The International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) met in Toronto, Canada, July 26 to conduct the business of the Federation and to hold an international symposium on dental hygiene with the host organization, the Canadian Dental Hygienists' Association.
The purpose of the Federation is to:
• Safeguard and defend the interests of the profession of dental hygiene
• Represent and advance the profession of dental hygiene
• Promote professional alliances with its association members as well as with other associations, federations, and organizations with similar objectives
• Promote and coordinate the exchange of knowledge and information about the profession, its education, and its practice
• Promote access to quality preventive oral health care services
• Increase public awareness that oral disease can be prevented through proven regimen
• Provide a forum for the understanding and discussion of issues pertaining to dental hygiene
The House of Delegates reviewed the strategic plan, developed action plans, and held panels to evaluate "Positioning Dental Hygiene in Health Care" and "A Vision for the Future."
The new officers of the IFDH are: Marjolijn Hovius, Netherlands, President; Maria Perno Goldie, United States, President-Elect; Leah Littlejohn, Australia, Treasurer; JoAnn Gurenlian, United States, Vice President.
