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Hello Everyone!
My name is Pat Alden, and I will be representing the Iowa Dental Hygienists’ Association as
President for the next year. I attended the University of Iowa Dental Hygiene program,
graduating in December, 1979.
I grew up in southeast Iowa and practiced clinically in Burlington for fourteen years. My
husband and I moved to Dyersville twenty years ago, where we raised our three amazing
children. Three years ago, I retired from clinical dental hygiene and have been working at
Northwest Iowa Community College as a health science tutor and adjunct instructor in anatomy
and physiology. If anyone would have told me 35 years ago, that not only would I have to
remember the “Krebs cycle” but would actually be teaching it, I would have never believed it…it
only goes to show that you never know where life can take you!
I have been an active member of ADHA/IDHA for 35 years. My instructors had stressed the
importance of belonging to our professional organization. “Even if you are not physically
contributing to ADHA/IDHA, you owe your financial support to those hygienists that are in the
trenches fighting for your rights.” These words stuck with me throughout my career.
When I first entered the dental workforce times were very different. Gloves/masks were NOT
worn routinely. Anesthesia was just a dream. We worked under direct supervision. CPR was
NOT a requirement; and once I had a dentist tell me that it was “ok” to reuse disposable saliva
ejectors!! ADHA/IDHA has been instrumental in improving our scope of practice throughout my
career to what it is today.
My focus this year is to increase the number of Iowa hygienists that belong to ADHA/IDHA. We
are an organization of volunteers. No matter what skills you possess, how much time you have,
or where your passions lie, we welcome you! Our passion for this profession is the one thing
we all have in common. If you have never attended a component, Board of Trustees, or
national meeting…it's time to change that! We welcome your ideas, thoughts, and concerns.
I have charged the Board of Trustees members to reach out to hygienists in their respective
areas. We want to hear from you! Your voice is important. IDHA is an organization that works
to benefit all hygienists. Therefore, your participation and opinions are paramount for the
organization to succeed. If you are interested in learning more or are wanting to help advocate
for our profession, please contact me or your local component officers.
I will leave you with a favorite quote of mine:
“We shall never know all the good a simple smile can do.”
-Mother Teresa