After attending the 2008 RDH Under One Roof Conference, my mind and body resembled the woman in the cartoon on the front page of RDH eVillage.
Then I read Sandy's post on AmyRDH and thought, I know my body may not be able to recover as quickly as it once did, but my mind was energized, inspired, enlightened, and my heart was touched by so many people. Admiration, respect, friendships, engagement, victories, personal growth, intellect, fun, spirit, and oomph summed up UOR for me.
With Sandy's permission, I have reprinted below some of her thoughts after returning home from the conference, which was in Chicago in early July. My wish is that when you read them, they will rekindle the spirit, energy, and support that we as professionals and friends have for each other. Whether we are close in proximity or just close in heart, this is the best profession and continuing-education meeting for hygienists EVAH! (Northeast pronunciation)
We have a special video section in this month's RDH eVillage. Four short videos are featured, and three out of the four capture some of the essence, liveliness, and activities of UOR. Please click on the links and tell me what you think!
See you all at next year's UOR in Las Vegas on July 29-31, 2009. "What happens here elevates your dental hygiene career."
Be well, my friends,
Kristine A. Hodsdon, RDH, BS
Director, RDH eVillage
UOR and ENERGIZE!
Aug. 5, 2008
I'm still high on UOR! Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? But all those who have experienced UOR this year understand. ENERGIZE was the most perfect banner word!
What "ENERGIZED!" me ...
• The entire atmosphere and arena!
• Visiting the ADHA office and meeting our incredible ADHA staff!
• The "Spitface" in Millennium Park
• The "Bean"
• Sunstar's fabulous night at the Lincoln Park Zoo
• Meeting the 2009 Award of Distinction Winners!
• Deborah Dopson Hartley's experiment! The Clear Shield demo! What a great product from Zenith!
• Susanne Keuhl — ENERGIZED me into making some "green" changes! ENERGIZED me to "Reduce/Reuse/Recycle!"
• Pam Hughes — dispelling and clarifying the bisphosphonate mania! ENERGIZED me to resume taking my Fosamax!
• Talking with Diann Bomkamp at the ADHA coffee break! We have another great ADHA president!
• Betsy Reynolds' HEART! "A smile is a message from the heart!"
• Cathy Seckman — how much weight have you lost since I last saw you in 2006? You have inspired me to start working out again (in spite of giving me a HoHo!). And what a great presentation you gave! Your passion ENERGIZES me!
• Kristy Menage Bernie's bio-adaptive therapy course! FINALLY ... ortho without extractions!
• Meeting Gail Goldstein Heyman
• Kristine Hodsdon's fall on her face! Very impactful!
• The fabulous exhibitors
• The CareerFusion Reunion ... The National Children's Oral Health Foundation booth was next-door neighbors to CareerFusion. Talk about ENERGY! Shirley, Beth, Patti, and all the grads who were there ... Stephanie, Diana, Pat, Judith, Teresa … too many to remember!
• Bunking up with Debbye, Andrea, and Mikayla
• Seeing all the listers!
• Seeing all the friends and colleagues who are too numerous to mention individually
• The architectural boat tour and dinner at Navy Pier
• Breakfast with Jillian Michaels!
• Julie Kagan ... we did not get to talk, but just seeing you ENERGIZED me!
• Anne — how did you get to EVERY class for photos? You have to share them!
• Chicago — what an ENERGETIC city! LOVE IT!
• Everyone who was there ... whether an exhibitor, delegate, speaker, or guest contributed to the ENERGY!
• I could go on and on and on ... but I'll stop with this ... THANK YOU, Sunstar and PennWell for a most fabulous event. I came away INSPIRED and ENERGIZED to be the best I can be!
Prayers to Naomi, Wendy, and Judy!
Sandy Boucher-Bessent, RDH, BS
National Program Director, National Children's Oral Health Foundation
