Olivia Morzenti, MS, RDH, CDHC, CHOSE
2024-2025 WI-DHA President
New Year of Opportunity with WI-DHA
I am thrilled to serve as the WI-DHA President for 2024-2025 and grateful for our members’ support in advancing dental hygiene and improving oral health. I hope our actions at WI-DHA inspire you to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.
Dear Members and Future Members,
Welcome to an exciting new year with the Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association (WI-DHA)! I am genuinely thrilled to have you all as part of our community, whether you’re a long-standing member or considering joining us.
At WI-DHA, we believe in the incredible impact dental hygienists have on promoting optimal oral and systemic health. Our vision centers on integrating dental hygienists as primary care providers, allowing us to practice to the fullest extent of our education and training. Together, we can enhance access to quality oral health care and make a real difference in our communities.
This year, we’re focusing on some exciting goals:
- Advancing Our Profession: We’ll advocate for the interests of dental hygienists at the state level, ensuring our voices are heard and valued. This involves staying engaged and informed about developments in the new EFDA and DT professions.
- Preparing for Change: We’re dedicated to helping you adapt to an evolving scope of practice, equipping you for success in various healthcare settings.
- Building Our Influence: Let’s expand the role of dental hygienists within the healthcare arena, showcasing our vital contributions to overall health. This may include services like blood pressure screenings and A1c testing within dental offices.
- Strengthening Our Community: We’re committed to building a supportive infrastructure that aligns with our core values, making WI-DHA a valuable resource for all. We invite you to explore opportunities for greater involvement in our profession and organization.
I encourage you to engage with our initiatives, connect with fellow members, and explore the policies that guide our work. Your involvement is key to our success and the advancement of our profession.
Thank you for being part of the WI-DHA family. Together, we can create a brighter future for dental hygiene and those we serve.
With Gratitude
Thank you to all past WI-DHA presidents, the accomplishments that we have made in Wisconsin should make us all proud. From nitrous oxide to the most recent ACT-20 and there is more to come. All members get immense credit because we all see the value in what each of us can offer this organization. Without our members we couldn’t accomplish the goals of the association. Thank you to all WI-DHA Members.
Enjoy the Journey
- Meet people and network.
- Volunteer opportunity and to be a part of something bigger.
- Membership provides opportunities to learn.
- Free CE offerings
- Stay “in the know”
- Learn leadership skills
Forward Momentum
One of the most important goals I have is clear communication. We have expanded beyond just email and Facebook into now having Instagram and continuing to grow our new webpage.
A second goal I have great passion for and will be taking action on this coming year is to continue the increase in membership we have seen. A specific area of focus will be placed on growing our SADHA (Student American Dental Hygiene Association) especially with transitioning new graduates into professional members. This extends to an increase in strength with more members that will be a key factor for where our organization wants to go. I hope to create relationships with all seven technical colleges in Wisconsin that have Dental Hygiene programs and placing emphasis on SADHA growth as students are our vital future.
My last goal is the importance to work at the top of our scope of practice and bring awareness to the essential work we do in healthcare. We should always embrace any opportunity we have to bringing awareness to the Dental Hygienist’s capabilities and education level. There is so much more that we can do beyond being just “teeth cleaners”, we are prevention specialists and what we do affects the whole body in a positive way.
We need strength in numbers, and COVID-19 was the catalyst that created the need for more unity, which brought awareness and greater value to membership.
There is no better time to be a part of the association. Teamwork and collaboration will continue to progress our success of the WI-DHA that is so important to me. I am looking forward to serving the WI-DHA as president this year. Thank you for the opportunity to lead our association.
Letters from Past Presidents
First, I want to express how excited I am to serve as the WI-DHA President for 2022-2023. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with our association and support the dental hygiene community. I would also like to personally thank each of our members for their continuing support and commitment. It is because of our members that we can advocate for dental hygiene and work to improve oral health in Wisconsin.
Next, I would like to share a little story:
In 2014, I was in the hospital awaiting the appearance of my second, beautiful baby girl. It was a long day and, if asked my husband, he would tell you our second baby took much longer than our first (even though it really didn’t). To help pass the time that day we were watching the movie “We Bought a Zoo”. For obvious reasons, I don’t remember a lot of details from the movie itself, however, while contemplating my presidency for the WI-DHA, a quote from that movie came to mind. “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just, literally, twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” Think about it! Just 20 seconds of courage.
Courage can be a sneaky thing; it never looks the same to anyone. It doesn’t even look the same to one person from this day to the next. Some days courage is so loud that it roars! It shouts out to the heavens, and you do big, huge, amazing things that everyone sees. Other days, courage whispers – sometimes courage is that tiny voice in the back of your head saying, ‘tomorrow is another day, we can dust ourselves off and try again.’
