[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23735]
[From the U.S. 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 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.

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