Activities

Events and Activities

The GSDHS offers many fun events, professional development opportunities, and community service volunteer activities throughout the year. Some of these activities are done in connection with the Washington State Dental Hygienists' Association. For upcoming events see the Trustee's message, the GSDHS Calendar, and the WSDHA website.

Dental Camp - Dental Camp is a collaboration between the Washington Dental Service Foundation and the University of Washington School of Dentistry. The goal of the program is to expose disadvantaged junior high children to oral health professions. Dental hygienists, dental assistants and dentists act as teachers and mentors to the school-age participants. They lead the kids through demonstrations of dental health care and discussions about pursuing careers in dental health fields. More information about Dental Camp

KOMO Television Promotional Event - Volunteer dental hygienists, including members of GSDHS, participate in this televised call-in event organized and funded by Washington State Dental Hygienists' Association. Questions related to dental hygiene are answered on-air, while viewers are encouraged to call-in to "Ask a Dental Hygienist" their own questions.

Legislative Day (Rally Day) - At this annual event, dental hygienist members of WSDHA gather at our state's capital in Olympia to bring issues of concern to the profession of dental hygiene to the attention of our elected legislators. Appointments are made with individual legislators, allowing one-on-one discussions.

WSDHA Oral Health Symposium - This is an annual 2-day continuing education event, comprised of ongoing classes of particular interest to dental hygienists. WSDHA members are offered a discount on the cost of registration. This event provides an excellent opportunity for socialization with fellow hygienists. Vendors also provide samples of their products, and are available to answer questions.

WHY-PAC Auction - Individuals and components, GSDHS included, donate items and services to this annual auction to benefit the Washington State Dental Hygienists' Political Action Committee (WHY-PAC). This is a fun event allowing the purchase of a variety of items.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - Members of WSDHA register each year for this fund-raiser, walking as a group under the team name "The Fabulous Flossers."

Special Olympics - WSDHA volunteers man booths each year at the Special Olympics at Fort Lewis. GSDHS volunteers offer a beanbag toss to help athletes and their families pass the time between events.

ADHA Annual Session - At this annual meeting, ADHA officers and elected delegates gather to conduct the business of ADHA. Proposed changes to ADHA policy and bylaws are voted upon. Forums and special interest groups also meet. Numerous continuing education courses are offered, and Dental Hygiene Show featuring many vendors is offered. At the Marketplace, member components and constituents offer items for sale. Tours of local attractions are available. This week-long event is hosted by a different constituent each year, and thus takes place in a different city each year.

Halloween Toothbrush Giveaway - Sponsored by WSDHA, GSDHS volunteers man one or more community sites to give toothbrushes away. Many volunteers dress as "Tooth Fairies," but dressing up is not required. Oral health informational pamphlets are also offered to the adults accompanying the trick-or-treaters.

GSDHS Sponsored Continuing Education Course - Each year the GSDHS sponsors a continuing education class, open to all dental professionals. The proceeds from this CE class enables the GSDHS to provide community services such as Sealant Day and the Halloween Toothbrush Give-a-way.

WSDHA House of Delegates - Officers and elected delegates gather for this annual business meeting to deal with the policy and bylaws of the members of Washington State Dental Hygienists' Association. A continuing education course is offered in conjunction with this weekend event. Greater Seattle DHS sends between 15 and 17 elected delegates to this meeting, as well as a trustee and alternate delegates. This event is hosted by a different component each year, and thus has no fixed location.

For more information about upcoming GSDHS activities check the GSDHS Calendar, the Trustee's message, and the WSDHA website.

Thanks to Melody Clark, RDH for providing information about these GSDHS activities.