We have some wonderful new beginnings on the horizon for the profession of dental hygiene. Montana hygienists will soon be able to apply for a Limited Access Permit through the Board of Dentistry. This will open new avenues for improving access to care, allowing us to provide care to those who would not otherwise be able to receive it. MDHA will keep you updated on when you can apply for this permit.

We will also strive to provide quality continuing education courses that will educate us on issues related to providing care in public health settings. I hope to see all of you at Annual Session in Billings, the theme is "On Track to Access". The Montana Dental Hygienists' Association has worked diligently to pass legislation that makes this opportunity possible. I am so proud of our Board of Trustees for this accomplishment

My year as president has been a rewarding one! I have had some wonderful opportunities to represent our association. In January, I was invited to give a power point presentation at the Head Start Oral Health Forum in Helena. I updated the audience on MDHA's legislative progress and how hygienists can be active partners in public health settings. I was amazed by the overwhelming support we have from other health care professionals. I would like to encourage all of you to work with your local public health facilities and show them how valuable their support was. It is a truly rewarding experience.

We had a great turn out at Spring CE this year at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena. It was a beautiful facility and Janet Lieberg did a wonderful job organizing the event. Carol Jahn gave an insightful overview of diabetes and reminded us that we need to remember to give our patients comprehensive treatment. It is so important for us to make the time to take blood pressures, do head and neck exams and complete periodontal charting at each appointment. Our patients will thank us and definitely benefit from our dedication to their health care. We had the honor of a visit from our ADHA District X Trustee, Lori Brogna. Lori talked to us at lunch about the importance of our support of the Institute for Oral Health.

The First MSU-Great Falls Dental Hygiene class will be graduating May 7th! They are a dynamic, intelligent group of ladies that will be an asset to our profession and our state. We should be very proud and make sure that they are welcomed into our association. They are all SADHA members and I anticipate they will retain their memberships. MDHA will be awarding a one-year ADHA membership to a graduating student who has demonstrated professionalism and leadership qualities.

As we all know, May is Older Americans Month and our Geriatric Outreach chair, Amber Sharp has filmed another interview with Public access television. Watch for the show, Aging Horizons in May. Thank you Amber for your dedication to educating the public and primary care givers on oral health care.

Sue Fisk and I are your Delegate and Alternate Delegate this year. We are preparing for our trip to Dallas to attend the ADHA Annual Session. I would encourage anyone that is able, to attend. Quality continuing education will be provided and you will be able to network with your colleagues across the country. Sue and I will represent MDHA in a professional manor.

Thank you for your continued membership and the opportunity to be your president. Enjoy your summer and I will see you all in the fall at Annual Session.

Jennifer Porter, RDH
MDHA President