2015 CDHA National Conference - EXPLORE

Dr. Wenche Borgnakke
delights duringher keynote
presentation

Student Session

Ghostly Walk fun!

Close to 500 people attended the conference, including dental hygienists, speakers, industry representatives, students, and even politicians. Four preconference workshops were held on Thursday, October 29, followed by a reception marking the opening of the exhibit hall in the evening. A CDHA student session, also on Thursday evening, provided an opportunity for dental hygiene students to meet with their peers from other schools and CDHA board directors to find out more about the association.

Friday morning was the official opening of the conference. A procession of CDHA board directors and provincial presidents was led by Butch Dick, a member of the Songhees Nation. A highlight of the processional was seeing the contingent from the Royal Canadian Dental Corps standing at attention during the playing of O Canada. Dr. Wenche Borgnakke, a researcher from the University of Michigan, then took us on a journey, discussing the oral microbiome and systemic health. Ten breakout sessions were offered throughout the rest of the day, interspersed with breaks and lunch in the exhibit hall where members were able to reconnect with colleagues and visit the many dental hygiene related exhibits.

Friday evening found many of our delegates strolling cautiously through the streets of downtown Victoria, enjoying a "Haunted Ghost Walk," during which CDHA's president, Mandy Hayre, discovered that her room at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is frequently visited by a lost spirit in the middle of the night!

Saturday began with CDHA's annual general meeting and breakfast. Another ten breakout sessions were offered. Between the morning and afternoon sessions, delegates were invited to the Awards Luncheon, which allowed CDHA to honour members of our valued Partners' Circle as well as our dental hygiene recognition program award winners. Seventeen CDHA members also received a pin recognizing their 25 years of dedication to the association. Barb Fry then gave an insightful and humorous address about professional recognition.