We have some continuing education classes while we are there and cooperate sponsor exhibits where we get free samples. However, the best part was the business meetings. I was chosen as the student delegate for district XII which includes Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Hawaii, Alaska, and Nevada. I got to participate in meetings with my district about proposed bylaws and resolutions to the ADHA's constitution. I won't get too geeky but I just loved the Parlimentary procedure of everything. In this way, everyone has a voice a turn to speak and we can bring ammendments to a resolution to the floor. I brought up a resolution on behalf of the 12 student delegates and it passed!! It was close so they needed a standing count vote and we won 78 to 69. Wahoo!!!
I just came home with so much enthusiasm for my profession and empowered knowing that we can change things. There are so many things going on in the profession of dental hygiene right now (ex. there is a new term called a Mid Level Practitioner where, with additional schooling, a hygienist can have her own practice and have other hygienists under her. That means there is another option besides working under a dentist). These things are so super cool! I'm going to be involved on a local, state, and national level and will work to help other students gain enthusiasm. We are struggling with membership nationally (about 30-40% registered dental hygienists are part of ADHA). That makes it difficult to go to the state board of dentistry or medicine to change things. I am president of our student chapter this year and am just really pumped. (thanks for reading)
On to the trip and pictures.
This was the view from my room at Caesar's Palace looking at the pools. So beautiful!
It was fun to lay by all these beautiful pools :)
A few students from Idaho State came for the weekend. Hollie (on the left) stayed with me. Monica, on the far right, was the alternate delegate from Oregon who I shared the room with.
We got a picture with Ester Wilkins. She 93 years old and was a huge supporter of ADHA. She is a dentist and really helped propel our profession.
The check in at Caesar's Palace.
View of the strip
Wall of M&Ms - 22 different colors!
Britney, Annley, and I at M&M World
Statue of Liberty at New York New York made out of Jelly Bellys!
The fountains at the Bellagio
Hollie and I saw a show at the Bellagio. It was a Cirque de Solei show entitle "O". It was amazing!!!
We couldn't take any pictures at the show but this is the ceiling - a girl came down from the middle at the beginning!
Ceiling of glass flowers at the Bellagio.
Another view of the ceiling in another room at the Bellagio.
Me at the House of Delegates. I sat in the front row on the far left.
A bunch of the delgates.
Student Delegate from District XI and I.
Monica, me and Susan Savage, the District XII Trustee and our mentor.
Kelli Swanson-Jaecks and I. She is the new District XII Trustee and from Salem. She knows my dad. Love her!
I got to visit my cousin Gena a couple times and she took me to the airport. Her son Nolan fell asleep on the way home.
Gena and I - I look so white compared to her. But I'm tanner now I promise :)
Overall it was a blast and I was so able I was able to go!
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