CDHA--a year of distinction.

(May 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008)

Last month, the CDHA welcomed members and corporate partners to Navigating the Imagination, the Association's inaugural leadership development event in Banff. As I prepared for this event, I keenly read and reflected on the topics of individual and organizational leadership.

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Leadership is not just reserved for an elite group of a few charismatic individuals. It is for all of us, a way to bring forth the best from ourselves and others. CDHA, as our national, professional leader, continues to propel our profession forward and this year was no exception. I'm pleased to share some of this year's highlights that have resulted in dental hygienists flourishing as leaders.

CDHA responded to significant legislative changes in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia by providing support and education to fellow dental hygienists embracing new opportunities. We created a new Independent Practice Advisor position, published a national list of service codes, developed an online course on self-initiation and a five-course certificate program on independent practice, and held several workshops. CDHA focused on improved quality of dental hygiene services by developing an oral-systemic media poster, four information pamphlets and two fact sheets to distribute to clients.

It is important for leaders to originate and develop. CDHA exemplified this quality in the area of knowledge development and translation. We published new Infection Control Guidelines, hosted the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene, became partners with the Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre, found recognition as a private educational institution, and entered our 42nd year of publishing the Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene.

With an eye on the horizon and a visionary approach, CDHA continues to act as your voice to the federal government, a critical way to bring about change. We actively lobbied on your behalf by requesting that oral health care be a government responsibility, and presented a business case to First Nations and Inuit Health Branch for direct reimbursement of dental hygiene services.

Leaders "do the right things, inspire, and challenge the status quo" (1) and CDHA accomplished this by collaborating with numerous national health organizations to improve the oral health and general health of Canadians. Your Association partnered with the Canadian Public Health Association to develop a national strategy to improve health literacy, led a project to develop a fact sheet on oral health with the Canadian Coalition for Public Health in the 21st Century, and partnered with a consortium of dental hygiene organizations to draft a Dental hygiene competencies document.

"The ultimate test of practical leadership is the realization of intended, real change that meets people's enduring needs", remarked James MacGregor Burns, an authority on leadership studies.

As you can see, this past year has truly been one of distinction loaded with many intended, valuable accomplishments made on your behalf to meet our profession's enduring needs. May these changes inspire and liberate the leaders in all of us.

REFERENCE

(1.) Zaleznik, A. Managers and Leaders: Is there a difference? Harvard Business Review. 1977;May-June:67-78.