Last year, the Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association used its voice to speak to legislators, express our concerns, and successfully remove the language that allowed supragingival scaling in the EFDA bill. This year, we can continue to support and advocate for dental therapy to improve access to care in Wisconsin. We are supporting the progress of the interstate licensure compact. As an association, our voice is powerful! As an association, we are full of talented, diverse, skilled, and experienced individuals. However, our association cannot thrive without its members. Knowing this, I am left to contemplate this challenge: how can I use my leadership journey to encourage others? How can I inspire our members to step forward and lead?
As an association, we seek to engage our members and provide an open community for discussion and support. We have amazing mentors present in our leadership who would like nothing more than to teach and encourage other dental hygienists to be more active with their membership. Through my own membership, I was introduced to amazing people who have supported me, taught me, and encouraged me. I would not be here today if it weren’t for them! Now it is my turn.
The leadership of this association is here to serve the members – the lifeblood of what this organization stands for. But membership is not a passive thing. For forward momentum of our organization, our members need to be actively participating. There are numerous ways for a member to participate: join a committee, be a guest participant in a board of directors meeting, encourage your coworker to consider becoming a member, join us for Lobby Day or the leadership retreat, serve as a component liaison or ADHA delegate or any of the other leadership roles that may interest you…. The list of opportunities for participation in YOUR association goes on and on! If you need direction on how you can get involved, PLEASE reach out to me, or anyone else on our leadership page to ask!
What I am saying comes down to this – any effort you make to advance our Wisconsin association will take courage on your part. No matter how big or small you feel your contribution may be, it IS important, and it will take courage. It takes courage to step up and be active, just 20 seconds of insane courage to say ‘yes’ when invited to participate. Just 20 seconds of bravery to volunteer. And, yes, something great will come of it. For me, that something has been the chance to engage with some of the most wonderful, passionate individuals; people who have taught me so much about what I am capable of. I have grown as a person, a leader, and as a dental hygienist because of my own 20 seconds of courage.
The WI-DHA needs you! We need your involvement, your voice, and your courage. So, I ask this question: how will you show your 20 seconds of courage? Take that leap. I promise you, something great will come from it.
Greetings on behalf of the Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association (WI-DHA). It is an exciting year and we have a lot of energy and growth happening in our association. This year we had a unique challenge with the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). As we transition through this, we have learned how we can utilize it as a strength. We are coming out stronger and more strategic in how we serve our members.
We have already seen more engagement and participation from being able to offer events and opportunities in a virtual format. Although we are still dealing with this pandemic, we have learned new ways to do things that will continue to affect us in a positive way for years to come.
WITH GRATITUDE
Thank you to all past WI-DHA presidents, the accomplishments that we have made in Wisconsin should make us all proud. From nitrous oxide to the most recent ACT-20 and there is more to come. All members get immense credit because we all see the value in what each of us can offer this organization. Without our members we couldn’t accomplish the goals of the association. Thank you to all WI-DHA Members.ENJOY THE JOURNEY
FORWARD MOMENTUM
Welcome to the Wisconsin Dental Hygienists’ Association website (WI-DHA). The WI-DHA has been working hard with our new web designer, Essential IT, to create a website that is informative and easy to use. This year, as President of WI-DHA, it is important to me that everyone is up-to-date on dental hygiene news, opportunities, member resources, and happenings behind the scenes.
The WI-DHA is an important piece of keeping the dental hygiene profession a valued member of the total oral and systemic health care team. Over the years we have worked hard to dispel the notion that dental hygienists simply ‘clean teeth’. Although cleaning teeth is an important part of what we do, we are also integral in identifying oral and systemic health concerns. Research supports that much of what we do includes improving overall health, improving quality of life, and even saving lives. Dental hygienists are also extremely valuable as educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, and legislative advocates.
WHY YOU MATTER?
BEHIND THE SCENES
I am honored to serve as WI-DHA’s President for term 2018-2019. I have been a member of WI-DHA for 15 years and have been actively involved with Leadership for the past 6 years. The opportunities that I have had as an active member of WI-DHA – include serving as a Central Component Trustee, Delegate at the State and National levels and participant of ADHA’s Unleashing Your Potential (UYP) leadership training in 2017It was a great honor, being one of 40 Dental Hygienists in the United States to be selected to attend UYP and it truly was a priceless experience. As President-Elect, I served under President Jennifer Martinson, who I greatly respect and admire. Now, I am doing my part to make a difference for the State of Wisconsin and the Profession of Dental Hygiene.
