May 2025
Congratulations Graduates!

Whether you’ve just taken your last exam or preparing to walk across the stage in freshly pressed robes, take a moment to pause, breathe in this accomplishment, and lift your eyes toward the future. You have successfully completed the rigorous educational requirements to join the ranks of more than 4,000 registered dental hygienists in the state of Illinois.

Welcome.

Every tooth you’ve polished, every probing depth you’ve recorded, and every piece of patient education you’ve delivered speaks to your resilience, your growth, and your dedication to this vital profession. Dental hygienists are more than clinicians. We are educators, advocates, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. You are essential. You are prevention-focused. You are the first line of defense in oral-systemic health. And, perhaps most memorably, you are the calm voice and friendly face that eases even the most anxious patient.

None of these accomplishments came easily. You’ve endured early mornings, late nights, sore backs, tired wrists, and more exams than you probably care to count. You’ve questioned yourselves, pushed through self-doubt, and proven beyond a doubt that you can do this. And you did.

Now, imagine yourself as a novel, powerful, but unfinished. This chapter is complete, but the pages ahead are blank and brimming with potential. Some of you already know exactly what comes next. Others are still marveling at the possibilities. And both are exactly where you need to be.

Let me tell you, from experience, dental hygiene can take you far beyond the comfort of your operatory. It can lead you into public health, education, advocacy, research, leadership, and more. This profession will stretch your skills, test your perseverance, and reward your compassion.

As Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Let that be your compass. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep doing better—for your patients, your community, and yourself.

Today isn’t just the end of your training, it’s the beginning of your purpose. You’re entering a profession that is both science and art, where your knowledge can save lives, and your empathy can change them.

So, stay curious. Stay current. Advocate for your patients, your profession, and yourself. Seek out evidence-based practices. Pursue continuing education. And always bring your best to the chair.

And remember: the small victories matter. The patient who completes their treatment plan. The perio case that becomes stable. The early lesion you help detect. The moment a scared child smiles back at you because they finally feel safe.

Those moments? They are yours. Celebrate them.

As you move forward, may your careers be fulfilling, your instruments stay sharp, your loupes stay focused, and your hearts stay kind.

Again, I say congratulations. You did it—and the best is still ahead.

March 2025
Reflections on the 160th Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting and the Importance of Professional Engagement

Greetings,

I hope this message finds you well. I recently had the pleasure of attending the 160th annual Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, and I wanted to share some reflections from this enriching experience.

Despite the chilly weather, the warmth of reconnecting with fellow dental professionals was truly heartening. The event was a testament to our community's resilience and dedication. Notably, this year marks a pivotal moment with the upcoming sunset of the dental practice act, prompting numerous meaningful discussions among all members of the dental team. It was also delightful to see both current and former students as well as engage with individuals from various dental-related programs.

For those who haven't attended a dental meeting recently, I highly encourage you to consider participating. Beyond the valuable continuing education credits, these gatherings offer a chance to rejuvenate your passion for our profession and expand your network.

On the topic of professional growth, I'd like to address the significance of membership in our organization, the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA).

As a tripartite organization, you have access to national, state, and component level membership which provides access to a wealth of resources, including discounts on education events, insurance, travel, and others.

I understand that there are various reasons professionals may choose not to renew their memberships. I asked ChatGPT what are the most common reasons, here's the response:

• Lack of Engagement: Feeling disconnected or uninvolved can lead members to question the value of their membership.
• Perceived Insufficient Value: Without a clear return on investment, the cost of membership may seem unjustified.
• Forgetting to Renew: Sometimes, lapses occur simply because the renewal process was overlooked.
• Financial Constraints: Economic challenges can make membership dues seem unaffordable.
• Competition from Other Organizations: The perception that another organization offers better benefits can influence decisions.

In Illinois, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive organization of dental hygienists, and there is always space for you here. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks tor opportunities to support your professional organization, including in-person and online continuing education events, as well as other member engagements.

Together, we can strengthen our profession and continue to provide exceptional care to those we serve.

January 2025
Guided by Tradition, Driven by Innovation 

Thank you, Illinois Dental Hygienists Association, for allowing me to serve as president for the 2024-2025 year. I do not take this position lightly. Your trust and support are invaluable. I would like to give thanks to those who have helped guide me throughout my career, which ultimately led me here. From educators who encouraged me to employers who nudged and facilitated opportunities for growth, to my family who stood by me and friends who inspired me, thank you all. 

To our immediate past president, Lori McNamara, thank you for your guidance and direction over the past year. Your unwavering commitment has not gone unnoticed. 

It goes without saying, it is through the dedication and hard work of current and past leadership that we remain a beacon for all Illinois dental hygienists. Thank you for leading with purpose and for empowering all of us to achieve great things together. 

To the wonderful dental hygienists who no longer practice, your experience is invaluable. I would like to take a moment to encourage you to continue your dental hygiene journey through mentorship and advocacy. We can use the past to create a better future for the profession of dental hygiene. 

To the new dental hygiene graduates, congratulations on your accomplishment, and remember: together, we can achieve even more. 

To current dental hygiene students, you are fearless and strong. You are traveling a road used by many. Seek answers, provide solutions, build legacies, and most of all, keep going. 

It is my passion as a dental hygienist to advocate for access to care for all communities, not just those who can afford it. In order to move in this direction, we will need to increase our scope of practice, lobby for support, be ready and able to provide clinical services, and educate stakeholders. It is my hope that through access to care, we can reach all Illinois dental hygienists through professional development and association. Whether you are in private practice, public health, education, technology, or regulation, we can all agree oral health is required for overall health. The Illinois Dental Hygienists Association has a place for you. 

Together, guided by tradition and driven by innovation, we will continue to elevate our profession, expand our reach, and make a lasting impact.

Thank you.

Tomika Johnson-Flowers

To view messages from past IDHA Presidents, please view the archive below:

2024 President's Messages: Lori McNamara