[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1857-E1858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, as another session of Congress comes to 
a conclusion, we are reminded of the many important and difficult 
issues which are dealt with on a daily basis in the Congress of the 
United States.
  As we consider the responsibility with which we are entrusted to 
represent the people who

[[Page E1858]]

send us here, it is important that we recognize the essential role of 
citizen participation in our form of government, Just one example of 
the practical application of this concept which I am honored to bring 
to the attention of my colleagues is the work done by the American 
Dental Hygienists' Association, the members of that organization from 
across Illinois and especially those in the 5th Congressional District 
of Illinois which I am honored to represent.
  I want to recognize the tremendous work performed by these dedicated 
professionals who promote total health through quality oral care. Every 
year, they take time from their busy schedules to come to Washington 
and make sure that their voice is heard in the national debate over 
health care and other important issues of the day. In addition to 
taking continuing education courses, these leaders of the profession 
set policy for the association and strategize as to how to best fulfill 
the association's mission to improve the oral health of the public.
  In 1923, the American Dental Hygienists' Association was established 
to enhance communication and mutual cooperation among dental 
hygienists. Today, ADHA is the largest national organization 
representing the professional interests of the more than 100,000 
registered dental hygienists (RDHs) in the United States.
  ADHA members work to improve the public's total health and to advance 
the art and science of their profession. In doing so, they play a 
critical role in meeting the needs of so many people in this country.
  I appreciate their commitment and commend to my colleagues their 
example of civic participation and professional dedication.

                          ____________________