I was recently working through several projects preparing for the virtual 2020 RDH Under One Roof conference. Very few of us have ever been tasked with the amount of preparation required to convert an event that has always been physical to a digital experience. While I was perusing through messaging, three words appeared on a slide that resonated with me: regroup, recover and reimagine. With UOR going virtual, we have all done what we can to make lemonade out of lemons, and these words sent a powerful message.
The dental hygiene community will have the opportunity to regroup at RDH Under One Roof Virtual. We will have the chance to share and learn from our colleagues about what we need to know. We can relax in the comfort of our homes and visit with the exhibitors to learn about new products, understand new research, and receive complimentary sample opportunities.
While gaining knowledge and becoming more familiar with our new reality, we will have the ability to share laughter and conversations with our peers and meet new acquaintances. Under One Roof is known for networking opportunities … whether in person or on a computer screen, we will have the chance to all be together and regroup.
We can also begin to recover, which has been defined as a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength. Each of us has been affected differently. Some of us will require a lot of recovery while some of us may consider the past eight months a blessing in disguise. Wherever you are on the spectrum the dental hygiene community at UOR will be sharing our energies with one another, telling stories of what our clinical day looks like, how we pushed through the summer and how we all stood strong during the challenge and helped support one another and our loved ones, each of us trying to recover in our individual way.
As we acquire new information, we can also reimagine what the future may look like. By rethinking a situation, we may gain a new perspective. What will the future of dentistry and dental hygiene look like for each of us? What are you imagining for yourself in six months or this time next year?
The theme for UOR 2020 is “Inspiring views, inspiring minds.” In addition to education and exhibitions, UOR will be hosting several networking events where we can all celebrate with the recipients of the Philips Heart to Hands Award and the Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction and the RDH Community Connection members. These events will be fun while providing unique moments of insight from the dental hygienists who have been recognized this year for making a difference. As I write this in September, I am personally looking forward to an inspiring October and sharing some time with you. See you soon, while Under My Own Roof.
Warmest wishes,
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH
Chief Editor