Although I was a member for several years, I was not always actively involved. My membership did not change me until I got “Into the Know.” That happened for me after I attended my first Board of Trustee’s meeting. When I left that meeting, I felt like it was Dental Hygiene on “Miracle Grow.” The value of that meetings was priceless as I learned so much and began to see what I was missing out on. I learned so much about what was happening at the state level and much more. An advanced college course on leadership would not provide the camaraderie, knowledge, networking, growth, value, and advancements as a meeting with other dental hygiene professionals. The experience for me, was priceless and I was hooked! I encourage everyone to get into “The Know”.
All WI-DHA members are encouraged to reach out to me so I can share this experience with you. Please attend board meetings and get involved in component representation and mentoring. The WI-DHA focus this year is on mentoring students and connecting them with a mentor from WI-DHA leadership. I am planning a campaign across the state to visit each component, socialize during a Dental Hygienist’s Social Hour, and assist each component with continuing education requirements.
The WI-DHA focus this year is on mentoring students and connecting them up with a mentor from WI-DHA
I am very excited for this year and what is in store for our profession as we move forward with medical/ dental integration, access to patient care with Act 20 that was passed in 2017.
The WI-DHA supports and encourages Dental Hygienists to practice to the fullest extent of their license.
Please see the website events for future dates or reach out to me personally at [email protected]. Don’t forget to visit ADHA website also for events, webinars, socials, and member benefits.
I am excited and honored to be serving as your 2017–2018 president. Being actively involved in our association is my way of giving back to WI-DHA for all of the years I wasn’t a member. Membership was rarely discussed nor encouraged when I was in dental hygiene school. That lead me to believe it wasn’t necessary or valuable. Having said that, the first thing I want to do as president is thank all of you who were working diligently to protect our profession, even when I wasn’t involved. I truly appreciate your time and efforts.
I didn’t join WI-DHA until I started to work with colleagues who required membership. This is when I attended my first Board of Trustees’ meeting. I didn’t have plans to become actively involved. At that time I was content with simply paying my yearly dues.
My perception was that our association didn’t fight for us to be able to do all that we are educated and trained to do. I also felt like WI-DHA didn’t acknowledge or appreciate my membership. When I had initially reached out to someone and didn’t hear back, I was frustrated. Then I remembered something I had been told many years ago: things that you take value in take effort. That’s when I realized what membership is truly about. It’s about the positive impact I can be a part of for the benefit of my patients, family, friends, and public health in general.
Many wise colleagues of mine have said, “you only get out of something what you put into it.” This statement opened my eyes to the importance of membership, regardless of whether or not I chose to be an active member. It taught me that leadership is not a position, it’s an action. It is the action that comes from collaboration with all of us, not just one or a few of us. Our actions have, and will continue, to create change. We are all accountable for our profession, as well as the growth and longevity of it.
This coming year WI-DHA will be reaching out to political leaders and other healthcare professionals to explain who we are, what we do, and why our profession is important. It’s our responsibility to show them that dental hygienists are a fundamental part of the health care team, and we are essential to patients’ overall health when employed in other professional settings.
We had a successful Lobby Day this year and are planning another one for next year. As our membership grows, our association will be able to utilize people’s strengths to their fullest potential, which will allow the dental hygiene profession to move forward with positive change and benefit to our patients.
We invite you to check out our calendar of events on our website, and welcome you to reach out to us. WI-DHA is excited and energized about this coming year!
Jennifer Martinson, BS-RDH, 2017-2018 WI-DHA President
Hello to all,
I would like to introduce myself as you are 2016-2017 WI-DHA President. I look forward to sharing this journey with you over this next year, and would like to start by explaining where my journey began.
I found a passion in improving the profession and improving our role in creating optimal patient care and access to patient care…
My journey to the WI-DHA Presidency began years ago as a student. Through my involvement in the student organization I gained my first insight into the passion for the practice of dental hygiene. I was fortunate exposed to all facets of the dental hygiene profession, leadership, public health, legislative efforts, and of course, clinical practice. I found a passion in improving the profession and improving our role in creating optimal patient care and access to patient care from each of these avenues. Guided by mentors from many areas of dental hygiene, I soon found my passion for leadership and leading others.
