The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is pleased to announce the installation of its new president, Gerry Cool, at its annual general meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, on October 22. Gerry hails from Alberta and joins president-elect Sophia Baltzis (Quebec), past president Donna Scott (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut), and directors Mandy Hayre (British Columbia), Leanne Huvenaars (Saskatchewan), Deanna Mackay (Manitoba), Beth Ryerse (Ontario), Wendy Taylor (New Brunswick), Joanne Noye (Nova Scotia), Tracy Bowser (Prince Edward Island), and Tiffany Ludwicki (Newfoundland & Labrador) on CDHA’s board of directors for 2016‒2017.
Gerry Cool brings 42 years of experience to the position of CDHA President. Following her graduation from the University of Alberta in 1974, Gerry worked as a dental hygienist for 10 years in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, before returning home to the family farm in Carseland, Alberta, in 1983. Since then, she has worked in private dental practises, full and part time, and has been actively involved in the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta and CDHA in a variety of leadership roles. Gerry’s straightforward approach, compassion, and commitment will serve the national association well. “I feel so privileged to be a part of the dental hygiene profession,” Gerry remarks, adding, “As CDHA president, I look forward to advocating for more accessible oral care that is responsive to each person’s oral health needs. Improved oral health means improved overall health and well-being for all.”
Serving the profession since 1963, CDHA is the collective national voice of more than 28,495 registered dental hygienists working in Canada, directly representing 18,000 individual members including dental hygienists and students. Dental hygiene is the 6th largest registered health profession in Canada with professionals working in a variety of settings, including independent dental hygiene practice, with people of all ages, addressing issues related to oral health. For more information on oral health, visit: www.dentalhygienecanada.ca.
