Two reports were recently published that bode well for dental hygiene's future.

This time of year always prompts me to reflect on the past 12 months. It's a time to review the goals I've accomplished, places I've gone, and people I've met. I enjoy this retrospection because it always makes me realize how fortunate I am…

Esther M. Wilkins, RDH, DMD, broke her leg on October 6. She had finished lecturing earlier that day for the South Carolina Dental Hygienists' Association in Columbia, SC.

I was scheduled to have spinal fusion surgery on December 5. I cancelled the surgery one week before the date.

From the Editorial Director

Recently, I attended the California Dental Association Meeting in Anaheim. I had the opportunity to meet with many of the wonderful company representatives who support Dimensions of Dental Hygiene by advertising with us.

Each year, thousands of Americans are prescribed medications by their physicians. Some of these drugs are designed to improve quality of life, while others are crucial for maintaining life.

On October 8, Dr. Esther Wilkins sent me an email announcing great news— the governor of Massachusetts signed a bill into law adding local anesthesia administration to the dental hygienist's scope of practice.

This month marks the third anniversary of the terrible fall day that each of us remembers so vividly. Like other shattering events, we can recall exactly what we were doing, who we were with, and how we felt on September 11.

Growth is an important concept in dentistry and dental hygiene. It creates new treatments, better trained clinicians, and furthers the oral health of this country.