Entering the dental hygiene profession I had little confidence. I was even terrified of speaking in front of the class during hygiene school. That all changed the weekend I attended my first WI-DHA Indigo Conference as a student, it was then I was given the confidence that I can make a difference and that one voice can make a difference in a group of many. I found myself involved in a round table discussion discussing how the perfect the practice of dental hygiene was changing and evolving. I sat with a group of seasoned professionals, and being a student, obviously I was very intimidated. To top it all off, my group volunteered me to be the spokesperson for the group and report out to the entire room. I was terrified. I had never spoken in front of a group of more than 10 people in my life. I was never to know that this was the day that being pushed out of my comfort zone and facing my fear would change my life. After I spoke to the large group, I was approached by a few people who said that they were impressed by the fact that I was a student and able to stand up in front of the room and speak. “Wow!” I thought to myself, facing my fears really paid off! My passion spiraled from there and I had the confidence to face my fears head on. So, upon graduation, when I was asked if I had any interest in running for Northwest Component Trustee of course I said “yes!” This involvement soon led to a deep passion for leadership and leading others within the organization. During my time as Trustee, I also chose to run to WI-DHA Delegate to ADHA Annual Session. This was even further outside of my comfort zone, to attend the Annual Session as a recent graduate, and to trust others within WI-DHA to have confidence in my and to elect me to this position was again, extremely intimidating. Good news, I was elected and attended Annual Session as a leader.
I challenge you to understand that YOU, even one hygienist, can make a difference
When I arrived at the conference, I truly found where I belong. I realize that dental hygienists from the entire country were interconnected by this amazing organization, ADHA. I knew then that this is my calling, to lead. I went on to run for WI-DHA Vice President and served my term building further knowledge of the workings of WI-DHA. To me the next natural step was to run to WI-DHA President and I am extremely honored to be trusted to serve you. My passion is so deep that I recently earned my Masters’ Degree in Organizational Change Leadership! Throughout my leadership journey I had a great deal of support from those around me and to build me up and I knew that I could do it, I hope you know that we are all here to build YOU up as well.
What does all this mean to you? I tell you my story to hope to inspire yours. Know that WI-DHA/ADHA is here to guide you on your journey. I encourage you to be involved in any way. Start with Membership, attend some meetings in your area, and join us at the state level with WI-DHA. I am well aware that even if you push yourself outside of your comfort zone that not everyone desires to be a leader, or hold a position. That is not an expectation, however, I do challenge you to understand that YOU, even one hygienist, can make a difference. Your membership supports the work of those who work tirelessly to move the professional forward, help it to evolve to serve patients in areas where they are in most need. Changes do not happen by chance, by sitting around and waiting for change. Leaders are actively working for you, protecting your profession and your future. Please support WI-DHA as we continue to support you.
I look forward to getting to know each of you, I hope you take the time to get to know me. I would love to help you in any way you can, answer questions about your membership, what you can do, how you can get involved, how you can find your passion.
Megan Lube, 2016-2017 WI-DHA President
First of all, I would like to once again thank Linda Jorgenson and all of my mentors for prepping me for the President position this past year. It has been quite the journey to get to this point and I am very grateful for this opportunity. We have a great team of leaders this year, some who have been involved for years, and others who are taking on a position for the first time. I want to personally thank each of you for taking on a leadership role and dedicating your time to this association.
I was immediately hooked when I felt the energy and power of so many hygienists in one area!
I want to share a bit about my journey because I have heard many of you say, “I could never be President”, or “I want to get involved, but I’m not really sure how?” I started out in SADHA because of a very inspirational instructor, Debbie Schumacher. I will forever be grateful to her for encouraging me to get involved. I started school with the mentality, you get back exactly what you put in. Because of this, I got involved with everything I could. The event that really started it all was participating in the student table clinics at the ADHA Annual Session in Orlando, Florida. My classmates and I didn’t do this because we HAD to, we did this because we were excited and we wanted to! I was immediately hooked when I felt the energy and power of so many hygienists in one area!
I have never lost that mentality of getting back exactly what you put in, which is why I intend to work very hard for you this year.
After I graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College, I knew I had to stay involved in the Association and continue to give what I could as a member. I went to meetings, sat in the back, and took in a wealth of information. Before I knew it, I was asked to be on various committees, run the student table clinics, and even become the Central Component Trustee. For every position held, every person met, and every meeting attended, I have gained more than I could ever explain. The networking alone has given me so many opportunities in my career. I have never lost that mentality of getting back exactly what you put in, which is why I intend to work very hard for you this year.
With that being said, I encourage you all to get involved! You never know where an opportunity may take you. So what do I envision for this year? I want to focus on the “Outreach” portion of our strategic plan. I want every member to know exactly what is going on in our state. I also want to focus on leadership development, and as always, our membership. This is an important time to stand together and maintain high standards in all areas of our profession. I promise to be the voice for our association but I can’t do that without your help! I want to hear from YOU! Let’s make this another great year!
Ashley McCauley, 2015 WI-DHA Past President
