter. It does not matter if you struggle with your smarter-than-you-phone while at the same time the hygienist next to you appears to be an information technology expert. It does not matter if you are more advanced in age, watching a much younger generation of hygienists entering the field. Similarly, it does not matter if you’re that younger generation feeling like you don't yet have experience in the field. The two of you work together, come together, learn from each other. Whatever your cultural background is, use it as a strength. We need each other; we're better together. The only way we can stay viable as an association is to listen to each other. The only way for us to listen to each other is to communicate. I welcome every voice. The best way to have a strong voice is to volunteer for a position in your local component or at the state level, serving on the NMDHA Board of Trustees, but you can also submit your thoughts or ideas by clicking or tapping on the Contact link of this website.
If you are not a member, I would encourage you to go to adha.org and check out Member Benefits. You may think all you receive for your membership is a couple of publications. Some of you may know that Professional Liability and Disability Insurances are available through ADHA membership. Did you know that medical insurance is also available for members, as well as group-term life insurance, auto insurance, hotel and rental car discounts; also discounted or free online CE courses? Did you know that the number of members matters when NMDHA officers work to bring positive change to dental hygiene? Law makers and others want to know who we represent, so if you don't feel you have the time to take on a volunteer position, please, become a member to help those who do volunteer their time to bring quality oral healthcare to the public.
In closing, we celebrate and treasure diversity. My theme of inclusivity can be summed up in one word… together.
Cindy Vigil, RDH, BS
NMDHA President 2016–2017
The following is a list of the current Board of Trustees for the NMDHA. NMDHA represents the interests of over 1,300 dental hygienists in New Mexico. This board is elected in the fall of each year and serves a one-year term in most offices. The position of Secretary, Treasurer, and Delegate is a two-year commitment.
The Councils are appointed or re-appointed by the current President. If you are interested in serving your profession, please contact the current President. We are always happy to see new faces and get input on keeping our profession at the forefront of oral healthcare in New Mexico.
Questions or comments for any Board member can be directed to the President, who will forward your email to the intended Board member.
| President | Cindy Vigil |
|---|---|
| President-elect | Elmer Gonzalez |
| Immediate Past-president | Cathy Sovereign |
| Vice-president | Tina Locke |
| Secretary | Christina Calleros |
| Treasurer | Tammy Urvanejo |
| Delegate Chair | Betty Onik |
|---|---|
| Delegate | Alyssa Klenke |
| Alternate Delegate | Elmer Gonzalez |
| High Desert | Mary Kaye Vigil, Cathy Sovereign |
|---|---|
| Eastern | Inactive |
| Southern | Inactive |
| Northern | Inactive |
| Tres Rios | Rachel Bartley |
| ADHA District IX Trustee | Valoree Althoff |
| Administration | Cathy Sovereign |
|---|---|
| Education and Research | Vacant |
| General Membership Meetings | Mary Kaye Vigil |
| Member Services | Alyssa Klenke |
| Public Relations | April Polichette |
| Regulation and Practice | Barbara Posler |
| Newsletter/E-news | Kelly Valdez-Ayres, Jacob Kaulapai |
|---|---|
| Social Media Manager | April Polichette |
| Website Manager | Vivian Doan |
| Committee Member | Shawndell Bowers |
| HYPAC Chair | Erik Smith |
|---|---|
| HYPAC Treasurer | Pam Morris |
| NMDHA ADHA IOH Liaison | Kelly Valdez-Ayres |
| Parliamentarian | Barbara Posler |
| Volunteer Coordinator | Kitty Rivera |
To represent dental hygienists in continuing to improve the oral health of our community by being innovative in increasing access to quality oral healthcare.
To elevate the dental hygiene profession by promoting education, expanding the opportunities for practice, and enhancing access to quality oral healthcare.