ODHA - Ohio Dental Hygienists' Association, Inc.

2008 Legislative Coffee Recap

The Ohio Dental Hygienists' Association hosted its annual Legislative Coffee at the Statehouse. It was a wonderful experience for all who attended. This year we had the pleasure of 17 students from Sinclair and Columbus State. They were not intimidated! Under the direction of our Lobbyist, Matt Whitehead, and steadfast hygienist, Cheryl Herrmann, our volunteer students hand delivered goodie bags to the Legislators. The highlight of this event was when President, Suzy Savanick presented our advocate, and sponsor of HB188; Representative Adams, with the Friend of the Profession Award. He was completely surprised, and deeply touched. In addition, we had an unexpected visit to one of our tables by none other than our esteemed Governor Strickland!

Of course, we had the same dedicated hygienists who work diligently, behind the scenes, year after year, working to SECURE the Profession of Dental Hygiene for everyone else: Suzy Savanick, Jeanne Huber, Denise Bowers, Connie Clark, Sandra Wise, Katie Camp, Sue Bartoo, Cheryl Herrmann, Pat Powers, Chris Harmison, and yours truly! If this sounds a bit sarcastic, it's due to disappointment. You see...this event is meant to bring the legislators together with their very own grassroots supporters; those individuals who vote for them. This means YOU! When the legislators see the same hygienists every year, they begin to believe the misinformation that they are being fed; namely that it is only these few hygienists who want change for the Profession of Dental Hygiene. "They don't represent the interests of the Profession; they are only representing their own personal issues." You and I know that this is completely false, but being there in person to discredit these claims is what speaks volumes to the Legislators.

Please....plan now. Next year will be here before you know it. We schedule this event well in advance, and our calendar is available to all members. So please...make sure you join us at the Statehouse for our annual Legislative Coffee next year.

Anne H. Missig-Henry, RDH, BA, MA
Government Relations Chair
Ohio Dental Hygienists' Association

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